Day 14

Embodied release exercise

“Unexpressed emotions can become trapped in our bodies, creating physical and psychological stress,” says Dr Marsh. With this in mind, she suggests finishing your two weeks of work with an “embodied release practice”.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, feeling the ground beneath you. Breathe deeply into your belly for several cycles. “When ready, allow your body to move intuitively – no choreography needed,” says Dr Marsh. “Notice what emerges. Does grief want to curl you forward? Does sadness invite slow swaying? Does anger need forceful movement?

“Follow these impulses without censoring them. Your body holds wisdom about processing emotions that your mind cannot access. Through movement, you give grief permission to be witnessed and transformed.”

Mental health support and resources can be found at Mind’s website, the NHS list of mental health helplines and organisations and the NHS Every Mind Matters resource hub.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. If your life is at risk and you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E

It’s OK to feel blue – but this expert-approved 2-week guide will help you feel sadness in a healthier way