Managing Busy Times Without Fully Malfunctioning

Managing Busy Times Without Fully Malfunctioning

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Andy and Lydia talk about what happens when life gets busy — properly busy. Not just “I’ve got a lot on” busy, but the kind of busy where your brain fogs over, your to-do list starts multiplying like gremlins, and even drinking enough water becomes an achievement worthy of a gold star. They chat about how busyness can look different for different people: feeling overwhelmed, forgetting things, procrastinating, needing instructions written down, feeling physically stressed, or simply not knowing where to start. Andy shares how writing things down, using task lists and getting things out of your head can make life feel more manageable. Lydia talks about the importance of stepping away from a busy environment, finding a quieter space to work, and learning to balance “input” and “output” relationships — especially when life outside work starts feeling full too. There’s also the return of Adulting Stars of the Week, featuring DIY door sealant, chore days, and the tragic realisation that doing boring jobs can make you feel weirdly proud afterwards. And, of course, Weird News makes an appearance — this time involving a huge illegal cockroach bust in Australia and a student unexpectedly joining the orchestra at a La La Land concert in Sydney. Andy and Lydia talk about: * What busyness can feel like emotionally, mentally and physically * Why verbal instructions can be harder to process than written ones * Brain fog, overwhelm and procrastination * Using lists, calendars and task apps to reduce mental clutter * Why changing your environment can help you focus * Balancing friendships, social plans and personal energy * The difference between people or activities that feel like “input” and “output” * How to make chores feel less impossible * Asking for support when things feel too much * Weird News involving cockroaches, concerts and unexpected stage appearances

The UK Social Media Ban, Online Communities & Mental Health

The UK social media ban for under-16s has put online safety, screen time and young people’s wellbeing back in the spotlight — but what about the positive side of digital communities?In this episode we talk social media, online friendships, gaming communities, Twitch, WhatsApp groups and how digital spaces can help people feel connected.We also mention the harder side of life online, including cyberbullying, rage bait, scrolling habits, screen time, online safety and how to notice when a digital space is affecting your mental health.Plus: Adulting Stars of the Week, IKEA blinds, health updates, productivity wins, and Weird News featuring Bruce the kayaking Alsatian and a dog with extremely questionable firearm safety skills.---------April showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NRbHktWTcxODZkaFZEYU0wdWp1TVhSejZhQXxBQ3Jtc0tuSzhyandRdllUYXA4R3NOWlpORTFpNlNFOXBMR3RiNnd4RE9qMnMwUG95aV9FN2VweVphdzVpZVNJOGJTM0tfampjSEctaGhzbzBTMjViZUJZaXBEcjYzcG52NGZibFkzOFVhS0lNd3RkRFkwNDZzMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fkjartan-abel.com%2Flibrary%C2%A0to&v=_35qY5E9EJk] download royalty-free music for your next project.CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.Any Additional stock video thanks to Canva.

Why do we start things and not finish them?

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andytalk about unfinished tasks, distracted brains, ADHD traits, doomscrolling, laundry, healthy habits, gaming backlogs, and why even simple life admin can sometimes feel like a boss battle. They also share practical tools and ideas that can help,including: ScreenZen — an app Lydia uses to limit social mediaand shopping app use by creating a pause before opening distracting apps. Finch — a self-care app that works a bit like adigital pet, where looking after yourself helps your little character grow. BitePal — an app Lydia suggests to Andy as a more funway of tracking food, hydration, and healthier habits. Plus, Lydia shares an exciting update from YMCA Exeter’s newsupported accommodation in Paignton, and Weird News brings us a bear costume insurance scam and a table-tennis-playing robot. Find out more about new housing from YMCA Exeter here: https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/establishedpathways/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=established What’s The Tea? is hosted by Lydia and Andy, twoformer support workers catching up over a cuppa and trying to navigate life, one conversation at a time. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe, and you canalso find What’s The Tea? on your favourite podcast platform. --------- April showers by Kjartan Abel. Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library [https://kjartan-abel.com/library] todownload royalty-free music for your next project. CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International. Any Additional stock video thanks to Canva.

What is CBT and how can it help children and young people with anxiety, fears, and worries?

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andy are joined by Georgia, a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner at YMCA Exeter, to talk about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), young people’s mental health, social anxiety, and practical tools that can help. They chat about CBT vs counselling, thoughts, feelings and behaviours, worry diaries, behavioural experiments, and how parents and carers can support children with their fears and worries. We also mention Helping Your Child with Their Fears and Worries by Cathy Creswell Find out more about YMCA Exeter’s CWP Wellbeing service: https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/services/cwpwellbeing/ [https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/services/cwpwellbeing/] Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe, and you can also find What’s the Tea? on your favourite podcast platform. Music: April Showers by Kjartan Abel https://kjartan-abel.com/library [https://kjartan-abel.com/library] Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Lies We Tell Ourselves: Procrastination, Perfectionism, Overthinking and Deadlines

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andy chat about the everyday lies we tell ourselves, from “I’ll do it later” and “I work better under pressure” to “everyone else is coping better than me.” We talk all things, procrastination, perfectionism, burnout, imposter syndrome, overthinking, and the pressure of adult life. Alongside their usual life updates and Gold Stars, they explore why so many of us delay tasks, aim for impossible standards, and convince ourselves that everyone else has life more sorted. There’s also a Weird News section featuring stolen Kit Kats and pilots meowing on air traffic control, so it’s not all emotional damage and to-do lists.