'Me' time

We often hear the phrase ‘me’ time, but how many of us realise how important it is for our wellbeing? Veteran Craig talks about the importance of taking ‘me’ time for his self-care after treatment for PTSD.

Craig joined the Territorial Army when he was 17. He served for 28 years, with tours to Belize, Bosnia and Iraq.

 “There was an incident in Bosnia that changed me completely. For years after I felt like I was reliving it daily.

It wasn’t long before Craig was diagnosed with PTSD. He had been referred to different talking therapies through the NHS, but still struggled. Eventually a therapist referred Craig to Combat Stress.

“I started going to occupational therapy groups, where I could talk openly with other veterans about my experience.

“We gave each other great support. I learnt practical ways of taking better care of my mental health, as well as how to use mindfulness to bypass bad thoughts.

 “I worked out that having ‘me’ time is massively important. My ‘me’ time is when I’m doing what I love – whether that’s being out on my motorbike or walking up hills and mountains.

“Being on my bike makes my mind feel clear. When I’m having a bad day and need to get out of the house, I’ll go for a ride on my motorbike and stop off for a coffee somewhere.

“I also love hill-walking. Being out in the open air and countryside makes me feel good. Walking up hills and mountains really takes it out of me physically, which helps to take my mind off the other things in life – even the things that can stress me out.

“’Me’ time is different for everyone. Taking pleasure in the things you enjoy in life is key to staying in the present.”

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