{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Kevin Guthrie ","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/json","icon":"https:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/244\/5ce26216d89a3.jpeg","description":"The mental health blog","items":[{"id":"244-686171-5e293c91327c6","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/kari-olsen-porterhouse\/","title":"The effect of music on your body","date_published":"2020-01-23T06:26:00+00:00","summary":"Today we look at the power of music on the body, our guest in the studio was Kari Olsen-Porterhouse (Liberty singer).","content_html":"

Today we had a visit from Kari Olsen-Porterhouse (Liberty singer), Kari’s role is to help business form choirs with the outcome of improving mental health in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n


\nHow does singing help our mental health I hear you ask...? It’s a good question and if you listen in or read on the answer will become clear.
\nWe now have evidence to prove that when we sing serotonin is released into the body. Serotonin is what we might refer to as the happiness hormone. It is released when we feel joy or happiness and therefore lifts our mood, if we never do anything that lifts out mood and never forces the release of serotonin, we can begin to feel sad.<\/p>\n\n


\nSo why does singing release serotonin? What is it about singing and of course music which lifts our mood? I do wonder and I have no proof on this, only my own theory, I wonder if it has something to do with us humans being balls of energy and vibrations. As we sing, we create vibrations within our body. Singing is often rhythmic. I wonder if there is something in there about singing calming vibrations, maybe making the vibration’s we feel more pleasant to live with. If we look at this the opposite way; put yourself in one of your most stressful situations and imagine how your vibrations might look and feel, not very pleasant I’m guessing?<\/p>\n\n


\nOther areas to also consider as we are talking about vibrations; imagine how it might feel if we sing with another person and make a beautiful harmony. Surely this would enhance the good feeling we get from singing because we might now feel connected to another human being. Remembering that we are biologically wired to connect to other humans. In a choir perhaps this is magnified many, many times.<\/p>\n\n


\nThe other aspect to singing in choirs is the social element, for some people this might be the only time they get out with others. It’s a reason to get out, it’s a reason to meet other people, it’s what I call “a doing thing” the side effect of singing in this environment might be that a person makes friends and if nothing else they will on some level connect to other human beings.<\/p>\n\n


\nAs Kari and I chatted, she mentioned that she would love to see more men in choirs. So why do we not have more men singing. My theory (sorry there is always a theory) is the same reason that I believe we get more women in therapy than men, women naturally express more. I know, before someone writes in, that is a massive generalisation, but it is to some extent true, women express. Maybe the reason we have more females singing in choirs is because of this freedom to express...? Maybe men feel more inhibited, less able to express. It’s also quite interesting that when we look at singers in the world around us, there is more balance. Maybe men feel safer on their own or in small groups? Who knows, if you have a theory, I would be happy to hear it.<\/p>\n\n


\nWe also know about singing that it can bring about pain relief, thinking back to the vibrations caused by singing, maybe the vibrations help soothe the pain. Imagine what pain vibrations might look like. In my head they would be very unsteady, inconsistent, not very rhythmic and almost jagged in appearance. So, the calming vibrations of song would calm all of this, leading to less pain.<\/p>\n\n


\nHow wonderful that singing could lead is to connect with others, help us manage grief, connect with other humans, the list is endless. Why are will all not singing in choirs?<\/p>\n\n


\nI learned during this recording that song and music are amazing, they are one of the few things in life that can reduce us to tears, to make us feel, to make us smile, or to make us feel sad. If you get the chance, go and sing in a choir, it’s not for everyone, but it might just be for you.<\/p>\n\n


\nTheses podcasts are yours, the listener, please let us know if there is a subject you would like us to cover, or a subject you would like to know more about.<\/p>\n\n

Also please let us know if you or anyone you know would like to be a guest on one of our recordings. We only ask that you have some personal or professional experience in and around mental health.<\/p>\n\n


\nHappiness and peace.<\/p>\n\n

Kevin<\/p>\n\n


\nContact details for Kari: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/libertysinger\/<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46151"},{"id":"244-686171-5e20d71655388","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/is-a-pet-help-a-help-or-hindrance\/","title":"Is a pet help a help or hindrance?","date_published":"2020-01-15T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Today we look at the connection between animals and mental health, our guest in the studio was Em Birch animal behaver expert.","content_html":"

Today we had a visit from the lovely Em Birch, Animal behaviourist.
\nOur listener question was “are pets good for mental health”? we know theyare, to hear Ems more detailed answer you will have to listen in to the podcast.<\/p>\n\n

Em did talk about how dogs, in particular, need to be matched to the owner. This sounds like common sense, but something we don’t always think of, so ifyou are getting a dog or any other kind of pet, consider their size, their temperament and how much walking they might need. I have two dogs in my household of similar size, although one of them needs lots more walking than the other one. If the dog matches you are your household, they willintegrate lovely. If we don’t match correctly not only will the new additionnot be good for mental health, chances are they will be a cause of much higher stress and possible anxiety.<\/p>\n\n

Em shares a lovely story of how she fell in love with animals and when she got her first dog.<\/p>\n\n

We also talk about the loss of a pet and how tragic this can be for people. Ifind this area often overlooked and I’m never quite sure why? We have pets for a long time, dogs and cats can be around for up to and beyond 15 years.They are loyal and silent company, they don’t argue back and for the mostpart, are not demanding. They can help us form relationships, for some this might be the only healthy relationship a person has. So, when we come to lose a pet, it can leave a massive hole in a household.<\/p>\n\n

The level of attachment to a pet is dependent on the owner and the owner’sstyle of attachment. We attach ourselves to many things, humans, jewellery, jobs, pets, almost anything really. The attachment style we have is formed in childhood (no surprise there then). It comes from, or we learn it via our first main attachment, quite often but not always this is too our primary career, the first person that cared for us. Again, quite often this is mum and\/or dad, but not always. We learn different ways of attachment depending on the circumstances of that first situation.<\/p>\n\n

If I use myself as an example here: my primary carer was my mum, dad was around but working. Mum cared for me up until I was 3 months old when I was quite ill, taken into hospital and almost died. I was in hospital for around three months. So, for the first three months of my life I was cared for and heldby my mum, I’m safe and comfortable. Then at three months old I’mwhipped away and put in hospital, not a bad thing, as I was really ill. Wemight think at three months old I’m unable to react to this, not so.<\/p>\n\n

From day one of our lives on earth we have an operating system in place that is programmed to keep us safe and alive. So, whilst with mum I’m safe, but then when I’m taken away, less safe and my behaviours start to form. As<\/p>\n\n

I’m less safe I’m more alert to danger. This was the beginning of what we callan ambivalent attachment style. It’s of no real benefit for you to know thedetail of this style, only that moving forward in life and forming relationships, itisn’t the healthiest attachment style.<\/p>\n\n

Once we have our attachment style, we can apply this style to anything, including pets. When we lose a pet, it can hurt that nothing else, so pleasedon’t underestimate that pain, it’s okay to feel it and own it.<\/p>\n\n

Animals are amazing, can be and are used in therapy sometimes. I myself have used my little dog to help calm a client:
\nMy little dog is as chilled as they come, she really is at her happiest whenhaving her belly tickled (who wouldn’t be?) so I know if I bring her Into theroom with a client, she will just lie quietly and be stroked, this in turn helps calm the client down. I feel there are two things at play there: one is distraction, the client is a little distracted so less aware of what they are talking about, the second is, because the little dog is so chilled she will bring with her a chilled energy that the client will feed off, win win.<\/p>\n\n

Em shares a lovely story about a child with a disability and a dog...you knowwhere to find the details of the story.<\/p>\n\n

Did you know that we now have studies that prove that dogs in the workplace are good? By good I mean the studies that have been done,prove productivity will increase and anxiety will decrease. Part of Em’s role isto help place the right dog in the right environment.
\nWe also talk about pets and children, the do’s and don’ts and healthy waysto have both in your world.<\/p>\n\n

We also talk about the similarities between training a dog and children, we talk about pet allergies and we talk about dogs on beds, listen in the hear more about these subjects.<\/p>\n\n

During this podcast I learned how important Ems role is in the world, important because we sometimes need experts to help guide us to the healthiest choices. Much the same as sometimes we need to see other experts likedentists, doctors and therapists. It’s all okay.<\/p>\n\n

Theses podcasts are yours, the listener, please let us know if there is a subject you would like us to cover, or a subject you would like to know more about.<\/p>\n\n

Also please let us know if you or anyone you know would like to be a guest on one of our recordings. We only ask that you have some personal or professional experience in and around mental health.<\/p>\n\n

Listen to Em's story here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Happiness and peace.<\/p>\n\n

Kevin<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46150"},{"id":"244-686171-5e14d8a1d0dcc","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/is-this-you\/","title":"Is this you?","date_published":"2020-01-08T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Mental health from a wider perspective taking into account how we are interconnected from head to toe.","content_html":"

Today we look at mental health from a wider perspective taking into account how we are interconnected from head to toe.<\/p>\n\n

Today we had a visit from the lovely Alison Harris, well-being coach.
\nOur listener question this week was “what do we mean by well-being” it’squite a broad question, for me well-being is the ability to look at ourselves as whole human beings, by this I mean: not separating out the mind and the body. The ability to respect that what happens in the mind may have an effect on the body, what happens in the body may have an effect on the mind.<\/p>\n\n

I have worked with quite a few sports people in the past who for much of their lives sport has been a very large part. what happen is an injury can occur which either hampers their ability to play and train or stops them completely. We know that exercise has a really positive affect on the mind, it releases lots of hormones that we enjoy, it keeps the body and mind well and healthy. So if injury occurs and there is an interruption to exercise this can leave a really big gap in the persons health and wellbeing routine.<\/p>\n\n

This isn’t always seen; for many, exercising is a means to getting better at the chosen sport, little credit is given to how the exercise also keeps the mind healthy. I can see why, why would we see something we don’t really need to see? The mind is healthy so therefore we don’t need to take much notice ofit. Then the exercise stops, and the minds health is compromised. They come and see me, (after having the physical issue sorted) and we make the link. At this point we can reintroduce some sort of exercise that works for them, hopefully mental health improves.<\/p>\n\n

Another way of looking at how we are interconnected is to consider for example someone who drinks 5 coffees a day. This much caffeine is going to have a profound effect on your mind. Caffeine is an energy; anxiety is an energy that can be fed by too much caffeine. Having too much caffeine can increase our anxiety which leave us less in control. Higher anxiety leaves us less able to rationalise situations in front of us. The same can be said for too much sugar, not enough sleep, large quantities of high fat foods can leave us feeling slow. What we consume affects the way the body and the mind function.
\nWe are learning about these connections slowly. The more we recognise the more in control we are of both our physical health but also our mental health.<\/p>\n\n

Alison and I had a really interesting conversation around the words “shouldand could” to hear more about this have a listen in to the podcast.<\/p>\n\n

We also talk about “being lost in life” and how, this is okay. We don’t alwaysknow where we are going, what our plan is or where we want to end up. It can be helpful to sit with someone in a safe and confidential space to help us work out where we would like our journey to take us. Often people think<\/p>\n\n

they “should “know where they should be going, which takes us right back to the word “should”. It isn’t written anywhere that we “should” know where weare going in life. The other things that can happen is that we can have a plan and it changes, that again is okay. We grow and change all the time, so why would or plan or journey not change also?<\/p>\n\n

I wonder how comfortable it would be for you to let your life take more of a flow, try not to control it, just let it be.
\nLet me know how you get on with this.<\/p>\n\n

Alison and I talk through many other subjects all linking into mental health, one of which is mediation. For some this word is massive, it’s too big and theycant do it. Meditation is nothing more than a deep state of relaxation, a place of stillness. Mediation can be a continuum from deep mediation for 30minutes to an hour, to being still and quite for 30 seconds. Please don’t befrightend of the word, what we do know about mediation is that it brings about a world of goodness to the human form, both physically and mentally. I hope you enjoy this recording with Alison, she will be back to talk more about her work in nutrition.<\/p>\n\n

Theses podcasts are yours, the listener, please let us know if there is a subject you would like us to cover, or a subject you would like to know more about.<\/p>\n\n

Also please let us know if you or anyone you know would like to be a guest on one of our recordings. We only ask that you have some personal or professional experience in and around mental health.<\/p>\n\n

Happiness and peace.<\/p>\n\n

Kevin<\/p>\n\n

Listen to what Alison has to say here<\/a><\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46149"},{"id":"244-686171-5e0c81c60f5cd","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/new-year-new-you\/","title":"New Year, New You..?","date_published":"2020-01-01T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"For the first podcast of the year, Josh Burkitt and Ellie Drewett joined me in the studio. Josh talks about what we see on social media and the reality of what we see. Ellie\u00a0is a personal trainer so has lots of great words on staying motivated and on track to reach goals.","content_html":"

This first recording of the year is all about “new year, new you” if you are that person who loves to ride the newness of a new year this podcast is for you. As humans we love new beginnings, we see them a s great place to start new habits. Mondays are another great example of this, or sometimes its tomorrow “let’s start tomorrow” “let’s start Monday” “let’s start in the new year”<\/p>\n\n

Of course, if we choose, we can start anything we want any day we want, within reason.<\/p>\n\n

So why do we always want to wait until tomorrow or Monday? It’s an excuse, it’s a reason not to do it now, chances are by the time tomorrow, Monday or the next day have come we will have forgotten what it was we said we would do. The further away the suggested start date is, the bigger the resistance or excuse.<\/p>\n\n

So, why do we do this..? Us humans don’t really like change, and the mind definitely doesn’t like change. The mind is all about survival, this is its primary function. So, when the mind is faced with change it resists, it will find excuses, any excuse not to allow change. We often talk about the mind being amazing and how we don’t access all of its power, yet in this instance, the mind is pretty stupid. Consider this the next time you are trying to bring about some change in your life, consider this the next time you are trying to lose some weight, gain some weight, change unhelpful unhealthy habits. Remember the mind will not want to support you on this, not only will the mind not want to support you it will do all it can to sabotage your ideas.<\/p>\n\n

Imagine, for example that you want to stop smoking: we know that stopping smoking is really good for us, we know the health benefits we would gain from not smoking, yet the mind will do it can to sabotage your ideas of stopping. All the mind sees is change, it doesn’t like change because it can’t see the outcome, and this becomes a threat. In some ways the mind is pretty simple. Override it, watch out for it and make the change you wish.<\/p>\n\n

Motivation is something people struggle with, motivation to make the changes that you want especially at this time of year. 1st January, everyone is motivated, but how long does it last..? we soon get bored, we soon lose that enthusiasm, I have a little trick for you:<\/p>\n\n

We become motivated through positive words. I never leave the gym and say in my mind “that was a terrible workout” or “you could have done so much better” if I do this, my mind hears these words. The next time I consider going to the gym, my mind isn’t on board because the last time we went the outcome (the words I said to myself) wasn’t good. The mind can only judge an experience based on what it hears us say about the experience. If I leave the gym and say “great workout, well done” that’s what my mind hears.<\/p>\n\n

Next time I think about going to the gym, my mind is on board and more motivated to go. It’s just a little trick, but it will work.<\/p>\n\n

We become motivated by good feedback, it doesn’t matter if that comes from us or from others, we need positive words to keep us going forward. If your every giving feedback to someone else, always try to give a positive followed by a learning point (we don’t call them negatives) followed by another positive. We hear learning points (negatives) five times louder than we hear positives, this again is because the mind is all about survival so thinks by hearing the learning points and making them bigger it is keeping us alive; chances are, it<\/p>\n\n

is only stopping us from growing. If we don’t grow and develop, we actually become more vulnerable as those around us keep growing. Therefore, putting us to the lower end of the pack.<\/p>\n\n

During this podcast we also talked about social media and how that can impact on our motivation or more likely demotivate. Josh talks about what we see on social media and the reality of what we see. Ellie is a personal trainer so has lots of great words on staying motivated and on track to reach goals.<\/p>\n\n

Remember that we can change things anyway any hour we choose to.<\/p>\n\n

Ask yourself am I putting this off, ask yourself what your resistance is? Only by doing this, only by being very honest with yourself will you actually change what it is you want to change.<\/p>\n\n

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for listening to our podcasts and reading these blogs, I really do hope that something you read or hear sparks something in you to change and become the person you desire.<\/p>\n\n

There is, in all of us the ability to change and grow.<\/p>\n\n

We are always looking for guests on our podcasts, if know of anyone who has a story or experience in mental health and wellbeing, tell them to get in touch.<\/p>\n\n

I can be reached through Guthrietherapy Facebook page.<\/p>\n\n

Wishing you all a very successful and peaceful 2020.<\/p>\n\n

Peace and love,<\/p>\n\n

Kev x<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46148"},{"id":"244-686171-5df4f8132d397","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/planning-the-traditions\/","title":"Planning the traditions","date_published":"2019-12-11T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Welcome to the second of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the lovely Alyce Bradbury from Peachy clean.\r\nDuring this recording we look at Christmas again. Alyce describes herself as \u201cnot a traditional Christmas girl\u201d, I wonder what is \u201ca traditional Christmas girl\u201d?","content_html":"

Welcome to the second of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the lovely Alyce Bradbury from Peachy clean.<\/p>\n\n

During this recording we look at Christmas again. Alyce describes herself as “not a traditional Christmas girl”, I wonder what is “a traditional Christmas girl”?<\/p>\n\n


\nFor me it is a version that we invented, we invented all parts of Christmas, from the pigs in blankets to the turkey for dinner, to Christmas crackers. I love a tradition, but when a tradition is internalised as stressed then I question, is it really worth it? If the fuss and hype suit you and doesn’t leave you feel stressed and shattered, then keep going, but if it doesleave you feeling shattered and stressed, then perhaps look at ways you can change it. Alyce has some great ideas around Christmas and some great ideas on how to do Christmas the way you want it.<\/p>\n\n

One of the first things Alyce talks about is about gift opening. What she does is asks her children to open their presents one at a time, taking time to digest what the present is and who it is from. By doing this Alyce is creating and teaching mindfulness, awareness and also a little gratitude for what the children are receiving. The other thing Alyce does is separate out the opening of presents, some in the morning, some in the afternoon, this again createsawareness and appreciation. I’m sure some of you reading this might think this is a littlemean to make the children wait like this, honestly its brilliant and will teach the children so much more than allowing them to smash through (to use Alyce’s words) all the presents inone go.<\/p>\n\n

We talked about human connection and how we are more digitally connected than we ever have been, but less humanly connected than we ever have been. Part of this comes from neve really being taught what the etiquette is around the use of mobile phones and other similar items. It seems to have become the norm that whilst in conversation with someone and your mobile rings, its okay to answer it or look at the message that has come through. Again, these are rules we have made up ourselves as time has gone on. However, I see a shift, there is a shift happening whereby people are beginning to fight back, parents are asking that there is no mobile phones whilst eating, for example. I encourage people to have digital down time in an evening, maybe two hours before bed, just allowing the mind to relax from the blue light that mobiles give off, the blue light that stimulates the mind. So,although we assume it is relaxing scrolling through our phones, it really isn’t. As adults it is our responsibility to lead the way on polite use of digital devices.<\/p>\n\n

Alyce and I talked about Christmas boxes, something else we have invented and something else that places even more stress on those providing. #christamasyourway<\/p>\n\n

We also talked about family. Around Christmas there is a massive tradition to visit family. Ifyou love your family and enjoy being with them, then going for a visit is great. If you don’tenjoy seeing them and are seeing them out of duty, then do it at another time of year.<\/p>\n\n

I hear again the sounds of “no we can’t do that” truth is, you can. This is your life, I respectyou have duties that you want to fulfil, perhaps do the visits on your terms...?<\/p>\n\n

Another subject that came up was Elf on the shelf, to hear more about this you will have to tune in and listen.<\/p>\n\n

For more great tips on how to stay sane, safe and healthy over Christmas, I have some great guidance over at Guthrietherapy Facebook page, tips on how to stay physically healthy but also, as you might imagine, mentally healthy.<\/p>\n\n

We have one more Christmas special happening next week before the big day happens.<\/p>\n\n

We are always looking for guests for our podcasts. Those who feel they have something to say or something they would like to share, please give me a shout if you would like to find out what this involves.<\/p>\n\n

Please share this podcast if you think it might help someone you know. Till next week.<\/p>\n\n

Be kind to yourself and those around you. Love and peace<\/p>\n\n

Kev x<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46147"},{"id":"244-686171-5de6ea5c2fd9a","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/it-is-really-thank-god-its-christmas\/","title":"It is really 'Thank God it's Christmas'?","date_published":"2019-12-04T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Welcome to the first of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the lovely Fran Tricarico from FutureCloud.\r\nChristmas seems to be becoming one of those things you either love or hate. I know of people who both hate it and love it, but why...?","content_html":"

Welcome to the first of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the lovely Fran Tricarico from FutureCloud.
\nChristmas seems to be becoming one of those things you either love or hate. I know of people who both hate it and love it, but why...?<\/p>\n\n

For me there are many expectations placed on Christmas. I refer to it as “the hallmark Christmas” the kind you see on films and adverts. Pictures and images of families and loved ones holding hands and having the most wonderful and amazing time... but is this real?
\nI’m sure for some it is, however, my guess would be that the majority of people don’texperience Christmas in this way. The expectations that are placed on creating that perfect hallmark Christmas are huge. The question I would ask is: is it worth the stress?<\/p>\n\n

Does it really matter if the turkey is a little dry? Does it really matter if the dinner tabledoesn’t look like a M&S advert? Does it matter if you haven’t been able to buy gifts foreveryone? Workout what is important for. If it is all of the above, then ask yourself this question: are they really your standards or have you learned then from somewhere or someone else?<\/p>\n\n

We learn most of what we do, from those around us. We learn it and digest it as our own without any conscious awareness, we see it, learn it, and in it goes as our “standard”. Sometimes we do this because we want to do things the way our careers did, because weremember this to be “perfect” and we want to be like the people that taught us, or we wantour family to have the same experience as we had. We have a really lovely way of holding on to traditions. It feels nice to do things the way they have always been done, this is really lovely, but again not if it is causing you a massive amount of stress.<\/p>\n\n

Just because something worked for 50 years doesn’t mean to say it will work in the sameway now.
\nWe live in a different world to the one we used to live in. 50 years ago the world was a lot slower, it was simpler. This is not right or wrong, it was just different to the world we live in now.<\/p>\n\n

50 years ago, pigs in blankets would have been handmade, I don’t know of many peoplewho would make them now.
\nIt that lazy? Is it wrong? For me, no. it just simplifies the process.
\nfor me Christmas is about doing what is important to you! Maybe the first step in this is to work out what is ‘important’ to you. Is it people, is it gifts, is it food, is it all of them?Whatever you do make it yours. Make it so as you can look back and say “I loved that Christmas” #christmasyourway<\/p>\n\n

During our recording we talked about some of things that we might not look forward to, one of those things was visiting people and particular family. There seems to be this overwhelming duty that when we get some off from work at Christmas (for those that get time off) that we should then spend this time visiting family. This only happens like this at this time of year, only at this time of year are expectations so high.<\/p>\n\n

Remember again, expectations that we have either learned or they belong to other people and we have taken them on board. If you want to see family and if you like your family, thenI would say this is brilliant. However, if you don’t like your family or you find them hard workor draining, then my question would be “why are you spending time with them”? as I’m writing, I’m hearing someone shout “duty” I get this, honestly I do. Particularly as people getolder, we never quite know how many more Christmases we may have with them, so there can be a sense of duty. If this is the case, then I encourage you to do the visiting on your terms. See them when you want to see them, stay for as long as you want to stay for. This is your Christmas also, #christmasyourway. Fran and I also talked about the invention of a new Christmas pizza (original idea from a recording with Alyce Bradbury) so what was on the pizza..? you will have to listen to find out.<\/p>\n\n

We also talked about the invention of Christmas eve boxes. This is a fairly new tradition, forthose who don’t know what a Christmas eve box is: you get it on Christmas eve, it contains things like, pyjamas, hot chocolate, maybe a Christmas film to watch, if I’m honest I’m notquite sure what goes into them as I have never had to make one up.<\/p>\n\n

It does feel like another expectation, yet more money to spend. What is wrong with just being together on Christmas eve? Why is there more desire or need to spend more money?And of course, if you don’t do it you are a bad parent. Well we know this is not true- Christmas eve box or not, you will have your own ways of being a good parent.<\/p>\n\n

I want to end by saying, I like Christmas, honestly, I do. I just don’t like what it has become, and the stress and anxiety we allow ourselves to be put through.
\nI would like to start a movement whereby people reclaim Christmas and make it their own, they make it about what ever they want. If you want Chinese for Christmas dinner, then what you should have.<\/p>\n\n

I’m speaking to more and more people that are doing Christmas the way they want to.<\/p>\n\n

I have a series of videos that I hope will help you all have a calmer more peaceful Christmas. To access follow me on Guthrietherapy Facebook page.<\/p>\n\n

I really hope you enjoy the recording, and I really hope it brings some peace.<\/p>\n\n

Till next time
\nLove and Peace<\/p>\n\n

Kevin<\/p>\n\n

#christmasyourway<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n

Listen to this weeks podcast and the rest from Kevin's Mental Health and Wellbeing series right here<\/a><\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46146"},{"id":"244-686171-5dde60e8026e7","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/music-is-power\/","title":"Music is power","date_published":"2019-11-27T11:41:00+00:00","summary":"Today we look at mental health and music, how both making and listening to music can be good for us.","content_html":"

We had a visit today from the lovely Shirley Novak, Community development manager at Newark’s Shaw mind foundation. Shirley also has a history in music and still loves to perform and record music.<\/p>\n\n

The Shawmind Foundation is a mental health charity based here in Newark. The Shawmind Foundation run a café in town called Breath.
\nBreath is a space to be, a space to breath, a space to be with like-minded people. Breath is currently sharing a space with Lets sxcape on the market place and is open most days.<\/p>\n\n

The Shawmind Foundation have also just released a community single, “Just Be You”
\nSix schools, one choir and over 400 voices with one powerful message. The single is available to buy from https:\/\/shawmindfoundation.org\/justbeyou\/ all proceeds go back to supporting people with mental health needs. Shirleyshares some really powerful story’s relating to Breaths success, to hear these you will have to listen in.<\/p>\n\n

During the recording we talked about human connection, something I feel we are missing at the moment, I have said this before, as humans we are biologically wired for human connection. We live in a world now where we are more digitally connected and much less humanly connected.<\/p>\n\n

Try this very simple exercise: ask the person you are with, or next with, “how are you”? when you do this look them in the eyes and really ask them.
\nWe have all got very used to making the question, “how are you” mean nothing at all. Our stock answer is “I’m fine” when often we are not. If wecould only speak with one another, connect with one another I feel there would be less mental health issues and lower suicide rates.<\/p>\n\n

We talked about other resources for poor mental health other than going to the GP. I’m not saying for a moment that you shouldn’t go to your GP but sometimes there are other avenues. There are lots of online resources, lots of self-help exercises. All of this depends on the level of discomfort you are feeling, trust that you will know what you need.<\/p>\n\n

Shirley talks very passionately about her own mental health, sexuality, Christianity and music.<\/p>\n\n

Music is such a powerful medium, both creating and listening to music. It connects us to past experience, it makes us feel, it evokes feelings like no other medium I know. Just a little tip for you regards music and mood: if you are feeling low and want to use music to lift your mood a little, or the<\/p>\n\n

\"page1image28426624\"<\/p>\n\n

opposite, you want to bring your energy down, try to choose music that isn’ttoo far away from where your mood is. If the music is too far away from your current mood, it will feel jarring and not comforting.<\/p>\n\n

Another interesting fact about music is some people will listen to the lyricsand some “feel” the music. Me? I feel the music, very rarely do I listen towords. Why? I have no idea; at the moment I haven’t worked out what thedifference is or why people do what they do. Watch this space for answers.<\/p>\n\n

Shirley also made an album called “let the summer come” which was made from her time in “Mind” and funded by the lottery, the album can still be accessed from letsummercome.com.<\/p>\n\n

My time with Shirley was fascinating, I loved our conversation.
\nIf you or anyone you know has a story or experience, they would like to share about mental health, we are always looking for guests on our podcasts<\/p>\n\n

These podcasts are yours, the listener, please let us know if there is a subject you would like us to cover, or a subject you would like to know more about.<\/p>\n\n

Take a listen to Shirleys podcast here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Listen to the the amazing track here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Happiness and peace.<\/p>\n\n

Kevin x<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46145"},{"id":"244-686171-5dd4510ccb2e9","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/a-mental-health-experience-cbt\/","title":"A mental health experience - CBT","date_published":"2019-11-20T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Today\u2019s guest is John Fretwell. John talked very openly about his own mental health story. It felt a real honour to hear this first-hand. A massive thank you to John for his bravery.\r\n","content_html":"

Today’s guest was John Fretwell. John talked very openly about his own mental ill health hehas experienced over the years. It takes great bravery to do this, John said “ if doing thisrecording helps someone else, then it’s worth speaking about” Johns mental health troublesstarted in his late 20s and went on for some years after that, if you want to hear more about this then you will have to listen in.<\/p>\n\n

The podcast begins with the listener question “what is CBT” CBT stands for CognitiveBehaviour therapy. It’s a very simple yet effective model, used widely by the NHS. I use it in my practice along with other models. CBT is great for unpicking behaviours, stopping or changing a behaviour. What is doesn’t do is help for us to understand why and where a certain behaviour came from. When we gain this knowledge, we become informed and empowered to change other things in the future.<\/p>\n\n


\nCBT is often described as a sticking plaster, that said I know lots of people who have gotten great results from this type of therapy. I would rather see someone engaging in CBT than no therapy at all.<\/p>\n\n

So how does it work? It works on the very simple circular model of: we think, we feel, we behave. Everything begins in the mind. For example, if I’m having unhealthy thoughts suchas “I’m not good enough, I’m useless, I’m rubbish, I’m a failure” then I’m going to begin feeling unhealthy in my thoughts. My emotions will become low and I will begin to feel alittle sad. If I’m feeling sad then my behaviours will also change in line with my mood. So, Imay be less likely to feed my self-good and healthy food, I may desire drinking a little more. I would be less likely to do all of the things that I know are healthy for me. All of this comes from the unhelpful thoughts and voices in our minds. It is really important we are as aware as we can be with regards the thought’s in our heads. Do you know how healthy yourthoughts are...?<\/p>\n\n

During the recording we also talked about self-esteem and in particular low self-esteem.
\nI may have written about this before, but honestly, I can’t talk about it too much. When we think about low self-esteem and the unhealthy voices in our heads, they are definitely connected.<\/p>\n\n


\nSelf-esteem like many things comes from childhood. Not always from abuse or our idea of trauma, low self-esteem can come from the most innocent of happenings. Primary carers separating, or perhaps the loss of a primary carer because of illness. As children if we experience either of those two things along with many other similar situations, we can read the situation as “I’m not good enough, that’s why they left” as adults we can make sense ofwhy we lose someone, as children we make up our own, sometimes unhealthy reasons. This in turn sets or begins to programme our minds into an unhealthy mindset.<\/p>\n\n


\nWe might assume that this would clear as we get older, but it doesn’t.
\nBefore the age of 7\/8 we refer to it as hard wiring. Imagine a house is built and the wiring and plumbing go in, 50 years on would the wiring or pluming automatically update itself? The answer is of course no. As humans its exactly the same. The low self-esteem, or any<\/p>\n\n

\"page1image46079296\"<\/p>\n\n

other characteristic or behaviour we developed when we were young doesn’t change itselfuntil we change it. We do this by either doing some self-exploration or working with a professional.<\/p>\n\n


\nSo, if you have habits or behaviours that you don’t like, that don’t serve you well, that causeyou discomfort, change them.<\/p>\n\n

One of the most common things I hear from people is “well it’s just the way I am”
\nwe can change anything about ourselves we want to, we just need to “want” too, there hasto be a drive to want to change, find the drive and anything is possible.<\/p>\n\n

If you’re not feeling happy or peaceful, change it. I know it seems flippant, but it’s importantto know that you are in charge of your world, your life, your Destiney.
\nFollow John and make the changes you want in life.<\/p>\n\n

If you know of anyone who you feel would benefit from hearing this or any of our otherpodcast’s or blogs, then please share.
\nIf you know of anyone who you think might have a story to share to help others, please ask them to get in touch.<\/p>\n\n

Feedback on the podcasts is always welcome, you can contact Newark radio or contact me direct on Guthrietherapys Facebook page. We record the podcasts for you, the listener, let us know if you like them, and please let us know if there are subjects that you would like to hear more about.<\/p>\n\n

Love and peace<\/p>\n\n

Kevin<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie "},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46144"},{"id":"244-686171-5dcbfbc3057fb","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/menopause\/","title":"Menopause","date_published":"2019-11-13T12:00:00+00:00","summary":"This week\u2019s guest is the lovely Nik Davis, coach and writer. We talked about, menopause, self-care and human connection amongst other things.\r\n","content_html":"

Joining us in the studio this week was Nik Davis. Nik was a management consultant before she took a career break to focus on her children and recover from PND. In Nik’s words “Ialso discovered grief, discovered what mortality meant and learned about life. Nik is now a writer with a passion to help people ‘show up and own up’<\/p>\n\n

During our conversation Nik talked about the menopause and her own recent experience of what it feels like and how it affects her life. We began the recording with a listener questionwhich was “how do I support my wife and her menopause”? you will have to listen in tohear Nik’s answer.<\/p>\n\n

I’m hearing more and more people talk about the menopause, as a man without a wife I know very little about it, what I’m hearing sounds really awful. I think it is great that we are having these conversations, it has to be the same as mental health, the more we talk about it the less people will feel isolated, the more help is accessed and hopefully the less personal pain people will feel.<\/p>\n\n


\nWe talked about self-care, how this looks to each person and how differently it can be viewed by each person. I may have written about this before, for me I can’t write or talk about this too much.<\/p>\n\n


\nSelf-care has to be the crooks of life, almost always when I’m working with a client, there will come a point when we have the talk about self-care. In therapy I use an exercise called“what’s my oxygen” the title comes from; those occasions when you are on an flight and they do the safety announcement, they always say: “please, if the oxygen mask falls always take your own oxygen first” They say this because if we didn’t, we would probably pass out,leaving us unbale to assist those who need help.<\/p>\n\n


\nIt’s the same in life. In the exercise I ask “how do you take your own oxygen” some peoplehave no idea what the answer is. The exercise is spit into sections, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. I do this because I learned quickly that the daily oxygen is just as important as the weekly or yearly stuff. What I have learned over the years is the daily oxygen is probably the most important as this is quite often the stuff that is ignored.
\nSo, what might we class as daily oxygen? The gym, a bubble bath, reading, walking the dogs, listening to some music. It doesn’t have to be massive; it just has to be yours.<\/p>\n\n


\nWhen I have those conversations with people as to why they may struggle to have their own oxygen, I have very similar answers: “I don’t have time, other people need me more, theirneeds are greater than mine, its selfish”. All of these are valid but of course stop us from being as healthy as we can be and when we are looking after someone else, our needs and our health become even more important. So please take care of yourself and work out what your oxygen is.<\/p>\n\n

We also talked a little about spirituality, what it means to Nik and how this also helps hermental health. I often find with spirituality that its very unique and individual. It’s a collection of beliefs that have been formed and taken from all sorts of sources over theyears, I know for me, that’s exactly what I mean by having spiritual beliefs.<\/p>\n\n

We also talked about the human connections Nik made during swimming and dog walking. As humans we are biologically wired to connect to other humans, yet we are probably are the least connected as a race, why? I can only answer from my perspective and beliefs. For me, the amazing digital age has a lot to answer for. I say it’s amazing because it is in so many ways, yet I do feel it has stopped us from connecting, talking, looking at each other in the eyes. Even via our digital way of connecting, there are so many unspoken rules or even, no rules. When did it become polite to not respond to another person, yet it feels okay not to respond, or does it? I sometimes feel myself being drawn into a world where it is okay notto respond, I don’t like it, because I know if someone doesn’t respond to me, I really dislikeit.<\/p>\n\n

We do live in a world where we might be more connected than ever before, but without rules, authenticity and real connection.
\nCommunication is one of our greatest needs, without clear authentic communication we will struggle.<\/p>\n\n

With all of the above in mind what can you do to make your world of communication healthier?<\/p>\n\n

As always please remember these podcasts are yours, we record them for you. If you feel they might help someone then please pass them on.
\nWe are always looking for guests, so if you have a story of experience around mental health then please do get in touch at:<\/p>\n\n

www.radionewark.co.uk<\/p>\n\n

01636 678 033<\/p>\n\n

studio@radionewark.co.uk<\/p>\n\n

Guthrietherapy Facebook page.<\/p>\n\n

Have a listen to Nik's story just here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Peace and happiness<\/p>\n\n

Kevin x<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46143"},{"id":"244-686171-5dc277d175723","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/holy-mental-health\/","title":"Holy Mental Health!","date_published":"2019-11-06T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"The Guru and the Reverend come together...","content_html":"

Today in the studio we had Rev David Pickersgill, from St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark. We had a really lovely chat about mental health and the church, listen in for the full picture.<\/p>\n\n

It was such a pleasure to meet and record with Rev David Pickersgill today. We had a really lovely chat about religion and mental health. I had to be really honest and up front and explain to David I have no real religious beliefs, although I do believe in something. I guess I would describe myself as spiritual.<\/p>\n\n

We talked about some of the similarities between what I might refer to as spiritual and what others might describe as religion. Prayer was an area we found one of these similarities. Every day in some way I give thanks and show gratitude to what I have in my life, on occasion I may look up and ask for a little extra help, on occasion I may look up and give thanks to some help or extra assistance I feel I may have received. Who am I thanking? Forme, I guess I’m thanking the universe. I do have a belief that we are taken care of, I do belief that this is stronger if I’m able to see and show what I’m grateful for. Some might see someof these actions as prayer and I might agree, but what came first a belief in the universe orreligion and does the answer really matter? For me it doesn’t matter at all. For me whatmatters is that people find some comfort in their actions.<\/p>\n\n

I have met many people in my life that get great comfort from religion. If a person is getting this comfort and peace, then for me that’s amazing. I do get a little nervous a religion or set of beliefs doesn’t offer or have space for the individual to develop their own version of what is being said. There are, as we know religions in the world that are so strict on their versionof the truth that it stunts a human’s ability to grow and develop.<\/p>\n\n

David and I talked about my fascination about the cross. I wear a cross around my neck, I have one tattooed on my upper arm, and I wear one on my wrist. I have already said I donot consider myself to be religious, yet for some unconscious reason I’m covered in thecross. I have thought about this a lot, I wondered if as a child there were crosses in the house, and as far as I can remember there were not, although mum was kind of catholic, I say kind of because she never quite fully believed, this partial belief came from her tight catholic upbringing, in my opinion.<\/p>\n\n

During this recording we chatted about the sense of community the church can bring into someone’s life. From a psychological point of view, it is well documented that as humans weare wired for human connection, although some people choose to deny this (usually through previous unhealthily or traumatic relationships) it is part of our being. Consider the social settings that we create, pubs, clubs, all manner of meetings, consider websites like“meet up’ a website created just to pull people together. Facebook offers something similarbut via a different medium. We thrive most when with others. The church offers this. The church can offer many things, a sense of belief, a sense of purpose, a place to go and be.<\/p>\n\n

I was quite taken by David’s conversation about his upbringing. And how he and the peoplearound him have always talked about their feelings and emotions. For him and those around him, this was the done thing, not to hold stuff in but to talk about it openly with others. This is such a healthy way to be, most of what I work with in therapy is people not knowing how to express or even recognise the emotions they are feeling. There are lots of reasons it feels like we have lost our way with expressing emotions, maybe in another blog I will talk bout them. It feels like the church has created a way we can communicate, a healthy way to communicate. I wonder also how, or if we could, replicate that? Imagine for a second a world where we all understood our emotions and feelings and therefore were able to able to handle and address them without so much trauma.<\/p>\n\n

We also asked the questions, what is authenticity? what is a sin? This led onto a lovelyquote about Michael Angelo’s David, to hear the quote you will have to listen in.<\/p>\n\n

I wonder if in the past, and this is certainly true for me, we have been quick to judge thechurch\/religion. We know it’s not perfect, we know, like all of life it has it flaws, but I do seeit brings peace into many people’s lives and that can’t be bad.
\nSt Marys and Magdalene are hosting a drop in on a Monday afternoon, 1-3 pm a place to be and chat with like-minded people.<\/p>\n\n

As always if you feel this podcast would benefit someone you know then please pass on. If you would like us to cover an area of mental health not yet covered then, let us know. You can contact me through Facebook at Guthrietherapy.<\/p>\n\n

These podcasts are yours, let us know how we are doing.<\/p>\n\n

Look at the items David mentions here<\/a> and here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Until next time.<\/p>\n\n

Peace and love<\/p>\n\n

Kevin x<\/p>","author":{"name":"Kevin Guthrie"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/3380\/blogs\/posts\/46142"},{"id":"244-686171-5dba7e6f36e28","url":"https:\/\/www.radionewark.co.uk\/blogs\/kevin-guthrie\/post\/nlp-and-leading-a-happier-life\/","title":"NLP & leading a happier life","date_published":"2019-10-30T00:00:00+00:00","summary":"Joining us this week in the studio we had the lovely Joe Roe. Joe is an NLP life coach, NLP stands for: Neuro-Linguistic Programming, in a nutshell NLP is learning the language of the mind. During this recording we talk more about NLP how it can help us to understand the mind, leading hopefully to a more enjoyable life.","content_html":"

Joining us this week in the studio we had the lovely Joe Roe. Joe is an NLP life coach, NLP is Neuro-Linguistic Programming, in a nutshell NLP is learning the language of the mind. During this recording we talk more about NLP how it can help us to understand the mind, leading hopefully to a more enjoyable life.<\/p>\n\n

We also talk about Joes journey into her current line of work, why she got into it and how she got into it.
\nLike many of us therapists and coach’s Joe came into the “helping arena” through her own issues. We are commonly known as “Wounded healers” I feel a little ambivalent about the term, partly it is true, however, we are not really healers as much as we are guides or supports to assist people into areas of their life they cannot reach on their own. I often findit interesting that when we consider the word “help “if we need help with a chest infection or a broken leg, we normally have no hesitation in stepping forward and looking for assistance. Yet when we have an issue with our heads we struggle to step forward and seek out the assistance we need. This is getting better as time goes on, we are getting more comfortable with looking for the support we need, this in itself is amazing.<\/p>\n\n

If I’m being honest, sometimes get a little uneasy at the range of mental health practitioners we now have. Mental health practitioners working under so many different titles “health and wellbeing coaches” “mind set coach” “counsellor” “coach” “psychotherapist” “mental health first aider” to name but a few.<\/p>\n\n

So why am I so concerned?
\nMy first concern is the confusion that may be being happening to an already miscommunicated and confused area (mental health) My other concern is that some, not all practitioners may be working out of their depth in terms of what issues are being dealt with. More often than not what is being presented will not be the base line issue. Sometimes the base line issue is much deeper than what is being presented. My hope is that the practitioner will recognise their own limits and know when to refer on. I’m also keen to say,I love that mental health is being talked about more, I love that we have more options now away from the traditional counselling and psychotherapy. But I do want it to be safe and that for you, the public, to get the very best service you can.
\nIf you like, follow these very simple steps into checking that your chosen practitioner is right for you.<\/p>\n\n