MAKING YOUR MIND KIND Words by Will Summers, Penarth View Co-editor
Change has always been a catalyst for shifts in mood, energy levels, and mental health. It’s fair to say a lot has changed since March! I don’t think any of us could have foreseen the huge changes to our social lives, physical health, and mental wellbeing that COVID-19 has set. Whilst I’m sure many of us promised ourselves to start exciting new projects, travel plans, or improve our wellbeing at the beginning of 2020, the pandemic has certainly made us take a rain-check. It’s clear that the pandemic has affected different people in different ways, and, for many, one day can drastically change to the next. It’s also hard not to notice the outpouring of gratitude, thanks, and empathy shown to those who have sadly lost their loved ones, those in isolation, and those that are working hard to keep everything going. Thank you! Personally, lockdown has been a rollercoaster experience, with anxiety attacking in the first two weeks for the health of our close family and friends, and the future of our businesses in jeopardy.
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Week three started with a determination to adjust, adopt, and adapt to the ‘new normal’, followed by a new-found love for social distancing in week four. Well, after week four, whose been counting? Being a social butterfly myself, I found it a little strange at first settling into a calmer, and less social lifestyle. I’m surprised at how much I’ve begun to like my own company. In the past, I’ve been guilty of using every spare second of time, so it isn’t wasted, piling things onto my to-do list and saying ‘yes’ to too many people. I’ve stopped. I’ve taken time. And it feels good. Whilst I’ve never been one to sit still and am known by friends as a ‘Chatty Cathy’, I know I haven’t always got the balance right. In the past, I’ve juggled three jobs and a house renovation, all while trying to deal with a family bereavement—looking back it’s no wonder my head was fried! Having come out the other side of that now, I’ve made it my mission to make my headspace a positive one. Space where negative thoughts, habits, and internal dialogues become comforting, responsible, and kind thoughts for myself and others. The result? A calmer, happier, and more comfortable mind. It sounds easy, but it’s taken a lot of work. Improving mental health and wellbeing isn’t always a walk in the park and luckily, I’ve found a few things that have helped over the past seven years. So, if your mind isn’t being kind, or sometimes needs a nudge in the right direction, try some of these exercises, tips and mindful tricks to help you navigate out of COVID-19 this summer. Stay safe, talk to each other, and talk to a professional if you need to.
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