Go-to ways to unwind

This year, campaigners are encouraging participants to #LeadWithLove by practising small acts of kindness and taking time for self-care.

Between the hustle and bustle of 100% Optical this year, the OT team polled attendees on their top methods for unwinding.

Ceri Smith-Jaynes, optometrist and clinical editor for multimedia at Optometry Today

"Personally, it’s always about getting out into nature. I live at the beach, so I’ll just hop over a sand dune and go walking out into nothing sometimes. It’s wonderful.

"When I can’t get out and about, I like to do some short meditations that are attached to my Fitbit. I also like to draw. You can pass a lot of time focusing on detailed sketching. I’m not great at it but it is a really nice way to relax."

Peter Greedy, optometrist, entrepreneur and leadership coach

"My happy place is outdoors. I love to walk, and I try to do a 5K speed walk every day. Even when I’m in practice, I’ll try to have a quick walk in my lunch break – weather permitting. I’m often out hiking in the hills and mountains, taking in nature, and getting some exercise."

Karen Gennard, optometrist, AOP Councillor for the South West of England, and AOP Board member

"As optometrists we spend so much time in small, dark, indoor spaces. My real unwinding is being outside in the fresh air, but particularly swimming outside. In cold water, whatever the temperature, and whether a beach, river, or lake. It gives me time to quiet my mind and enjoy the sunshine – and sometimes the really cold, frosty mornings as well."

Claire Slade, optometrist and head of professional advancement and governance at Hakim Group

"I think it’s the complete picture. When it comes to exercise, I love a bit of yoga. I have a yoga retreat booked so that’s my go-to. I also like running. But I find eating well complements those things. If I eat rubbish, then I feel rubbish and I won’t fancy running and yoga. I really work on my wellbeing."

Zainab Suleman, optometrist, co-founder Kindsight Opticians and Rebel Eyewear

"We scroll through social media, don’t we. I send memes to people – that's my unwinding."

Gillian Sibeth, dispensing optician, and product development manager at Duncan & Todd group

"I like to go out for some peace and quiet and listen to nature. I love listening to the birds and being aware of my surroundings. A walk is the thing that helps me wind down."

Nicola Nisbet, optometrist and lead clinical performance consultant at Specsavers

"I have a whole heap of animals at home. I do competitive dressage and I have two competition horses. When I’m riding, I can think of nothing else."

Pamela Roberston, optometrist, founder and clinical director at Angus Optix, a Hakim Group independent practice

"When I’m unwinding, I love nothing better than to put my wellies on and go tromping up the hills with the dogs."