Enable Asks… Henry Fraser

In the second instalment of Enable Asks, we speak with artist Henry Fraser to learn how he is adapting to lockdown.

Henry Fraser is an acclaimed mouth artist, author, and speaker. During a holiday with friends almost 10 years ago, Henry was involved in an accident that left him paralysed from the shoulders down.

During his recovery, Henry rediscovered his joy of art and his art has been celebrated worldwide. Not to mention, Henry’s second book, The Power in You was released today (7 May).

This is what Henry had to say about his current experience of lockdown.

Hi Henry, how are you adapting to life in lockdown?

To be honest my life hasn’t changed too much. My day-to-day living is very similar to most people’s new lockdown life. I work from home most of the time, painting and writing, and mostly only go out when I’m giving talks or meeting friends.

Thanks to all the technology we have in our lives we can still keep in touch with friends and family.

Can you offer any advice to our readers to help maintain positive mental health at this time?

During the week I still try to keep a schedule and plan my days and have the weekend off to keep me focused. But, I know for a lot people this isn’t possible.

I’d say try finding something new to challenge yourself, like learning a new subject, creating art, learning a new language, anything! And recognise each bit of progress you make and feel good about that.

I also try to plan a lot of reading into my day, too. Also I’d say to people to have something comforting to do, like finding a good tv show or film or even re-watching your favourite shows or movies.

I’d also like to say the gratitude can make us feel much happier and better about the situation. Feeling grateful is one of the most mood enhancing things in life.

Find anything in your life you can feel grateful for and express your gratitude. I’m extremely grateful I can still paint during this time.

Finally, what book, podcast, boxset or activity have you discovered over the past few weeks that you would like to share with our readers?

I’ve recently finished a couple of books, The Chain is very tense and compelling, and The Woman in the Window is also a good thriller.  Lots of twist and turns!

You can also read Henry’s The Sunday Times bestseller The Little Big Things, a memoir on Henry’s experience adapting to life with a disability. Or order his second book, The Power in You now.

Our next instalment of Enable Asks will feature mother and daughter, Kitty and Lucy Alexander. You can stay updated on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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