Make Me Happier

16 October 2009, 09:45

Michael was once a confident go getter with a bright career and exciting life in London but after his relationship broke down, Michael’s life spiralled out of control;  He lost his job, his flat and got into trouble with the law due to debt. This is Michael’s story in his own words.

“I made a mistake. I was at my lowest ebb. I’d split from my girlfriend, I had to quit my job as a probation officer. I had to give up my flat. I was in London, miles away from home. I had no one to turn to and I got myself into serious debt.

“I ended up having to complete 200 hours of community service but I’m trying to pull myself together and I’m now at nursing college.   But I’m a shell of my former self. I used to enjoy stress, now I’m constantly on edge.

“I’m 32 and my confidence is at an all time low. I just want to be happy again.”

What the experts say

Michael needs to acknowledge that, although he’s had some knocks, he’s actually achieved a great deal in his 32 years.

Relieve your stress
Michael was once a competent martial arts student. He needed to reconnect with who he once was. Through the sport of archery, instructor Gerry Parks shows Michael a new hobby to help him destress, using the same skills he learnt through martial arts: breathing, composure and concentration. Watch Gerry's top tips to enjoy archery here.

Michael also attended a motivational drill routine run by former Sergeant Major of the Army, Richard “Nooky” Nauyokas. During the routine Michael turned into a drill sergeant and was in control of a platoon of 20 soldiers. Watch Nooky's top tips to improve your confidence here.

Nooky, as he is more widely known, believes that being part of the drill routine showed Michael how stress can be properly channelled and released. Overall, he wanted to prove to Michael that if he can control the finest fighting men he can surely have control over his own destiny.

You ‘can do’ it
Sandy Murray, a retired RAF officer who is now a mountain guide based in Inverness, helped Michael scale Ben Nevis. Facing a big challenge such as climbing the highest mountain in the British Isles helped Michael rediscover the old confident “can do” Michael. He claims that mountains are natural tension relievers which help people escape everyday life. With such a beautiful landscape to explore, Sandy wonders why more Scots don’t enjoy what’s on their doorstep. Watch Sandy's top tips to get into the outdoors.

Further information and Links
Find out more about how to overcome confidence and worrying here.

Last updated: 25 November 2009, 12:44