02 October 2025
For one person, comfort may be found reading indoors as raindrops make their slow journey down the window.
For another, taking a stroll through the countryside on a cloudless day may be a source of deep satisfaction.
Whatever form happiness takes for you, taking time out to reset and recharge can boost personal satisfaction and lead to a more productive workplace.
OT speaks with optical professionals about the everyday rituals that nurture their physical and mental health – as well as the steps they take to support the happiness of their teams.
Podcasts and meditation
Dispensing optician, Emma Woodhouse, told OT that her daily happiness habit varies each day – from savouring a nice cup of coffee to listening to a podcast or audiobook while out walking.
The High Performance podcast, Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s Make change that lasts and Sara Davies’ The Six-Minute Entrepreneur are on Woodhouse’s playlist.
“I like to keep focused on things that enhance me at work during my lunch breaks. It helps me stay in the work zone but takes me out of any stresses that I may be encountering,” the practice manager of Haine & Smith Opticians in Royal Wootton Bassett shared.
Reflecting on how she is supporting her mental and physical health in 2025, Woodhouse regularly practises meditation and uses the Headspace app on her phone.
“I see it as an essential part of my everyday healthcare routine,” Woodhouse said.
Woodhouse is focusing on limiting her consumption of ultra-processed foods. She has also started strength training at the gym with the support of a personal trainer.
“I've really shifted my focus into being in better and stronger health. I'm going into perimenopause and it’s a really key time to be aware of the needs of my mind and body,” Woodhouse observed.
As a manager, Woodhouse aims to support the health of her team by signposting the services on offer from Haine & Smith’s wellbeing partner, The Retail Trust.
She also makes an effort to encourage her staff to take time for themselves each day.
“Not everyone is open to this but I do think you have to keep offering and leading by example,” Woodhouse said.
“We’re only a couple of minutes from the sea, so even a short walk along the seafront really clears your head”
Sewing and climbing
Moorfields Eye Hospital optometrist, Akshay Shah, shared with OT that regular walks help to provide a significant boost to his mental wellbeing.
Shah, who is based in London, will meet up with a friend from the south coast each month to explore a different country park with their dogs.
“Those days are such a reset – fresh air, long strolls, and proper catch-ups while the dogs run wild together,” he said.
“Even regular walks in my local park help clear my head and keep me moving,” Shah added.
Shah also finds that climbing helps to support his mental and physical health. He appreciates the opportunity to improve his strength, balance and problem-solving abilities.
“When I’m on the wall, I can’t overthink. It forces me to be present, which is rare. I’m still a beginner, but the climbing community is so supportive, and I love learning from others,” he said.
At home, Shah enjoys how sewing and crafting blend creativity with hands-on focus.
“There’s something really calming about cutting fabric, threading the machine, and working through mistakes. It gets me off screens and gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I finish something,” he said.
Brews and beachfront walks
For Dave Cleworth and Sarah Watters, a British institution sets the tone for each day at Barracloughs the Opticians.
Cleworth told OT that a cup of tea first thing in the morning is non-negotiable.
“That first brew just kick-starts the day,” the director of operations and marketing told OT.
As well as a structured tea routine – one first-thing, one mid-morning and one in the afternoon – a regular walk helps to add balance to Cleworth and Watters’ day.
“That’s become a real daily habit. We used to get stuck at our desks too much, so now we make a point of getting outside,” Watters said.
The purchasing and operations director highlighted that walking and chatting – either during lunch or after work – helps the pair to reconnect and can also prompt inspiration.
“It’s amazing how many ideas come up during those walks,” Watters highlighted.
Cleworth added: “We’re only a couple of minutes from the sea, so even a short walk along the seafront really clears your head.”
In 2025, Cleworth is focusing on his mental wellbeing by switching off, stepping back, and being more present.
To support this, he has reduced digital distractions by reducing phone notifications and alerts, as well as limiting how often he checks the news.
“Not being available all the time has been so refreshing. On a recent trip, I hardly used my phone, and it reminded me how important it is to just be in the room,” Cleworth said.
in 2025, physical health is a priority for Watters, who has found that regularly going to the gym helps her to switch off.
“It’s helped massively with energy levels, focus, and even my mood. It’s become part of my weekly routine and I really notice the difference when I skip it,” she said.
“We’re only a couple of minutes from the sea, so even a short walk along the seafront really clears your head”
When it comes to wellbeing at work, Cleworth paid tribute to the support he has received from colleagues.
He told OT that Watters is good at helping him to ground himself when things begin to spiral.
“She’s helped me reset so many times by bringing me back down to earth and helping me think clearly again. It’s something I’m really grateful for,” Cleworth said.
Watters highlighted the value of the training on offer from Hakim Group and the HG Annual Retreat.
“The motivational speakers at the retreats have really stuck with me. They remind you to look at the bigger picture and not let the stress get too overwhelming,” she said.
A focus on men’s health
James Carter and Phil Sleet are co-chairs of Men.Kind – a Specsavers colleague network that supports men’s physical and mental wellbeing.
As well as fostering open conversations around mental health, the group will aim to break down barriers and misconceptions around men looking after their physical health – for example, by taking part in prostate cancer screening.
Sleet told OT that his involvement in the group has already had a positive effect on his own confidence in seeking health advice.
“In the last month, I have taken the steps to speak to a medical professional in relation to my own health and wellbeing, something that I’d have been reluctant to do before this group,” he said.
Carter shared that health and wellbeing have always been close to his heart.
“Having just turned 40, I’m more aware than ever of how vital it is - not just for me, but also for my family. Already this group has helped me to open up on how I’m actually feeling. I don’t feel the need to reply with the standard, ‘I’m ok,’ or experience any shame if I’m feeling anything else,” he said.
Men.Kind is open to all within the Specsavers group, regardless of gender. The multiple has a range of support networks, including a LBGTQIA+ network and groups supporting women, cultural diversity, neurodiversity and those experiencing menopause.
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