A MAN who turned to mindfulness following his dad’s sudden death has set up a wellbeing service.

Chris Clare from Newton-le-Willows suffered with anxiety after his dad passed away from a suspected heart attack in 2015.

After a challenging three years, he soon found mindful methods to help him deal with his anxiety. 

He said: "It started about seven years ago. I suddenly lost my father, and I was trying to be the head of the household and look after my mum and sister.

"Three years later, anxiety caught up to me and it hit me like a steam train; it just wiped me out.

"I’ve got that under control now, but I’ve been looking for something that I can give back to people, and this fitted in exactly for me. It just feels like a calling to me."

Chris now runs a three-point system business consisting of meditation, cold water therapy, and breathwork.

His service received a positive response from others who seek to find a solution for their anxieties, with his upcoming Community Cold Water Dip in Newton this month becoming sold out within three days.

St Helens Star: Cold water therapy is one of the methods Chris uses Cold water therapy is one of the methods Chris uses

The full-time bathroom fitter also explained how now more than ever people need to take care of their mental health, as stress of lockdown and the cost of living crisis has put a strain on people’s wellbeing.

The 46-year-old added: "At the minute, anxiety and stress related illnesses is like a pandemic already, especially after lockdown.

"There’s more and more people that need my help, and I just dipped my toe in it and the response that I got from it was the indicator for me to push it further.

"The cold water and breath work is interactive with each other, and I’d recommend to do both together.

"The cold water therapy side of things releases chemicals in the body that helps you calm down, builds resilience, and you can carry that through into your life."

His service, as part of My Monkey Mind UK, will host the Community Cold Water Dip on September 11.

To learn more about the wellbeing service, visit https://www.mymonkeymind.uk/.