UAL BLOG 3 (April 2024) – No stress!
Hi, Vicki here!
Confession time: It took me three days to start this blog; not because it’s a chore, it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my job; I just had to battle past 100 things shouting for attention in my head.
Sounds familiar?
With so many pressures in our everyday lives, from stretched finances to getting the kids out of the door in vaguely matching socks, stress is becoming worryingly routine (like a slightly irritating lodger in our head). How many times do you say “I’m OK- a bit stressed” when asked how you are?
But we also know it’s not as easy as saying “well, just stop stressing” (after a few choice words, my husband David’s learned to avoid that response!). So, learning that April is National Stress Awareness Month, I had a look at Mental Health UK‘s tips for not letting that nasty little lodger take over the house.
This year’s theme is #LittleByLittle: small, daily self-care actions which can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. For example, simply prioritising sleep, connecting with good people, spending time in nature, light exercise, even pausing to consciously breathe: slower and deeper.
Several of those rang bells with me. Many of you will know by now that the most im‘paw’tant member of the UAL team is Stella, our MD (Mad Dog), and, I realise she is my ‘Stress Reliever Extraordinaire’. Taking Stella for walks (time outdoors and exercise? Double-tick!) is my stress relief, letting that mental to-do list fall naturally into place, or even melt away as I sniff the salt of Morecambe Bay, listen to the birdsong at Glasson Dock, or exchange a Hello with fellow walkers along Lancaster canal.
Because I couldn’t stride out without my Hi-Tec boots and socks, I 100% understand the importance of the right clothing- and I know what a stress finding school uniforms can be. So, refreshed from walking Stella, I return to the office motivated to take the stress out of uniform buying for our lovely customers.
Things like:
- Updating our website so you can easily check if we stock your school (and if not, let me know on 01524 388355 option 1 or sales@ualonline.co.uk!)
- Making sure we stock all sizes in all our shops
- Making it easy to pop into your nearest shop (Lancaster, Morecambe, Garstang and Kirkham)
- Finding what you need from our friendly staff
- Keeping our prices low
I hope you can take a moment to be kind to yourself: no one ever won any awards for being stressed. And Stella says: Do get in touch if there’s anything we can do to help make daily family life that little bit easier (she says she’ll delegate any actions to me).
Take care,
Vicki 😊
