Summer 2016 Staff Magazine

Summer 2016
You might say Alastair was ahead of the curve, using
the technique before it became a widely accepted
practice. “I was attracted to Headspace because it
was promoted by several well-known organisations
for their staff - The Financial Times and British Airways
to name a few. Apparently five million people had
signed up so I thought it was worth trying.
“When I first started I was using it on an evening,
but not every day. It’s only since I started to use
it every day and in the morning that I have really
benefitted. I’ve now set aside some time first thing,
usually between 7.15am and 7.30am, because
that’s what works for me. I choose the
15 minute sessions, but sessions
lasting 10 or 30 minutes
are also available, and I sit
and listen on my smartphone in
the living room, before anyone
else in the house has come downstairs.”
Headspace, founded in 2010, has brought
meditation to the masses having been downloaded
by people in 150 different countries. Commercial
agreements have made bespoke content available to
travellers on all Virgin Atlantic flights, those staying
in Westin hotels and shoppers in department store
Selfridges.
Health is a state
of mind and body so
as well as looking after your
physical health it is also
important to look after your
emotional wellbeing
Creativity, Happiness, Focus, Anxiety, Relationships,
Change, Generosity, Kindness and Acceptance. I've
done them all, at least once, except for the one on
Pregnancy!”
Alastair is in good company, an army of celebrity
fans including Emma Watson and Gwyneth Paltrow
all swear by the soothing 10-minute bites of daily
timeout. “I can't imagine not using it every day,”
Alastair continues. “And when I've been abroad I've
made sure that I have downloaded the sessions onto
my phone in advance so that I could continue while
away. I’m not saying it’s for everyone but I’d
encourage everyone to give it a try.”
Pauline Stewart, staff nurse on
ward 19 at North Tyneside
started using Headspace
after a recommendation
from a colleague. She
explains: “Headspace has
helped me and my family
through a very difficult
time. It has encouraged
me to take time out for
myself to reflect and has
made me appreciate the
importance of relaxation.”
With such rave reviews it’s no
surprise that the likes of Google and
LinkedIn have given their employees free
access to a companywide subscription
and we have followed suit. Headspace
is normally accessed using an annual
subscription fee which costs £59 however
we have some licences for our employees.
Alastair explains more. “It's like having a personal
trainer, but for the mind, and I wish I had known
about it years ago. I knew we should treat the body
with respect if we want to keep it in good shape -
well, the same applies to the mind. The recorded
sessions are grouped into packs - for example
If you think you could benefit email
healthandwellbeing@northumbria.nhs.uk
and they will provide you with a code to
allow you to download the app free of charge.
More information on www.headspace.com
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