May is mental health awareness month, so we thought we would share what our WAT team do to cope with those tough times that we all experience. Meet the team & all their words of wisdom…
-Sarah-
I often struggle with overwhelm & in recent years my main tool in tackling that feeling of chronic overwhelm is to start the day with habits that set me up for the day ahead, meaning I can tackle whatever comes my way in the calmest way possible. For me that looks different on different days but it mainly includes moving my body (& or brain!) in some way whether it’s spinning, running, doing weights, journalling, listening to a podcast or even walking. I blare my feel good playlist alongside it & I’m ready for the day ahead.
-Philippa-
From a very young age I can remember my Mum teaching me the 
power of concentrating on my breathing. It might sound silly but it’s such a simple tool that has helped me in some of the scariest moments of my life. My mum has always been on her own spiritual journey; being a yoga teacher, practising reiki and meditation, so I think growing up and around those skills that help her, has also helped me. We live in such a fast paced environment that it can often feel suffocating so a simple tool such as controlling and focussing on your breath can really make a big impact.
-Nicky-
(WAT The Brand- Co-Founder)
Whilst being forever grateful for the health and happiness of my three kids, husband, family and friends, life can inevitably get overwhelming. My go to is exercising and running to free my mind from everyday life, even just for an hour. Don’t be fooled, this is nothing to do with keeping fit! I get out before anyone wakes and I go with my councillor, AKA my best friend, for a little bit of “us” time that normally ends with a matcha. Find the little things that make you happy and hold onto it!
-Grace-
(We Are Twinset- Fashion Assistant)
As someone that has suffered from Anxiety from the age of 16, i have tried and tested all the coping mechanisms out there. I struggle with change, so when i know something big is happening, I always have to prepare myself that it might not be easy for me. Sometimes the things that most people look forwards to I dread, like going on holiday. Having amazing friends and family around me, always makes those feelings easier. It’s all about distracting your mind, even if it’s clearing out your closet or watching TV, do something that has nothing to do with the thing you are anxious about.
-Rachel-
(Merchandiser)
I have battled with anxiety all my life and I was worried about the impact of it on my motherhood journey. The everyday of social media, overwhelming NCT Whatsapp groups and so many pieces of unasked advice, meant I was forever questioning myself and comparing if I was being good enough for my little one. It was only till someone reminded me that I was comparing my life with someone else’s highlights, constantly comparing/doubting what I was doing. They told me to trust my gut, surround yourself with people you trust and have faith in yourself. Also delete the apps, mute or leave groups and politely nod from the advice you didn’t ask for.
-Hope-
(WAT designer)
I have always struggled with anxiety and the guilt of talking about how I felt in fear of burdening others. I used to find communicating these worries and fears incredibly difficult. I think i was in my mid twenties when the conversations around mental health started to change. This social change in people being far more open has had a huge impact and has taught me that bottling up how you feel is definitely not healthy. Finding someone to talk to whether its a friend, loved one or a professional is so helpful. Often once you start to share how you feel, others will open up to you more too. This alongside plenty of fresh air and getting outdoors is what helps me.
-Sophie-
(WAT fashion assistant)
I often find myself overwhelmed, frustrated and over stimulated in situations, that lead me into a downward spiral. This can be towards Uni work, drama in my personal life or if my room is a mess, and there is too much going on in my brain! I have to remove myself from the situation and distract my mind, whether that’s watching a TV series, going out for a coffee, shopping, listening to a podcast. All these things all just give me that space to tackle the situation when I’m ready to, in my own time. I find this gives me time to decompress and calm my anxiety and take myself back to my happy place, where i can have a positive mindset, instead of making the worst out of a situation.