There’s so much focus on the importance of mindfulness practice and the huge difference that it can make in finding moments of calm to promote better mental and ultimately physical health. However what if it doesn’t work for you? Or if sitting still in the present with a spinning mind is too uncomfortable?
Here are five evidence-based ways to mental wellbeing, advocated by the NHS, which are generally proven to work for everyone. Which of the below can you make time for in your life?
1. Connect with other people
Good relationships support mental wellbeing through building a sense of belonging and self-worth, providing emotional support and allowing you to support others. If you’re feeling isolated, why not make plans to catch up with family friends, have lunch with a colleague or call an old friend.
2. Be physically active
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by
raising your self-esteem;
helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them
causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood
3. Learn new skills
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence, raising self-esteem, helping you to build a sense of purpose and connecting with others.
Learning new things could be learning to cook a new recipe, taking on a new responsibility at work, such as mentoring a junior staff member or improving your presentation skills. Tackling a DIY project, taking up a new sport or learning a new language are great skills to have. Or mastering new hobbies like painting, dancing and writing can also bring renewed joy, help you discover new talents and make new friends.
4. Give to others
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward, giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helping you connect with other people. It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.
Some examples of the things you could try include:
saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you
asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer
spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company
offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project
volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
Drop me a line at ElizianDays@btinternet.com to find out more about mindfulness or book a free personal consultation call.