Poppy’s story: reclaiming calm

Poppy’s story: reclaiming calm

Poppy is the primary carer for her partner, who lives with health conditions including severe and enduring mental health challenges. As an unpaid carer, Poppy often puts her own needs last, but she also lives with her own mental health difficulties which can affect her physical wellbeing. She frequently finds herself stuck in a constant 'fight or flight' state, leaving her exhausted and overwhelmed.

After an especially challenging period, Poppy’s support worker encouraged her to consider taking a break, some space just for herself to rest, reset and reconnect with her own needs.

Using a Time to Live microgrant, Poppy arranged a series of tension‑relief massages and salt‑floatation sessions. These planned breaks gave her dedicated time to relax her body and quiet her mind. The impact was significant and came at exactly the right moment.

“I was feeling very tired and sore, with constant tightness in my neck and shoulders. Throughout these sessions I learned how to recognise these sensations and consciously relax.”

She also discovered how carrying stress in her body, like constantly hunched shoulders and the ongoing sense of being on alert, was affecting her in every part of her life.

The sessions didn’t just offer temporary relief, they also gave Poppy new tools for grounding, breathing through difficult moments, and recognising the early signs of stress before it builds. The break gave her space, calm, and the opportunity to care for herself.

Find out more about Time to Live here.