Work is a large element of our lives. And whilst it's important to find a job that you enjoy, having the space to switch off, recharge and spend time on the things that matter most to each of us is just as important.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, with this year’s theme focusing on taking action for our mental wellbeing. Often, it’s the small, everyday things that make the biggest difference. To bring this to life, we asked our team to complete the following sentence:
“When I’m not at work, you’ll find me…”
Their responses show there’s no single way to look after your mental health, it’s about finding what works for you.
Getting outdoors
Spending time outside came through strongly from our team, whether it’s fresh air, exercise, or simply slowing the pace down for a while.
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me out walking our spaniel, Tilly – a mud‑loving, puddle‑finding expert! Getting outdoors and making the most of the Peaks… is one of the best ways for me to switch off and reset.” Michelle Adams
“When I’m not in the office, you’ll usually find me with my fur baby, Margot – ideally at the beach.” Jade Blount
"When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me walking round Rother Valley with my sister. We have a catch‑up, get some exercise and at this time of year enjoy looking at the wildlife. This week it was ducklings, cygnets and the tiniest moor hen chicks you have ever seen” Julie Dixon
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me in Filey with my dog Matilda - We love going for a walk along the beach - it helps both of us unwind. Andy Irvine
Moving more
For others, switching off comes through movement whether that’s structured exercise or something a bit more high‑energy.
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me enjoying a game of golf in the sun.” Howard Freeman
"It will come as no surprise to anyone that my wellbeing outside of work comes from my golf - getting outside in the fresh air & normally in some beautiful surroundings, good social company and then having to focus on something else such as keeping the ball out of the water, sand or forest." Ian Robinson
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me travelling the country representing Sheffield in ice hockey… a great way to switch off.” Liam Buttery
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me at the gym.” Anita Purslove
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me dancing.” Lynne Gill
Time with people (and pets)
For many, it’s connection with family, friends or four‑legged companions that helps create space to reset.
“When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me spending time with my two girls and my husband… brunching, grabbing a matcha and going to Pilates.” Anisa Malik
“When I'm not at work, you'll often find me at a family BBQ – the last one was ‘Cowboys’ themed.” Chris Allen
“When I'm not at work, you'll often find me spending time with my dog Hallie.” Becky Overton
“When I'm not at work, you'll often find me out walking in the fresh air with my husband.” Jo Grant
Small actions, real impact
What stands out across all of these is how simple many of these actions are. They’re not about big changes or perfect routines, just taking a bit of time to do something that helps you feel good, switch off, or reconnect with what matters.
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach to wellbeing. What matters is finding something that works for you and making space for it where you can.
This Mental Health Awareness Month is a good reminder to take a step back and ask:
What helps you switch off?
Because whatever your answer is, it counts.
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