Blogs

Helpful Reads, Tips and Knowledge

 Insights, Inspiration and Growth Await!

In a world that’s constantly evolving, our mental wellbeing can sometimes feel like it’s playing catch up. Here at Onward Shift we understand that mental health is not a one size fits all journey. Whether you’re seeking insights on going through stress in the workplace, tips for building healthier relationships or guidance on creating self compassion, you’ve come to the right place. Our blogs are your trusted companion through the many aspects of mental health and life. Each article is crafted with care, backed by research and aimed at offering you practical tools and heartfelt stories that resonate. Explore our stories below to find the support and inspiration you need, no matter where you are in your journey.

Because your mental wellness deserves attention, understanding and care, every single day!

Interested in learning something new? Reach out to us and we'll do our best to create something helpful just for you!

Brick by Brick Building Better Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Brick by Brick Building Better…

The construction industry has long been associated with resilience, physical strength and stoicism but behind the high-vis jackets and hard hats are individuals quietly carrying immense mental and emotional burdens.…

The Struggles in Construction and Why Mental Health Support Must Be a Priority

The Struggles in Construction and…

In the construction industry, we’ve been asking the tough questions. We’ve been listening to the voices of those who work tirelessly day after day and now it’s time to speak…

Addressing Mental Health and Loneliness in the UK Construction Industry!

Addressing Mental Health and Loneliness…

The construction industry, a cornerstone of the UK economy, employs over 2.7 million people in United Kingdom alone. Despite its critical importance, it is often characterised by a stoic, stiff-upper-lip…

Where Are All the Male Therapists in the UK?

Where Are All the Male…

Why We Need More Men Supporting Mental Health, Especially in Construction! Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get mentioned enough… Where are all the male therapists in the UK? In…

Mental Health in the Construction Industry: The Power of Keynote Speaking

Mental Health in the Construction…

The construction industry is renowned for its demanding work environments, tight deadlines and physically strenuous tasks. While these challenges are often seen as part of the job, there is one…

Person Centred Counselling in the Construction Industry

Person Centred Counselling in the…

Understanding Person-Centred Counselling The construction industry in the UK is one of the most physically demanding and high-pressure work environments. Long hours, tight deadlines, physical risks, and job instability can…

Integrative Counselling in the Construction Industry

Integrative Counselling in the Construction…

Understanding Integrative Counselling The construction industry is one of the most physically demanding and high-pressure sectors in the UK. Workers face long hours, tight deadlines, hazardous environments and the constant…

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health in Construction

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental…

Picture this. Three blokes sitting on a park bench on a warm spring day. The sun’s out, a light breeze moves through the trees and the scent of freshly cut…

Coaching and Counselling in the Construction Industry: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits

Coaching and Counselling in the…

The construction industry is one of the most demanding sectors, often requiring long working hours, high levels of physical and mental endurance, and the management of large scale projects, with…

The Journey of Onward Shift

The Journey of Onward Shift

Have you ever started something with immense passion, only to find yourself lost along the way? Perhaps the vision that was once so clear became clouded, leaving you wondering if…

 Mental Health is Critical in Construction Safety

 Mental Health is Critical in…

Work and Life Aren’t Separate Switches “Work stays at work. Home stays at home.” How often have we heard this? It’s an appealing sentiment but it’s far from realistic. The…

The Power of Consistency

The Power of Consistency

Consistency is a word that gets thrown around a lot in discussions about success, self improvement and personal growth. We hear it often, especially in motivational speeches or business seminars…

Neurodiversity in UK Construction

Neurodiversity in UK Construction

A Call to Rethink Neurodiversity in Construction The UK construction industry is a critical part of our economy and society, contributing £117 billion annually and employing over 2.4 million people.…

PPMs and Mental Health: A Parallel Worth Exploring

PPMs and Mental Health: A…

In the realm of maintenance, there’s a principle that serves as the backbone of smooth operations: Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPMs).  Whether you’re managing a small building or an industrial plant,…

The Sadness Around Mental Health and Suicide in Construction

The Sadness Around Mental Health…

It’s worse than I thought, much worse 💔 Over the past week, I’ve been speaking with construction workers across different companies and the stories I’ve heard are nothing short of…

Setting Standards for Domestic Job Quotes

Setting Standards for Domestic Job…

When preparing a quote for domestic jobs, do you include a clause requesting access to essential amenities like functioning toilets, fresh water and electricity for tools? At first glance, this…

Bridging the Generational Gap in Construction

Bridging the Generational Gap in…

The construction engineering industry is a complex field that merges technical expertise with practical, on-the-ground skills. As buildings, infrastructure and cities evolve, the demand for efficient and innovative construction methods…

The Unseen Heroes of Construction

The Unseen Heroes of Construction

Every day, engineers and construction workers play a critical role in keeping our homes, offices and essential infrastructure functional but all too often, they are judged by their appearance rather…

It’s Time for a Change in the Construction Industry: Confronting the Mental Health Crisis

It’s Time for a Change…

The construction industry is one of the most physically demanding and hazardous professions in the world. But beneath the hard hats and steel toe cap boots lies another, often invisible…

The Reality of Loneliness in Entrepreneurship: Building a Community for Mental Health Support

The Reality of Loneliness in…

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where ambition meets determination, there’s a lesser known companion that often walks alongside many on their journey: loneliness. It’s a silent, pervasive feeling that…

My Daily Battle with ADHD: A Journey of Struggles, Strengths and Self-Discovery

My Daily Battle with ADHD:…

Living with ADHD can be a challenging life, filled with highs and lows. It can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how you approach it. For me,…

Recharging for a Healthier You: Prioritising Well-being in the Demanding World of Construction

Recharging for a Healthier You:…

In today’s high-pressure construction and engineering industries, prioritising personal well-being is often overshadowed by project deadlines, intense physical demands, and the constant need for precision. Just as the heavy machinery…

How Coaching Can Improve Your Mental Health?

How Coaching Can Improve Your…

In today’s fast-paced and often demanding world, mental health has become a priority for millions seeking greater well-being and balance. Whether facing career pressures, personal challenges, or simply navigating the…

Let’s Change the Narrative: We CAN Burn Out Doing What We Love!

Let’s Change the Narrative: We…

In recent years, conversations around mental health have thankfully gained momentum, and one area of focus has been the increasingly common experience of burnout. Yet despite the progress, myths about…

Passing Down Wisdom: Helping Young People Navigate Mental Health and Support ​

Passing Down Wisdom: Helping Young…

In a world filled with constant change, uncertainty, and mounting pressures, one of our most meaningful responsibilities is to pass down wisdom to the younger generation. We do this not…

A Simple Act Can Make a Big Difference: Mental Health Awareness

A Simple Act Can Make…

In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, it’s easy to overlook the simple gestures that can make a significant difference in someone’s life. This week, I want to…

The Past Doesn’t Define You: Embrace Your Future with Bold Choices

The Past Doesn’t Define You:…

Life is a journey, a winding path filled with countless experiences, memories, and lessons that shape our identities and perspectives. Each twist and turn along the way contributes to the…

Breaking Barriers: Mental Health, Coaching and Changing Times!

Breaking Barriers: Mental Health, Coaching…

Fifty years ago, the concept of mental health was often met with skepticism and misunderstanding. Picture this: someone mentioning that they were visiting a mental health specialist. The reactions back…

Reevaluating Hustle Culture: Finding Balance in Mental Health, Career and Business Ownership

Reevaluating Hustle Culture: Finding Balance…

In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of hustle culture is undeniable. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that constant work and relentless productivity are the keys to success…

Bored of Routine, Looking for Change?

Bored of Routine, Looking for…

Do you wake up every morning dreading the day ahead, feeling trapped in the monotony of your job? Are you longing for a change but unsure how to break free…

What is A Check-in Buddy

What is A Check-in Buddy

At its core, accountability is the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for your actions. It's about taking ownership of our tasks, decisions, and their outcomes. Accountability ensures that commitments…

The Difference Between Nutrition and Exercise: 10 Reasons Why They Are Unique and How They Work Hand in Hand

The Difference Between Nutrition and…

Here, we delve into the key differences between nutrition and exercise and explore how they synergise to enhance your well-being.

Managing Expectations in Relationships

Managing Expectations in Relationships

Setting expectations is inevitable when it comes to relationships, whether romantic, family, or friendships; however, setting high expectations can often lead to disappointment and strain.

Taking On Life’s Journey: 10 Reasons Why Life Coaching Can Guide You

Taking On Life’s Journey: 10…

Life is unpredictable, with challenges, opportunities, and countless decisions. Navigating this complex path can often feel overwhelming, leaving many seeking guidance and clarity.

Living With ADHD: Daily Life and Finding Balance in Construction

Living With ADHD: Daily Life…

Living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in the construction and engineering sectors isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s a daily endeavor that blends creative problem-solving with adaptability. Every day…

Thriving as an Entrepreneur in Construction : Strategies to Navigate Business Challenges

Thriving as an Entrepreneur in…

Entrepreneurship is often romanticised as an exhilarating journey filled with freedom, creativity, and success. While it can be all those things, the entrepreneurial lifestyle also comes with its fair share…

Why Mental Health Matters in Construction : Essential Tips for Improving Your Well-Being

Why Mental Health Matters in…

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being: mental health. Often overshadowed by physical health, mental health is just…