It is that time of year when New Year is looming around the corner. In this post, I will be providing you with some perspective as to why New Year isn’t always a joyous occasion. In addition, I also talk about self-acceptance and provide a couple mindfulness practices that can encourage this.
Firstly, I want to start off with a quote that stopped me in my tracks:
‘Comparison is the thief of joy’.
I find that this quote encapsulates how many of us feel at the end of the year.
How so?
The end of the year can be exhausting for many; as it is common to reflect on certain life events that have or haven’t happened during the past 12 months. Often our inner self-critic can contribute to this.
When reviewing the year through our own perspective, many will instantly think about what didn’t go right rather than what we did achieve. This can be the more common option for people due to societies strive for perfection.
If we are not where we thought we would be with our life goals at a certain age, the milestones we map out for ourselves lead us to believe that we need to change.
We can be so quick to find ourselves comparing the year we’ve experienced against people we know or see online.
Maybe a friend got promoted at work and you have stayed in the same job this year. This is an outside perspective as this is only one area of their life; maybe that same friend was going through a fractious relationship and may compare themselves to someone who has recently gotten engaged. Even though people see what they choose to see, so many of us always find something to put us down.
These negative thoughts are unhelpful, which could explain why people feel the need to make changes to their life. This time of year, it is commonly ‘New Year, New Me!’ which reinforces the NEED to change and make the next year better than the last; but the same time next year we can repeat the cycle.
So, I want to offer an alternative perspective on this force-fed narrative of New Year’s.
Let’s replace the negative inner self-critic with self-acceptance.
But… why?
Imagine if someone you care about was telling you about all the negative reflections about their year and you responded with “that’s not good enough”, “you didn’t try hard enough” or “you didn’t do your best”.
That’s harmful and you wouldn’t want to hurt a loved one. So why is it ok to do it to yourself?
Maybe this year didn’t go as you hoped and may have been the worst year you’ve experienced in a long time. But there will still be many things worth commemorating.
We often think that we have to look for the stereotypical BIG life events, but we don’t.
If it helps you, write a list or type in your notes app, write down what you accomplished this year that made you proud.
It could be that you started going to the gym more. You finally read that book you said you were going to. Maybe you did a good deed and helped spread some kindness.
You don’t always realise the positive impact you make in people’s lives!
I also find it important to note that I am not saying that change is bad.
It is also ok to want to change something about your life as we are constantly evolving as people. What I am reinforcing is that you should never change because society expects you to, or you think it does.
If you make the decision to create change, it should be because you want to, not because you were told or think you ‘should’
I want to leave you with this. Instead of saying ‘New Year New Me’, why don’t you try and say ‘New Year, Same Me’.
Why?
Because you are amazing as you are.
Instead of setting resolutions, why not switch it up to positive affirmations.
Repeating these to yourself can help you feel strong and loved. This mindfulness practice can encourage you to find your self-acceptance.
Try saying these or think of your own that resonate!
For some, December is a time of connection, reflection and celebration; for others it can feel overwhelming, pressured, or lonely. Whatever it means for you, we want you to know that support is available.
That’s why we created our 12 Days of Advent across social media this year; a collection of small “gifts”: resources, gentle reminders, and supportive messages to help guide you through the season.
Here’s a round-up of everything we shared, all in one place.
🎁 Day 1 — A Helpful Parenting Podcast: Help Your Kids!
If you’re a parent or carer looking for guidance around topics like anxiety, grief, big feelings or social media, we recommend the Help Your Kids! podcast by Shelley Smith and Dr Mish Seabrook at Sunrise Wellbeing.
🎁 Day 3 — The Pause Project: Mindfulness Support Group
Our Leicester-based mindfulness group, facilitated by Kate & Daisy, offers a warm space to pause and reconnect. The 17th December session focuses on “The Power of Calm in the Chaos.” Book future sessions via Eventbrite
A brilliant directory of local, national and NHS mental health support. Search for services near you: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
🎁 Day 6 — Spotlight on Stepping Stones Support Group
Hosted by the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation in Markfield, Stepping Stones offers a nurturing space for anyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Surrounded by nature, the group provides grounding support in a peaceful setting.
🎁 Day 7 — A Reminder to Reach Out
Many people find this time of year challenging. A simple gesture — a message, a photo, a phone call, a coffee — can help someone feel less alone. You never know the difference your kindness may make.
🎁 Day 8 — Make Time for Self-Care
December can feel busy and demanding. This is your reminder that you are allowed to rest. Self-care might mean: ✨ Listening to a podcast you’ve been saving ✨ Ordering your favourite meal ✨ Putting on cosy clothes and resting on the sofa Small acts count.
🎁 Day 9 — It’s OK Not to Enjoy the Festive Season
Not everyone feels joyful at this time of year, and that’s completely understandable. You’re allowed to create your own version of the season — in ways that feel comfortable, grounding, or meaningful for you.
🎁 Day 10 — Practising Gratitude
It can be easy to compare ourselves to others in December. Gently pausing to notice what we are grateful for can help shift the internal pressure. That might be:
Clean water
A supportive friend
A moment of laughter
The ability to go for a walk
A comforting photo or memory
Your gratitude list can be small and simple.
🎁 Day 11 — Mindfulness Moment: Box Breathing
“Just breathe” isn’t always helpful unless we know how.
Box Breathing offers a structured way to calm the body:
Inhale for a count
Hold for a count
Exhale for a count
Hold for a count
You can adjust the timing to whatever feels comfortable for you. It is a gentle, grounding way to recentre.
🎁 Day 12 — The Final Gift: Be Kind (To Yourself and Others)
We often cannot see what someone is going through. A small act of kindness can make a significant difference. And remember — you deserve kindness too. Speak gently to yourself. Remind yourself that you are doing your best.
💛 Bringing It All Together
We hope you’ve enjoyed our 12 Days of Advent and found something that offered support, comfort, or reflection.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out — whether to one of the services above, a trusted person, or to us at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions.
You are not alone. Wishing you steadiness, warmth, and moments of peace as we move through December.
Responding to the Government’s “Keep Britain Working” Final Report
The UK Government’s Keep Britain Working report (published November 2025) highlights a critical national issue: more than one in five working-age adults are now out of work and not looking for employment, a figure which is largely driven by health-related challenges.
The report calls for a fundamental shift: from a system that reacts once people have already left work, to one that supports people to stay well, stay in work, and return well after illness or difficulty.
At Wellbeing Therapy Solutionsin Leicester, we believe occupational therapists (OTs) have a vital role to play in achieving this goal, supporting both individuals and organisations to create healthy, inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
A Healthy Working Lifecycle
The report introduces the concept of a Healthy Working Lifecycle , a joined-up approach spanning recruitment, being healthy in work, managing ill health, returning to work, and re-employment after leaving. It recognises that long absences make returning to work much harder, and that early, supportive action benefits individuals, employers, and the wider economy.
Occupational therapy is uniquely placed to deliver this kind of practical, early intervention. Our work focuses on helping people understand how their mental health, physical health, or neurodivergence affects their ability to participate in work and what changes can make work both sustainable and fulfilling.
Early, Person-Centred Intervention
Too often, support comes too late. At WTS, our occupational therapists can help people before absence becomes prolonged or wellbeing deteriorates further. We support individuals to recognise and communciate their challenges, build coping strategies, and explore workplace adjustments that make a difference.
We also partner with employers and managers to create open, psychologically safe spaces for conversation. Many employees fear disclosing health or neurodivergent needs, while managers fear “getting it wrong.” Our work helps to bridge that gap, building confidence and understanding on both sides.
Stay-in-Work and Return-to-Work Planning
When people experience poor mental health, burnout, or neurodivergent overwhelm, work can quickly become unsustainable. We work with people to design individualised stay-in-work and return-to-work plans — addressing workload, duties, environment, communication and support.
For those returning after time away, we can create phased return frameworks that balance recovery with reintegration. These plans don’t just focus on “getting back”, they focus on staying well, building confidence, and preventing relapse.
Supporting Neurodivergent Employees
The report also recognises the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals. Challenges like sensory overload, communication differences, or executive functioning differences can make traditional workplaces inaccessible.
Our occupational therapy team works with both the individual and their employer to identify strengths and barriers. We take a strengths-based approach, helping people harness what they do best; creativity, pattern recognition, problem-solving, while developing strategies and environmental changes that make daily work tasks easier and more sustainable.
We also provide neurodiversity training and workplace assessments to support employers in creating environments where neurodivergent colleagues can thrive.
Partnering with Employers for Sustainable Change
The report calls for a stronger partnership between health professionals, individuals, and employers. This is exactly where WTS adds value.
We act as the bridge, facilitating conversations, providing clear recommendations, and helping organisations implement sustainable, evidence-based adjustments.
Building Workplaces Where Health and Work Go Hand in Hand At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we are passionate about helping people stay well, stay connected, and stay in work — and ensuring that returning to work after illness or difficulty is safe, supported, and successful.
If your organisation is looking to align with the report’s recommendations, our occupational therapy team can help you:
Develop early intervention pathways
Create inclusive environments for neurodivergent and mentally healthy workplaces
Support employees through stay-in-work or return-to-work planning
Equip managers with practical, compassionate strategies
To explore how Wellbeing Therapy Solutions can support your workplace wellbeing strategy, get in touch with us today.
Every year, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the universal right to good mental health, regardless of circumstance. In 2025, as the world grapples with uncertainty, conflict, and rising everyday pressures, it’s more important than ever to reflect on our own wellbeing, the challenges we face, and the small steps we can take to support ourselves and others.
Navigating Anxiety in a World of Worry
The constant stream of news about global events can feel overwhelming. Many of us carry anxiety about what’s happening in the wider world, while also feeling guilty for worrying about our personal struggles at home. It’s easy to minimise our own needs, but your feelings matter — whatever their source.
Anxiety at world events: It’s natural to feel anxious when the headlines are full of uncertainty. Remember, you are not alone in these feelings.
Worrying your issues aren’t ‘big enough’: Comparing struggles can be unhelpful; every challenge is valid, and support is for everyone.
Rising cost of living: The pressure of bills, rent, or making ends meet is a genuine source of stress for many across the UK and Ireland.
Stress at work: The expectation to always perform and ‘keep going’ can be exhausting. It’s okay to step back and acknowledge the pressure, press ‘pause’ when we can.
Sleep issues: Worries often surface at night, making rest elusive. Prioritising sleep is vital for mental health, but it’s normal to need support in this area.
What Can You Do When It Feels Overwhelming? Steps to Support Your Wellbeing
If you’re feeling helpless or unsure where to start, these small actions can make a difference:
Limit news consumption: Take breaks from rolling headlines. It’s okay to focus on your immediate world and protect your peace of mind.
Reach out for support: Talking to your GP, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend can be the first step towards feeling better.
Connect with charities and helplines: There are organisations ready to listen and guide you, no matter how big or small the issue feels.
Focus on what you can control: Small routines, acts of self-care, and connecting with loved ones can anchor you when the world feels heavy.
Remember you are not alone: Many people are navigating similar feelings — together, we can break the stigma and support one another.
World Mental Health Day: A Call to Kindness
This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that good mental health is a right for all — not just in times of crisis, but every day. By being gentle with ourselves and reaching out when we need it, we create ripples of compassion in our communities.
If you’d like to talk, support is available. Contact Wellbeing Therapy Solutions for a free consultation: https://wellbeingtherapysolutions.co.uk/
You deserve support, no matter the size of your worries.
September is Sleeptember and when I saw the materials—a 4-week challenge designed to improve sleep through small, daily changes. It includes a sleep diary, weekly goals, and helpful resources to track your habits. I thought I would try it out for the month.
First Impressions
The materials looked great right from the start. The sleep diary and accompanying email newsletter for the four-week challenge were clear, well-structured, and easy to follow. The layout of everything—from the downloadable PDFs to the charts—was visually appealing, practical, and, importantly, not overwhelming.
The sleep diary is split into two sections:
Morning review – reflecting on how well you slept
Evening review – noting activities from the day
Each entry only takes a few minutes, and covers essentials like alcohol intake, exercise, and sleep quality. The goal is to build up a pattern over time to identify what might be helping—or hindering—your sleep.
The Four-Week Challenge
Alongside the diary, the Sleeptember challenge provides four pre-selected goals to support better sleep. My challenge included:
Going to bed at the same time every night, including weekends
Monitoring daily habits
Recording reflections in the diary
Noting progress using a simple chart
The chart was a big win for me. I like anything visual and easy to tick off—it’s motivating, and the simplicity meant I actually kept using it.
One of the suggested goals—going to bed at the same time every night—was surprisingly tough. Like many people, I have different schedules for weekdays and weekends, and shifting to a consistent bedtime took some effort. But that’s the point: the challenge isn’t to introduce dramatic change overnight, but to encourage gradual adjustments. This challenge helped me become more aware of how my routine or lack of it on weekends, impacts my sleep.
Final Thoughts
Most of us know what we should do for better sleep—Sleeptember helps us actually do it. It’s not a fix for deeper health issues, but it’s a great tool if you’re looking to reset your sleep habits. As the nights draw in, it’s a good time of year to give it a try. September may be nearly over but it’s not too late to improve your sleep.
✨ Need More Support?
If poor sleep is affecting your wellbeing, we can help.
At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions we can help you explore strategies to help improve sleep. We can look at what’s behind your sleep issues—whether it’s mental health related; stress, anxiety, or something else, we can support you to make the changes so you can get the rest you need.
📩 Contact us today to book your free consultation. #SleepBetter #Sleeptember #WellbeingTherapySolutions
The start of a new school year can bring lots of emotions in children and while many young people may feel excited and enthusiastic for the change, others may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. A new classroom, new class teacher and new unfamiliar routines can be a lot for children and young people to manage and it is natural that as a parent you want to support your child in the best possible way.
Here are a few simple ways you can help your child during this time:
1. Acknowledge Their Feelings Let your child know that it’s normal to feel nervous. Encourage them to talk about what worries them, and listen without judgment. Sometimes just being heard can reduce anxious feelings.
2. Establish a Predictable Routine Start adjusting sleep and morning routines before school begins. Predictability helps children feel safe and in control. A pictorial schedule may also be helpful for children who have a preference for visual information.
3. Focus on the Positives Talk about what they might look forward to, for example, seeing friends, learning more about their favourite subject or joining an after-school club. Help them to think of a few enjoyable things about school to shift the focus from wholly negative.
4. Do a Practice Run If possible, walk or drive past the school, visit the playground, or rehearse the drop-off. This familiarity will help to reduce your child’s anxiety and make their first day less intimidating.
5. Teach Calming Strategies Introduce simple breathing exercises or grounding activities they can use when they feel nervous. A few slow, deep breaths can make a big difference. A favourite of ours is the 54321 grounding exercise where children are asked to identify 5 things they can see, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell and 1 thing they can taste. Connecting with their senses in this way helps a child to come back into the present when they are feeling overwhelmed with thoughts in their head.
6. Stay Calm Yourself Children pick up on our emotions. Therefore, if you remain calm and confident, they’re more likely to feel the same. It’s good to have open conversations with children from a young age about different emotions and role modelling self-care is a great way to get young people into the habit of communicating how they are feeling and finding what helps them to feel regulated and settled.
Back-to-school anxiety is common and with support and reassurance, most children are able to manage the transition and settle in after the first few days. By being present, empathetic and proactive, parents can help make the transition smoother and even exciting!
