Tuesday 13 March 2018

5 Keys To Mental Wellbeing

Achieving a good mental state doesn't have to involve expensive therapy and complicated techniques. Here are some easy strategies you can implement into your life, starting today.

1) Cut out caffeine

Having worked with hundreds of people suffering from anxiety, I have seen first hand, the dramatic results of simply cutting out caffeine. Often we feel as though we need that tea or coffee. However, what we actually need is a drink. Try switching to de-caff for a week and see what a difference it makes to your underlying level of stress and anxiety. Be aware that products such as diet coke and green tea often contain caffeine. This strategy is such an easy, quick win for mental strength.

2) Meditation

Meditation helps you to focus more and to feel confident that you can cope with situations. When you feel overwhelmed by your 'To Do' list, meditation is the perfect antidote. It doesn't have to involve incense, chanting and tie-dye! Headspace is a great app. It's very down to Earth and many of the sessions are only 10 minutes long, so you can easily fit them into day to day life.

3) Walking outside


Exercising outside is great for so many reasons. Obviously it's good for your physical health, which in turn can impact on your self-esteem. However, there are additional benefits to your mental wellbeing. Exercise is great for reducing stress (see my previous post on anxiety for the science behind this). Sunlight is also very beneficial for lifting mood. So get outside for a walk whenever you can.



4) Talking to yourself in a positive way

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. Do you find you can be very self-critical? Or label yourself in a very negative way? Often, we tell ourselves things that we wouldn't dream of saying to a friend or family member. Notice when you do this and change it. Imagine what you would say to someone you care very deeply about. You would encourage them in a positive and motivational way. So, do the same to yourself.

5) Surround yourself with positive people

We are social animals. We are naturally influenced by those around us.  Notice how the different people in your life make you feel. If there is someone who puts you down, or who is always moaning about how bad the world is, make a conscious effort to spend less time with that person and more time with those people who make you feel good.

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