Create Your Kindspace

Dr Jill Williams Helps Us to Find Light After Burnout

In this episode, with the help of the amazing Dr Jill William’s, we delve into the topic of burnout. There are many aspects to burnout. Contrary to popular belief, burnout is not working too hard. It’s about chronic stress and our bodies response to that stress. Often, it’s external factors, which are difficult to influence or resolve. Jill does such a great job of explaining the warning signs for burnout and the simple steps we can take to uptrain our brain to be more resilient to these pressures. And most importantly, make it out the other side.

Timestamps:

00:02:41             Jill’s journey, working in retail to lecturing at university

00:05:57             Experiencing burnout firsthand

00:10:01             Common warning signs

00:12:16             Burnout is multifaceted

00:14:06             Importance of confiding in a trusted coworker

00:15:45             Coming out of burnout with a new perspective

00:17:49             The stages of burnout

00:18:35             Self-employed and entrepreneurs

00:20:06             Jill’s road to recovery

00:20:50             That feeling of disconnect

00:21:38             The importance of taking time out

00:23:52             Peer support is a protective factor

00:25:34             Strategies for prevention

00:26:36             Doing the “opposites”

00:27:22             Societal factors, talking about our life outside work

00:31:50             Creativity and giving your brain space

00:37:50             The concept of rust-out

00:39:30             The uptrained brain

00:42:10             How to approach blocks and negative thinking

00:44:46             Unhelpful behaviours and risk factors

00:45:47             People pleasing

00:47:05             Putting a recovery plan together

00:52:18             Caregiver Burnout

 

00:55:43             How Jill creates her kind space

00:59:07             How to get in touch with Jill

00:59:37             Organisational changes are needed

 

Links:

Jill’s blog about her burnout experience; https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/post/if-a-psychologist-can-burn-out-my-personal-story-of-burnout

Uptrained Brain course & Book a discovery call with Jill: https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/uptrainedbrain

Free Recovery from Burnout Guide: https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/blog/categories/burnout-work-related-stress

Nick Petrie resources: https://www.nicholaspetrie.com/blog-1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUptrainedBrain

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jill-williams-92a907255/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptrainedbrain/

X: https://twitter.com/UptrainedBrain

 

Transcript:

https://createyourkindspace.com/dr-jill-williams-helps-us-to-find-light-after-burnout/

If you’d like to be a guest on the show or collaborate on content, I would love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message me on social media @createyourkindspace

It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.

Let’s kick off 2024 with special guest… me!

Hi, it's Caroline here. This episode will be a little bit different. There's no guest. It's just me having a bit of a reflection.

There are many reasons for doing a look back, both for the podcast and for the year that's just passed. I thought this would be a good opportunity for you to get to know me a bit and learn a bit more about Kindspace and its origins. I also really wanted to have a quiet Christmas without any pressure to create or have to do any work.

Ah, but isn't it funny, you know, when you give yourself some downtime, just be bored and potter around and that's actually when you can be your most creative.  I don't know if anyone else finds that but certainly my brain. seems to come alive with ideas. And I'm like, no, do nothing. Watch Netflix. So I hope you were able to switch off over the festive period and are feeling recharged and ready for 2024.

Timestamps:

00:00:40             Introduction to this slightly different episode

00:01:45             Did you miss our Tech the Halls bonus episode?

00:03:04             How did Kindspace come to be?

00:08:27             Why did I decide to start the podcast?

00:12:21             Who have we had on the show so far?

00:22:06             How do I feel about the podcast for the year ahead?

00:25:06             Do you have a word of the year for 2024?           

 

Links:

Website: https://www.createyourkindspace.com/

 

Transcript:

https://createyourkindspace.com/lets-kick-off-2024-with-special-guest-me/

If you’d like to be a guest on the show or collaborate on content, I would love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message me on social media @createyourkindspace

It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.

Tech the Halls Festive Bonus Episode

If you caught the last episode you will have heard that as part of an event series we've been running in December, we'd decided to go with the theme of Tech the Halls. We've had a great time with students coming along to shadow the set-up for the venue, school pupils helped us to create smart home prototypes, we've had people from the third sector along to learn about the ways that smart homes can support wellbeing and healthy ageing, we did a lunch and learn all about the energy efficiency and environmental side of smart homes and on the last day, we went to town with festive light displays and a workshop where people could create their own programmable LED light wreath for the holiday season.

So here it is, as promised, Tech the Halls, written and performed by me Caroline Laurenson. I hope that you have the most amazing Christmas, and know that I am here for you, Kindspace is here for you and we will see you in the New Year. Enjoy!

Tech the Halls

Tech the halls with LED lights, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Tis the season joyous and bright, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Turn on the fairy lights at a word, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Ask Alexa for music preferred, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

 

See the smart home support your needs, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Automate the heating degrees, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Stock up now, don't delay, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Let me show you tech's array, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

 

As the old year closes in, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Await the new year to begin, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Sing we now of tech with glee, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Smarter homes for you and me! Fa la la la la, la la la la!

 

 

Discover the Healing Power of Singing with Xann Schwinn

So, here’s a funny story for you. When I was at school, the big rumour that went round was that I had a record contract. I have literally no idea where this came from, however if it had of been true it really would have been a dream come true. Singing has always been a big part of me, but sensible Caroline decided to become an engineer as this seemed like a more reliable way to make a living. My guest today has not only devoted her career to music but made the leap into entrepreneurship to create a digital platform that allows others to harness the benefits of singing.

 

Timestamps:

00:02:28             Meet Xann

00:04:26             Biiah – a new way to promote workplace wellbeing

00:13:07             The holistic benefits of singing

00:16:49             Overcoming barriers, the "good voice" myth

00:19:47             Practical tips for using your voice

00:25:38             Scientific research into the benefits of singing

00:26:55             Gender stereotypes mean men are missing out

00:30:38             You don’t need to be able to read music

00:36:14             Circle singing and improvisation

00:38:28             The magic of music at Christmas

00:41:52             Local singing opportunities

00:44:13             How Xann looks after her wellbeing

00:51:20             Where to find out more about Biiah

 

Links:

Website: https://biiah.com/

Email: xann@biiah.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xann-schwinn/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/biiah-official/

Articles: https://biiah.com/resource-hub/ and https://biiah.com/2022/08/24/singing-for-wellness/

 

For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast

I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace

It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.

Holly Clark on Turning Personal Tragedy into Purpose

Losing a loved one is never easy. My guest today turned her grief, after losing her brother to suicide, into a profound personal mission. Devoting her career to suicide prevention and mental health training and campaigning for more support in these areas, particularly for those most vulnerable in our society.

In this emotional yet hopeful discussion, Holly shares her own journey, the misconceptions that fuel stigma, and the simple steps we can take to look out for those around us. Keep listening to find out how we can create the kind of spaces, where speaking up saves lives.

Timestamps:

00:03:08             Holly's Journey to Suicide Prevention Work

00:07:55             Creating the Space to Talk About Suicide

00:13:14             A Baton of Hope - Raising Awareness

00:21:52             Money Worries and Mental Health

00:28:47             Some of the Myths and How to Spot the Signs

00:36:04             Support in Schools and for Young People

00:38:03             Journaling for Mental Health

00:43:38             The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business

00:48:04             What’s Coming Up for Blooming Mind?

00:49:48             Self-Care and Working Through Trauma

00:53:42             Links to Connect with Holly and Support Resources

 

Links:

Website: Blooming Mind – Check out Holly’s training for mental health and suicide first aid.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomingmindUK/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingminduk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyclarkbloomingmind/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloomingminduk

Sunrise Scribbler – Holly’s journal to help you on your journey to better mental health.

Samaritans – Available 24/7. Reach out at 116, 123. They're there for everyone, not just those in a crisis.

Shout – A discreet text service for those times when you might not want to vocalise your feelings. Simply text to 25852, and a trained professional will offer their support.

Hub of Hope – This comprehensive tool can be accessed either via an app or on your desktop at hubofhope.co.uk. Just input your postcode, and discover the local support services available near you, catering to a wide range of needs.

A Local Information Service for Scotland ALISS – Helping you to find services, groups and activities for health and wellbeing across Scotland. Works on your desktop at aliss.org or your Alexa smart speaker, just say “Alexa, enable My Scottish Community” to get started.

For money advice check out:

Money and Pensions Service – talk money week

Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website – a literal goldmine of advice for all things money

Money and Mental Health Policy Institute - Also headed up by Martin, this is where you can get involved in vital research that will help to ensure that people with financial worries are properly supported.

Baton for Hope – This baton relay tours around the country, get involved and raise awareness about suicide.

 

For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast

I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace

It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.

Turning Your Dreams into Reality with Birgit Itse

Do you ever have a conversation or spend time with someone and come away feeling like you understand yourself better? That’s how I feel spending time with my next guest, Birgit Itse. She makes me feel like I can write and let go of the belief that I am more of a numbers person. She makes me feel like capturing stories matters and that my story matters. Keep listening as Birgit shares her top tips for memoir writing and her incredible story of how she moved from Estonia to Scotland to pursue her dream of writing.

Timestamps:

00:02:59             Birgit's journey from Estonia to Scotland

00:09:59             The inspiration behind Birgit's book "The Alphabet of Life"

00:12:30             Using writing to explore meaningful words

00:19:37             Tips for writing your memoir or life story

00:38:13             The connection between memory and imagination

00:41:46             Being bilingual: challenges and benefits

00:48:42             Unleashing your inner writing genius and building confidence

00:53:29             Birgit's self-care rituals and taking a pause

 

Links:

Upcoming workshop on the 18^th of Oct 2023 with Birgit in Aberdeen: https://www.eventbrite.fi/e/unleash-your-writing-genius-tickets-722854315717

Website: https://birgit-itse.com/

The Alphabet of Life book: https://amzn.to/3sTcy3w

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgit-itse/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birgit.itse/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omataoline/?hl=en%20

X: https://twitter.com/BirgitItse

 

For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast

I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace

It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.

How Siobhan Jaffray Found Her Calling Through Selfcare

For most of us it can be a struggle to make healthy food choices. Juggling work and kids and family can mean that it’s easy to reach for things that don’t best fuel your body. I can’t wait for you to meet my next guest, Siobhan Jaffray, to find out about her personal journey to becoming a certified nutrition coach, as well as all her amazing tips for healthy eating. I also learned a new term, food neutrality. Stay tuned to learn more about this and about how the lockdown period provided an opportunity for Siobhan to pursue her passion.

Timestamps:

00:02:12             From yoyo dieting to qualified coach

00:03:55             Launching a business in lockdown

00:05:56             Journaling for selfcare and positive self-talk

00:10:34             How to practice food neutrality

00:11:43             Top tips for sustainable lifestyle changes

00:19:42             The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship

00:21:43             Creating a daily Kindspace

00:23:43             Getting out in nature & the fake commute

00:25:03             Supporting local food banks

00:30:08             Start now on the path to better health

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJNutrition21

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sj_nutriti0n/?hl=en-gb

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sj_nutrition1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-jaffray/

Sign up to Siobhan’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/ee4839be482d/sj-nutrition-newsletter-sign-up

90 days to better nutrition journal: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BZF8PPCH?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_5ZDWJ5TPZK98C9RPXF2Y

 

For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast

I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace

Pasna Sallis on How to Awaken Your Inner Child

In my time as an entrepreneur, I have had the pleasure of meeting many dedicated people who help others to live their best lives possible. My next guest, Pasna Sallis, is a true example of how to combine professional knowledge with energy and drive to make a difference. She lights up the world and never shies away from a challenge. 

In our chat, we talk about Pasna’s background in occupational therapy and how she went on to create the Weekday Wow Factor, a community that supports older adults. Pasna’s passion is infectious, and I hope listening inspires you in your work or in your community to connect with those around you and make life a little bit more fun and adventure filled.

Timestamps:

00:01:37 Pasna’s background in occupational therapy

00:04:19 What is Weekday Wow Factor, how did it start?

00:11:59 Adapting the activities to suit individual needs

00:15:19 Benefits of connecting with the outdoors

00:17:20 Opening up opportunities for social connection

00:19:16 Covid-19 & delivering activities online via Zoom 

00:22:38 Recognising your achievements

00:24:09 Managing risk in a way that is empowering

00:26:40 Shifting perceptions about ageing & getting older

00:30:03 Staying energised under challenging circumstances

00:32:21 Competing for funds

00:36:19 What’s coming up next for Weekday Wow Factor?

00:41:55 What does creating a kindspace mean to Pasna?

00:48:07 Making technology accessible and getting online

00:51:52 How to get in touch and find out more about Pasna’s work?

 

Links:

Website: https://weekdaywowfactor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weekdaywowfactor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeekdayWOW

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weekday-wow-factor/

Connect with Pasna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasna-sallis-5628473b/

Email: weekdaywowfactor@gmail.com or pasna.sallis@weekdaywowfactor.com

 

For the full transcript for this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast

 

I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace