We live in an "Amazon Prime" society. Everyone wants everything NOW and can't wait. Technology isn't fast enough, people need immediate attention and everyone is in a hurry. Slowing down for mental health involves intentionally reducing the pace of your daily life and activities through simple actions like taking breaks, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and reducing screen time. This can help manage anxiety, lower stress, improve focus, and allow you to be more present and attentive to your surroundings and internal feelings. Simple ways to slow down • Incorporate mindful moments: Practice deep breathing exercises, meditate, or simply take a few moments to do nothing. • Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it's a walk in a park or trying "forest bathing". • Reduce screen time: Set boundaries for your phone and computer to disconnect from constant digital stimulation. • Move at a slower pace: This can be as simple as walking slower or being more deliberate in your movements, like in a grocery store. • Engage in relaxing activities: Listen to music, get creative, stretch, or spend time on hobbies you enjoy. • Prioritize and schedule: Create a more detailed schedule to help you focus on one task at a time, rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many things at once. • Embrace small pauses: Deliberately allow yourself to take a longer break, even for no other reason than to rest. Benefits of slowing down • Stress reduction: Slowing down helps lower the body's stress hormones, which can improve mood and overall well-being. • Improved focus: A slower pace can lead to a sharper focus and a greater ability to concentrate on the task at hand. • Enhanced emotional well-being: Taking time to pause and be present can restore emotional equilibrium and make ordinary moments feel richer. • Better decision-making: When not rushing, you have more time to think through decisions rather than making them impulsively. • Deeper connections: Slowing down can improve your ability to be present with others, strengthening relationships.

For a limited time, join Simply Gym for just £10 for your first month — and we’ve scrapped the joining fee! No hidden costs, no catches — just full access to everything Simply Gym offers. Smash your fitness goals in a friendly, motivating space with top-notch equipment and a community that keeps you going. But hurry — this Black Friday offer won’t last. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! #blackfriday #blackfriday🔥 #blackfriday🖤 #blackfridaysale #blackfridaysales #blackfridaydeals

For a limited time, join Simply Gym for just £10 for your first month — and we’ve scrapped the joining fee! No hidden costs, no catches — just full access to everything Simply Gym offers. Smash your fitness goals in a friendly, motivating space with top-notch equipment and a community that keeps you going. But hurry — this Black Friday offer won’t last. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

🎄 Christmas Appeal! 🎄 Do you have unwanted gym clothes? Help us spread some holiday cheer by donating them to the Salvation Army! 👉 Please bring your clean, gently used gym wear to reception. Let’s make a difference together this Christmas! ❤️ #ChristmasAppeal #DonateGymClothes #SalvationArmy #GiveBack #SpreadJoy

Zero points for "same rubbish playlist that's always on". 😂

A gentle nudge: If you train very early, don't forget to get all your stuff out of your car BEFORE you come in! If you go out again within a couple of mins or arriving, you will not be able to get back in! And you won't be best pleased. Thanks

A survey from the Mental Health Foundation asked men on Instagram ‘what do you do to look after your mental health when things get tough?' Explore the top tips: • Reach out - chat to a mate when you start to hide away • Be listened to - have a chat, and get it off your chest • Follow social media accounts that you can relate to • Have a chat with someone who will listen and not ‘fix’ – a mate, colleague, family or a helpline • Keep up with your routine - or add a new structure to your day • Get outside for a short walk • Make a motivational playlist • Read a motivational or inspirational quote - to get perspective • Do something new like volunteering • Take up a new hobby • Get out of your comfort zone - feel a sense of achievement from this • Stop and pause – take time to check in with your head by using mindfulness, writing or meditation • Focus on breathing – breathe in and out slowly for 3 minutes • Switch off – in a way that works for you, with a book, film, video game etc. • Ask a mate how they are – doing something for a mate can make you feel better If you feel overwhelmed and want to be listened to, then CALM is available on 0800 58 58 58 from 5 pm to midnight 365 days a year. They also have a web chat. You can find out more about what they do at thecalmzone.net.

It’s finally here — our biggest and best sale of the year! For a limited time only, you can join Simply Gym for just £10 for your first month — and we’re scrapping the joining fee completely! That’s right — no hidden costs, no sign-up fees, just incredible value and full access to everything Simply Gym has to offer. At Simply Gym, we believe everyone should have the chance to achieve their fitness goals in a friendly, motivating environment — without breaking the bank. Whether you’re lifting, running, stretching, or just starting out, our state-of-the-art equipment, huge training spaces, and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to get started and stay committed. But hurry — this exclusive offer won’t last long. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter. Read more here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad

🎉 BLACK FRIDAY OFFER 🎉 Get your first month for only £10 – with NO joining fee! Our BEST offer yet. Don’t miss out! #BlackFriday #BestDeal #LimitedTime #NoJoiningFee

HAPPY 80th PAULA! What a woman! She's comes to classes every day, lifts good weights, has a chat to everyone and gives as good as she gets! What more could you ask for? Have a wonderful day, Paula. It's an absolute pleasure having you as part of the family. Lots of love Team Simply xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx