Dolly's blog: How are you coping?

As employers wake up to the (commercial) importance of mental health, my in-box increasingly contains assorted invitations to training sessions designed to help us cope.

The elephant in the room is why we’ve ended up in a situation where all that help is necessary. Is this really Having It All?  Perhaps I should have read the small print.

But it's real progress in many ways. It's tough keeping all those balls in the air so better to acknowledge and find ways of dealing with that.

In terms of old school coping mechanisms, I've definitely got a beer-a-day habit but have so far stayed clear of addictions to fags (too expensive), drugs (never appealed) and sex (far too tired). Here's what I think does work:

1.  Delegation. Doing everything yourself is not a sign of strength.

2.  Marry wisely. Sheryl's right - this can make or break your career. Mine's away half the time which really isn't great (but very hands-on when around so forgiven).

3.  Mindfulness. I don't purport to know exactly what that's about, but looking out the train window, listening to birds and noticing daffodils all make the world a better place.

4.  Walk. Going to the gym currently seems preposterous. But I walk whenever and whenever I can. It burns stress and answers to intractable problems pop in to my crowded mind.

5.  Five a day. Not vegetables. A wise GP once told me to think of five good things about the day just before falling asleep. The bar can be set pretty low (one of my regulars is "it was sunny") but it shifts focus away from the bad stuff and makes a real difference.

6. CBT.  I've not tried this although I'll confess to coming within a cat's whisker. What I have seen is the life-changing impact it's had on the lives of others, so never say never.

7.  Animals. You need ones that make you laugh so I'm not sure a goldfish cuts it.  Our dog burps which still makes me chuckle. When he jumped out the bedroom window the stress (and vet bills) nearly killed me, but he's worth every little furry penny.

Any other suggestions gratefully received.

Be happy everyone!

Dolly is an employment lawyer and partner in a London firm.  Currently working four days a week, theoretically between the hours of 9 and 5 in the manner of Dolly Parton (but with less impressive hair and reduced scope for rhinestone).  Full time wife, mother of three lovely children aged three to seven and devoted dog owner.