Andy McAleese 🚢

I help leaders navigate wellbeing support overwhelm to help them and their teams thrive | Senior insurance leader with experience of depression and anxiety

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

I talk a lot about my mental health experience.

It took me breaking down at work to get the help I needed, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Sharing and talking helps to show that we all have mental health and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@slow_is_better It does. I love visiting a new city and simply wandering around and seeing what I stumble across

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

I’ve commuted to London for over 20 years and for most of this was in that head down, autopilot rush to and from the office.

I now realise there is so much benefit from slowing down and

• walking more

• paying attention to my surroundings

• noticing my breathing

I arrive at work or home feeling much calmer, which is great for my well-being.

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@sabrinacoaching Absolutely. There’s so much to see if you stop and look and so much history contrasting with the modern

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@davebedford_ There’s a meetup?

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@davebedford_ Loving these videos Dave, your growing confidence in front of the camera and the authenticity and power of your story.

Brilliant stuff!

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@davebedford_ Thanks Dave. I'm hoping to get back to doing a few more videos and appreciate the feedback

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

How anxiety affected me and what I do to manage it.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is anxiety.

In this video, I talk about my experience with anxiety and 3 strategies I use to manage it.

What approaches work for you?

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@davebedford_ I can imagine, and the more impressive for pushing through and posting. Looking forward to the next videos

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@KhurramKhanMSc Thanks for sharing Khurram. I also use an iPad for ease and the ability to lock notes as, otherwise I would self-censor rather than be truly open.

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@supermanuelsaez Thanks @supermanuelsaez and it helps when you find common experiences with others

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@MartineGuernsey These are 3 of my go-to activities to help me with stress
1. Walking
2. Journaling
3. Talking

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@TheBodySmithUK There is so much to see and so much contrast between old and new. Next time going to look at what can be seen above eye level as there are lots of hidden details

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@mike_hdn Looks beautiful
An early evening walk for me, which was just what I needed

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@mike_hdn I agree and I’ve used a lot of habit-forming information to help to become more consistent

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

5 steps I took to triple my daily walking distances and improve my mental health and energy:

• starting small - target 5 minutes per day

• walking commutes when remote working

• blocking lunchtimes for a walk

• walking meetings

• making walking my main mode of transport

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@DmytroLutsik It’s great isn’t it as well as easy, not needing any special equipment.
Do you find any challenges?

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@davebedford_ Currently it’s exploring Panshanger Park, which is lovely

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

@peoplenovate Thanks Saniya, I’ll check that out

[Andy McAleese 🚢 @andymcaleese]

Movies with realistic or positive portrayals of mental health challenges?

I’m collating some movies to recommend for our film club to raise mental health awareness.

Any suggestions of movies to include?