Women in Convenience Opinion: Focusing on health and wellbeing

As retailers, it’s so important we look after ourselves. We spend so much time listening to everyone else and work hard to make so many people happy. 

I wanted to ensure Mental Health Week (13- 19 May) was prioritised across our business. I allocated one of our staff members to be available to chat to customers between 10am to 12pm each day throughout the week. Customers were offered a cup of tea or coffee – it’s important for everyone to take time out. 

 Retailers must ensure they are taking time to network with each other, too, as some-times it can feel like you are stuck in a rut, and sharing your problems with people going through the same thing can be beneficial. I’d like to see more being done to support those working in independent retail.

Women in Convenience: Meet the ambassadors

Perhaps the government could provide a step-by-step guide, recommending five things to do to keep your health and well-being intact – such as drinking enough water, taking exercise or speaking to people. 

In terms of what I do, I try to take a break at Christmas and a few weekends here and there to focus on myself. I feel that women in particular have a lot to balance – whether that’s caring for children or their family – and so we tend to take more on. Try to find other female retailers in the same area as you, and perhaps do something together, like a book club or swimming. Doing an activity that takes your mind off the everyday can make a real difference to your mental health. 

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