As we face challenging times, now more than ever we need to look after our mental wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Healthy Mindset
With all the uncertainty and restrictions we’re facing, it can be easy to feel a bit hopeless, or to focus on the negatives and the things you can’t do. Try directing your attention to the positives and what you can do. Think about what new things you could try, such as home workouts or taking up a new creative hobby.
You may find it helpful to replace some difficult thoughts with more helpful ones, such as:
- "I feel so helpless” = I’m doing my bit by following the guidelines, even if that does mean not doing a lot”
- “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my family and friends” = “How can I make the most of the connections I do have at this time? Can I link up with people virtually, or enjoy some quality time with those I live with?”
- “I’m having to change everything about the way I live my life” = “I might learn something new by doing this, and it’s only temporary”
- “I’m going to be so bored” = “What new hobbies or interests can I pick up?”
- “I’m stuck at home” = “I’m SAFE at home”
Try this guided mindfulness practice from the Dorset Mindfulness Centre, which will help you to focus your attention on the positives.
Read All About It
Reading can be a great way to distract yourself and get lost in another world or learn something new. Also, choosing certain types of books is especially good for your wellbeing. The Reading Agency has put some information together about how reading can help with your mental health & wellbeing and which books to read. Check out their information and guidance here.
Flip That Switch
Talking of reading, one great book for improving your mood is Laughology. It’s all about – you guessed it, laughter! – and how it can be used to improve our thinking and wellbeing. One helpful strategy is to purposefully act in ways you would when you feel happy, when you don’t feel so good. This helps trick your brain into thinking you’re happy! This is why fake laughing usually turns to real laughing if we do it for long enough. Give it a go: flip that switch by pretending you feel good when you don’t, and see how things change…
Get Nostalgic
Think about how you can reconnect with something you used to enjoy when you were younger. Watching clips of a favourite sport on TV, taking up a favourite type of dance in your living room, enjoying arts and crafts? This is also a great time to go back to basics and enjoy some of life’s simple things the way we would if we didn’t have the technology we do today. Can you make up a fun game with household items, get lost in a simple task like colouring or simply spend time talking to your loved ones? Living a simpler life may help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Get Things Done
See staying at home as a chance to do all the things you never usually have time for. Cleaning out cupboards? Doing some gardening? Reading more? Writing a blog? Find the freedom in being able to put some time to these things. The sense of achievement when you get all these things done is sure to give you a boost!
How are you taking care of your wellbeing?
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