Have you ever been so absorbed in something that you completely lost track of time? Finding your flow can happen when we’re doing something we genuinely enjoy, whether that’s getting creative, exercising, playing music, cooking, gardening, working or even having a conversation that we’re completely engaged in.

For a while, everything else seemed to disappear. You weren’t thinking about what happened earlier in the day or what you needed to do later – you were simply there, completely immersed in what you were doing.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described this experience as “flow” – a psychological state where we become deeply absorbed in an activity and experience a sense of focus, enjoyment and effortless involvement.

Flow is more than simply concentrating.

When we’re in flow, several things tend to happen at the same time. We become deeply focused on the task in front of us, distractions fade into the background, and we can become less aware of time passing.

The activity itself becomes rewarding. Rather than constantly thinking about the end result, we’re engaged in the process.

You might notice that:

• • Time seems to pass very quickly.
  • You’re completely absorbed in what you’re doing.
  • Your attention feels naturally focused.
  • You’re less aware of yourself or external distractions.
  • The task feels challenging, but achievable.
  • You have a clear sense of what you’re trying to accomplish.
  • You receive some form of feedback as you go.
  • You feel a sense of satisfaction from the activity itself.

Importantly, flow isn’t necessarily about being productive.

You can experience flow while working, but you can also experience it while painting, running, gardening, playing an instrument, building something, gaming or engaging in a hobby.

Flow is about engagement, not achievement.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, making it a useful opportunity to think about attention in a slightly different way.

ADHD is often discussed in terms of difficulties with attention, but attention isn’t simply something that people either have or don’t have. For people with ADHD, attention can be strongly influenced by factors such as interest, novelty, challenge and reward.

This is one reason why someone with ADHD might become intensely absorbed in an activity they’re interested in, while finding it difficult to start or maintain attention on something that feels repetitive, uninteresting or overwhelming.

This intense absorption is sometimes referred to as hyperfocus. While hyperfocus and flow aren’t exactly the same thing, they can share similarities, including deep concentration and reduced awareness of what’s happening around us.

Understanding this can help challenge the idea that ADHD simply means someone “can’t concentrate”. The reality is more complicated. It can be less about an absence of attention and more about how attention is regulated.

Whether you have ADHD or not, our modern lives give our attention plenty of competition. Notifications, emails, social media, constant messages and the pressure to multitask can make it difficult to become deeply immersed in anything.

Sometimes the biggest distraction isn’t external at all. Our minds can be busy thinking about yesterday, worrying about tomorrow, replaying a conversation or running through our never-ending to-do list.

This is why creating the right conditions for focus can be so valuable – and those conditions may look different for everyone. For one person, it might mean putting their phone away and working in silence. For someone else, background music, movement or working alongside another person might make it easier to engage.

There isn’t one perfect way to find your flow.

We don’t need to eliminate every distraction or spend hours in perfect concentration. It might simply mean creating small pockets of time where we allow ourselves to become absorbed in something.

We can’t force ourselves into flow. But we can create conditions that make deep engagement more likely. You could try:

These observations can give us clues about the environments and activities that support our wellbeing.

There’s a tendency to talk about flow as a way of becoming more productive, efficient or successful. But perhaps there’s another way of looking at it.

In a world where our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions, being able to become fully present in something can be valuable in itself.

Flow reminds us that wellbeing isn’t only about reducing stress or managing difficult emotions. It can also involve experiencing engagement, enjoyment, curiosity and connection.

Sometimes the most beneficial thing we can do isn’t another item on our to-do list.

It might be picking up a hobby, going for a walk, getting creative, playing music, cooking something from scratch, working with our hands or simply doing something that makes us forget to check the clock.

Finding your flow isn’t about being productive every minute of the day. It’s about discovering the activities and environments where you feel absorbed, engaged and fully present.

And perhaps, in a world that’s constantly competing for our attention, that’s something worth making space for.

Founded in 2018 by Vicki Haworth and Charlie Bell, both of whom previously worked within the NHS, Isorropia was created to fill a gap in mental health support on the Island.

Our focus is prevention – giving people practical tools and strategies to look after their wellbeing, build resilience and manage life’s challenges before they reach crisis point.

We believe everyone can benefit from learning more about their mental wellbeing, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis.

Everything we do is built around our Five Keys to Wellbeing:

• Stability – creating a strong foundation.
• Lifestyle – developing healthy and balanced habits.
• Acceptance – learning to accept and let go.
• Mindset – developing an open and positive outlook.
• Meaning – connecting with purpose and what matters to us.

These aren’t simply ideas to think about. Our programmes turn them into practical tools that members can use in everyday life.

Our programmes are delivered through professionally facilitated group workshops.

For some people, joining a group can feel daunting at first. But there’s something incredibly powerful about discovering that you’re not alone.

Members don’t have to share personal experiences. They can simply listen, learn and participate at a level they’re comfortable with.

Alongside the practical tools, that sense of connection and belonging can make a huge difference to wellbeing.

Our GIFT Foundation Course introduces members to the Five Keys to Wellbeing and encourages them to explore what matters to them, understand themselves better and identify meaningful goals.

Members can then continue onto a five-week follow-on programme to help turn those goals into positive, sustainable changes.

We also offer a wide range of CPD-accredited workshops covering topics such as anxiety, low mood, confidence, emotional regulation, relationships, communication, neurodiversity and wellbeing planning.

Members can choose the workshops that feel most relevant to them – because wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

After completing the wellbeing programme, our members become part of the wider Isorropia community, where they can keep attending workshops, join wellbeing walks, and take part in community activities with us.

Life changes, and sometimes we all need a reminder of the tools that help us stay well.

Discover what we offer and explore what your journey as an Isorropia member could look like: CLICK HERE.

Anyone aged 16 or over can access Isorropia, and there are no waiting lists. One of the biggest ways you can support our work is simply by spreading the word.

There are still many Islanders who don’t know that this free service exists. Sharing our information with a friend, family member or colleague could help someone take that first step towards better wellbeing.

A huge thank you to Red Squirrel Property Shop for choosing us as their Charity of the Month and helping us reach more people across the Island.

Together, we can help create a healthier, more connected Isle of Wight.

August often brings a change of pace, with school holidays in full swing and many children enjoying a break from school. For many, it is a month of connection, adventure and making memories. For others, it can be a challenging time as routines shift and emotions feel heightened.

Whether you’re enjoying time with family, taking a break, or simply trying to keep up with everyday life, August can also be an opportunity to pause and reflect on your own wellbeing.

This month, we’re exploring three important awareness themes that remind us to look after ourselves and those around us: finding joy in the everyday, making space for those experiencing grief, and challenging the stigma around addiction and overdose.

Throughout August, Happiness Happens Month encourages people to notice and share moments of happiness.

Sometimes, when life feels difficult, we stop noticing the good moments because they feel too small to matter. But small moments do matter. They can give the nervous system a break. They can remind us that life is not only the hard thing we are going through. They can help us build hope, one moment at a time.

As humans, we often feel the need to sort our emotions into neat boxes. We want to know which one is “the real one.” Am I happy or sad? Am I coping or struggling? Am I hopeful or scared?

Life is rarely just one emotion at a time. In reality, our emotional lives are far more layered than that. Emotional wellbeing is not about choosing one feeling and pushing the others away. It is about making space for the fact that we can feel many things at once.

We can experience happiness while carrying grief. We can need rest while juggling responsibilities. We can feel hopeful while still feeling uncertain. We can laugh with someone we love and still be quietly holding something painful underneath.

You might ask yourself:

• • What has made me smile recently?
  • Where do I feel most at ease?
  • Who helps me feel like myself?
  • What is one small thing I could do today that would feel kind to me?

This August, look for the flowers growing between the weeds. Life doesn’t have to be free of challenges for moments of joy, peace and hope to take root.

The 30th of August marks National Grief Awareness Day, a reminder that grief is something we all experience, yet many of us still find it difficult to talk about.

When we think of grief, we often think of losing someone we love. But grief can also come from the loss of a relationship, changes in our health, family estrangement, addiction, redundancy, moving away, or letting go of the future we had imagined for ourselves. At its heart, grief is our response to losing something that mattered.

Grief is rarely predictable. It doesn’t follow a timeline or move neatly through stages. Instead, it comes in waves. One day you may feel able to laugh and enjoy life, and the next, a memory, place or song can bring the pain rushing back. It can show up as sadness, anger, numbness, anxiety, exhaustion, poor sleep or difficulty concentrating. Every person’s experience is different, and every response is valid.

When someone is grieving, we often worry about saying the wrong thing. In reality, people rarely need perfect words. What they usually need is to know they don’t have to carry their grief alone. Sometimes the simplest words are the most meaningful:

• • I’m thinking of you.
  • I don’t know what to say, but I’m here.
  • You don’t have to pretend with me.
  • Would you like to tell me about them?
  • Can I sit with you for a while?
  • Is there anything that’s feeling particularly heavy right now that you’d like to talk through?

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can offer is permission. Permission for grief to last as long as it needs to. Permission for someone to smile without feeling guilty, or to cry long after others expect them to have “moved on”. Most importantly, permission to be honest about how they’re feeling without worrying they’ll be judged, rushed or expected to hide their emotions. Grief doesn’t have a finish line, and compassion reminds us that it doesn’t need one.

Grief also reminds us of the importance of compassion, especially when loss is surrounded by stigma or misunderstanding. The 31st of August marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind, and encourage open, compassionate conversations about addiction and recovery.

Addiction is complex and cannot be reduced to a simple explanation. There is rarely a single reason why someone develops a dependency; instead, it is often shaped by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors, and it can affect people from all walks of life. Recovery is possible, but it is seldom a straight or predictable path, often involving setbacks alongside moments of progress, and requiring perseverance, patience and support along the way.

Whether someone is navigating addiction themselves, supporting a loved one, or grieving someone they have lost, compassion can make a meaningful difference. It might look like listening without feeling the need to fix, checking in without making assumptions, or simply reminding someone that they are not alone in what they are facing. Every conversation rooted in kindness helps to challenge stigma, and brings us one step closer to a world where more people feel safe enough to reach out and ask for help.

If you or someone you know is affected by addiction, support is available. Free advice and support can be accessed through Inclusion Isle of Wight, while Equilibrium Project offers private support for people affected by alcohol and addiction, including detox services.

Even if addiction hasn’t affected you personally, informing ourselves is a powerful first step towards reducing stigma and knowing how to respond in an emergency. The International Overdose Awareness Day website offers free, evidence-based resources on overdose prevention: CLICK HERE. Recovery begins with understanding, and every conversation rooted in compassion can make a difference.

With the lovely weather we’ve been enjoying recently, many of us have been spending more time outdoors, catching up with friends and family, and making the most of the longer days. Sunshine and fresh air can do wonders for our wellbeing, but they can also remind us of the importance of staying connected, looking after ourselves, and supporting those around us.

July offers us several important opportunities to reflect on our wellbeing, our relationships, and the ways we care for ourselves and each other.

This month brings together four awareness campaigns that share a common theme: we all benefit from connection, support and understanding.

Many people experience periods where they keep their struggles to themselves, even when they know talking could help. We might worry about burdening others, fear being judged, or simply not know how to put our feelings into words.

Talk to Us Month reminds us that opening up can be one of the most powerful steps we take for our wellbeing.

Talking doesn’t always solve a problem immediately, but it can reduce feelings of isolation, help us process difficult emotions, and remind us that support is available.

If you’re finding things difficult:

Equally, if someone opens up to you, you don’t need to have all the answers. Often, listening without judgement is one of the most valuable things you can offer.

6th-12th July

Alcohol can be woven into many aspects of our culture, from celebrations and social gatherings to winding down after a busy day. For many people, drinking is an occasional and enjoyable part of life. However, Alcohol Awareness Week invites us to look beyond the social norms and consider how alcohol may be affecting our physical health, mental wellbeing and daily lives.

Regular or excessive drinking can affect:

• Sleep quality, leaving us feeling less rested and more vulnerable to stress.
• Mood and emotional resilience, increasing feelings of anxiety or depression.
• Relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
• Physical health, energy levels and motivation.
• Financial wellbeing, particularly when alcohol use begins to affect spending habits or employment.
• Our ability to cope with challenges in healthy and sustainable ways.

Alcohol Awareness Week encourages us to pause and reflect on our relationship with alcohol, without judgement or shame. Asking ourselves a few honest questions can be a valuable starting point:

• Why am I drinking?
• How do I feel before, during and after drinking?
• Is alcohol helping me cope, or is it masking something I need support with?
• Have my drinking habits changed over time?
• Could I benefit from reducing my intake or introducing more alcohol-free days?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and everyone’s circumstances are different. The aim is not to label or criticise, but to build awareness. By understanding our habits and the reasons behind them, we can make informed choices that better support our long-term health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The Equilibrium Project offers specialist support for people affected by alcohol and addiction, including access to detox services and ongoing recovery support.

24th July

When people hear the phrase “self-care”, they often think of treats, pampering or taking a break. While those things can be enjoyable, genuine self-care is often much simpler – and sometimes less glamorous.

Self-care is about consistently meeting our physical, emotional and mental needs.

It might look like:

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an essential part of maintaining our wellbeing and enabling us to support others effectively.

The International Day of Self-Care serves as a reminder that small, consistent actions often have a greater impact than occasional grand gestures.

30th July

Human connection is one of the strongest protective factors for our mental health.

Friends can provide encouragement during difficult times, celebrate our successes, offer perspective when life feels challenging, and remind us that we belong.

Yet in busy lives, friendships can sometimes slip down our list of priorities.

This International Day of Friendship, consider:

• • Sending a message to someone you’ve not spoken to for a while.
  • Arranging a catch-up over coffee or a walk.
  • Checking in with a friend who may be having a difficult time.
  • Letting people know you appreciate them.

Meaningful relationships don’t require constant contact. Often, a simple message saying “I’m thinking of you” can make a real difference.

Although these awareness days focus on different topics, they share an important message: wellbeing grows through connection – connection with ourselves and connection with others.

Talking openly, reflecting on our habits, practising self-care, and nurturing friendships all contribute to stronger mental health and greater resilience.

This July, we encourage you to take one small step. Reach out. Check in. Listen. Rest. Connect.

Because sometimes the smallest actions have the biggest impact.

What is one thing you’d like to work on this July? Whether it’s opening up more, prioritising self-care, strengthening friendships, or making positive changes to your relationship with alcohol, setting a small, achievable goal can be a great place to start.

If you’d like to learn more about Isorropia Foundation, please feel free to get in touch.

Loneliness is also far more common than many people realise.

It doesn’t always mean physically being alone. Sometimes, loneliness can exist even when we are surrounded by people – at work, in relationships, within friendship groups, or while constantly connected online. It can feel like going through the motions without truly feeling seen, heard, or understood.

Modern life moves quickly, and many of us are juggling responsibilities, routines, and pressures every day. In the middle of all of that, meaningful connection can slowly become something we unintentionally neglect – both with others and with ourselves.

Someone can appear confident, busy, social, and still feel deeply disconnected underneath the surface. Many people continue showing up for work, family, and everyday responsibilities while quietly struggling with feelings of loneliness.

Social media can sometimes add to this too. While it helps us stay connected in many ways, it can also create pressure to appear happy, productive, or constantly surrounded by others. Comparing ourselves to carefully filtered snapshots of other people’s lives can leave us feeling even more disconnected.

It’s important to remember that loneliness is a human experience, not a personal failure.

• feeling emotionally drained
• increased stress or worry
• low motivation
• difficulty sleeping
• withdrawing from people or activities
• struggling to concentrate
• feeling “flat” or disconnected from daily life

For some people, loneliness can also make it harder to prioritise self-care or reach out for support. When we feel disconnected, even small things can begin to feel heavier or more difficult to manage.

That’s why conversations around loneliness matter so much. Simply acknowledging these feelings without shame can be an important first step.

Many people worry that admitting they feel lonely will make them appear weak, unlikeable, or as though they are failing in some way. Others may feel they “should” be coping better or believe everyone else has stronger support around them.

The reality is that many people feel this way at different points in life.

Changes in routine, moving, relationship breakdowns, remote working, stress, caring responsibilities, burnout, or major life transitions can all affect our sense of connection. Sometimes loneliness develops gradually without us even fully noticing it at first.

Being kinder to ourselves around these feelings is important. We are not meant to navigate everything alone.

Even brief moments of genuine connection can help remind us that we are not alone.

Isorropia Foundation was built around the belief that support should not feel temporary or conditional. Rather than a “discharge” mindset, we wanted to create a community where people could continue building relationships, socialising, encouraging one another, and accessing support for as long as they need.

It is also why we use the term “members” rather than “patients.” To us, becoming part of Isorropia means joining something bigger than a service alone. It reflects connection, belonging, and being part of a supportive community – not simply coming and going through a system. Everyone’s journey is different, and we believe people deserve spaces where they feel welcomed, valued, and able to stay connected for as long as they need.

Thanks to our wonderful members and dedicated team, the Isorropia Community continues to grow and evolve.

Sometimes the smallest actions – checking in with someone, starting a conversation, or allowing ourselves to be honest about how we feel – can make a real difference.

If you’ve been struggling with loneliness or feeling disconnected, please know you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to help. Click here to get in touch or complete this quick online form to let us know you’d like to become a member.

And as important as that is, this year’s theme – Action – is where things get more practical. Because most people don’t actually struggle with awareness. They struggle with what to do next.

That quiet thought in the background – the thing you keep brushing past – that’s awareness.

The challenge isn’t noticing it. It’s doing something about it.

• “It’s not that bad”
• “I should be able to handle this myself”
• “I don’t have time”
• “I don’t even know where to start”
• “I’ll wait until I feel more ready”

The problem is, that moment rarely just arrives.

“Taking action” can sound like pressure. Like you need to fix everything, make big decisions, or completely change your routine. But that’s not realistic – and it’s not necessary. Real change usually starts much smaller.

Here are some that genuinely make a difference, not because they’re groundbreaking, but because they’re doable:

• What have I been avoiding?
• What do I already know needs to change?
• What’s one small thing I could do this week that would help?

Not five things. Not a full plan. Just one. And then, (this is the important part) …follow through!

Awareness is a good starting point. But on it’s own, it wont bring positive change. Action will!

It doesn’t need to be perfect or constant action. Just enough to move you out of the same cycle.

The best part is you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Isorropia Foundation, we’re here to support you in moving from awareness into action – in a way that feels realistic, grounded, and sustainable.

Because understanding yourself is important – but real change comes from what you do with that understanding.