8 ways to prioritise your mental wellbeing

Lisa Drake, from Rapid Change Hypnotherapy & Coaching Practice in Rochdale, shares eight ways to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and help improve your mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic...

In this edition, I wanted to talk to you about the current pandemic and give you some hints and tips about what you can do during this time of massive uncertainty.

As human beings we have a huge need for certainty - we need to know everything’s going to be OK. We need to know we’re going to get paid, have a job, be well, be loved and feel secure etc. However, times like this bring uncertainty and can make us feel as though we no longer have control of our own lives. Feeling like this can then bring about feelings of despair, anxiety or depression.

The important thing to remember is that this WILL pass in time. Here are some things I’d like you to consider, that may just help you to face these times with a different mindset and help you to get through it as best you can...

1. Understand that although external circumstances are very different to what we’re used to at the moment, you can decide to stay the same and do everything to be OK in yourself, regardless of what’s happening out there at the moment.

2. Every day, decide that life is good. Even if you're not going anywhere or perhaps you're working from home, still get up, get dressed, eat well, meditate and hydrate.

3. If you find yourself with more time on your hands at the moment, use it focus on a new hobby or try to enjoy the slower pace of life. There are plenty of online courses, or how about that book you never got around to reading? Maybe even start a journal and write down your experiences during these challenging times – one day you’ll look back and know that you got through it, as I’m sure you’ve got through many other challenges in life.

4. Exercise every single day. Even just a 20 minute walk per day can really clear the 'brain fog' that some of us have been experiencing, and help you to keep your thoughts positive.

5. Connect with others. If you’re shielding or are having to self isolate, I know this can be very difficult especially if you live alone. We live in an online world now, so it’s actually easier to connect than it’s ever been. Pick up the phone to talk to your loved ones or set up a Zoom call - just seeing someone's face can help you to find that connection that we all crave.

6. For those of you who aren’t self-isolating or shielding, check in with your elderly neighbours before you go shopping, to see if they need anything. Just knowing that you’re helping someone else can give you a purpose and make you feel better about the situation.

7. There's so much news coverage about the pandemic, it's easy to become overwhelmed. If you feel that news is causing you stress, it's important to find a balance. Stay informed but limit news intake if it's bothering you and don't read or watch it just before bed. Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety, while having access to good quality information can help you to feel more in control.

8. Keep your thoughts positive. We can’t always control what’s happening around us but we can absolutely change the way we respond to it. Use your mind to stay calm which can in turn boost your immune system. Your mind is the one thing you can control, when things around you seem out of control. The next time you find yourself thinking negatively, distract yourself - get up and do something, anything, to take your mind off that negative track. Worrying is not going to solve anything, you probably already know that. I understand that many people may have lost loved ones, lost their jobs or had to change the way they work and my heart truly goes out to you.

Reach out, talk, connect – we can get through this together.

Lisa Drake

www.rapid-change.co.uk