There are a
few things that I have started to do in the last few months, which have really
helped my mental health. We don’t really talk about mental health much,
sometimes shy away from it as something we don’t like to talk about, it can be
confusing and scary.
I like to
think of these practices as my anchors at the start and the end of the day.
They are things that make me feel ready to take on the day, positively and in
the right mind set. And to end the day feeling grateful and allow me to reflect
on the day.
Start your Day…
With positive
thinking and ask yourself 2-3 questions, similar to the below (switch them up
each day, google new ones, so you don’t get bored asking yourself the same
questions):
- What
are you looking forward to today?
- What
is your greatest strength?
- What
am I most happy about in my life?
- What
am I most proud of in my life?
- What
makes you smile?
End your Day…
With
reflective or gratitude questions, again ask yourself 2-3 questions, similar to
the below (again switch them about, as above on the start the day questions):
-
What
was successful today?
-
What
did I learn today? Generally and/or about myself?
-
What
relationships am I thankful for?
-
What
made you smile or laugh today?
-
What
is the most beautiful thing you saw today?
-
Who
made a positive difference in your life recently?
These are
just little things, you can add into your day – they take no time in the scheme
of things and when you write them down, it reinforces their effect on your
mind. I like to keep a notepad by my bed, so I can write them down each morning
and evening. This reminds me to do it and I can flick through the notepad to
remind myself of the positive and grateful things in my life.
Take 15 minutes
Another
thing I have found useful recently, is taking 15 minutes in the evening (usually
after dinner), to write down all the tasks I have on my mind. Whether that be
work related or personal, I write them all down on a pad. This action of
writing them down, helps you take them out of your head and allow you to relax –
especially preparing you for sleep. I also write down the things that are
worrying me, again the action of writing them down helps your brain to figure
them out.
Try one or
try them all, I know they help me, so I’m sure they will help you.
Thanks for
reading
Holly x