Mental health is important

Sometimes in life ... I think we can become so caught up in getting from A to B and earning a living, providing for our families, getting through the day, negotiating with people, trying to organise ourselves as best we can ... that often we forget to consider our mental and emotional well being along the way.

It is easy to see when someone has physically hurt themselves - however mental pain goes under the radar, and not just to those around us ... but also to ourselves. 

Sadly many of us are coping from one to moment to the next, trying to manage our feelings and emotions before they spill over the edge and we are left with a terribly messy situation in our minds. 

We are existing and not truly enjoying life and cherishing the little things that really do matter to us - and from this place - our spirits weaken, our happiness ebbs away and we often feel very disconnected from ourselves and what used to feel right ...It's like our minds are trying to let us know that we're off track...

I thought I would share some tips that may just lighten anything heavy on your shoulders ... and hopefully encourage you to take care of your mental and emotional health as you go:

* Simplify *

Sometimes its better to have less & everything be comfortably in your control - than to have more and find the responsibility & pressure is overwhelming you. By simplifying your life, you gain more time ... and more time equals the chance to focus on the things that enrich your life and do not drain your resources. 

* Kindness * 

Being kind to each other as well as ourselves goes along way to making every day positive and enjoyable. Kindness can be a small gesture, a helping hand, a reassuring word, or just a thoughtful response that can uplift someone needing a boost. A smile, a listening ear, an empathetic answer to a question - anything that can make someone feel better about who they are. 

Equally - we so often forget to be kind to ourselves. Our internal dialogue will deflate us, we'll over work and under - nourish our bodies - its important to get balance here - and cherish who we are - for when we are at our best, that's how we can truly benefit another. When we are so full of wellness and positivity, then we'll be strong enough to carry others who may need it too. Save time for quiet moments that allow you to rest. Allow time for friendships that make you feel good just for being you ... and do something everyday that says to your mind 'you matter too' - even if its just a cup of tea with your favourite book! 

* Choice *

This is a tough one. Very often, we enter upon the hamster wheel - and find after going round for a bit too long ... we've forgotten how to get off. And that it is actually okay to get off! I speak lyrically here of course but still - we have to remember that we can either stay on the wheel, or choose to get off and find an alternative that won't cause us to suffer vertigo! The getting off can be a challenge...but it brings me to my next tip = 

* Courage *

Courage to change things is difficult to discover within ourselves - courage to speak up - courage to fight for what we want/need/don't want - courage to say yes, and courage to say no - but courage is the one step you will take that can lead you down a happy path and not a path that leaves you looking back. If something doesn't feel right or is not bringing you fulfillment - have the courage to change that ... listen quietly to your thoughts & feelings and let them guide you.

 * Help *

Asking for help is an act of survival. We all need someone to be there for us at some point, and if we are struggling...its much braver to seek help....than to soldier on when deep down you feel you are breaking - asking for help is unsettling to many... and is not always easy...but it is essential from time to time and allows you to regroup and tackle something.  Knowing there is someone there to help you up if you fall is a huge comfort.

* Love *

Love comes in many forms - but we have to save a little for ourselves and very often that involves sharing it with a trusted other - be it person or pet. Animals are the most special companions and provide unconditional love...love is what we all need to feel for something or someone....Love who you are, what you are doing, who you are with and what you are reaching for - and somehow, someway everything falls into place.

 I hope this offers some light ... & allows you the chance to take care of your emotions as much as your everyday life ... These tips have come from some very wise friends and are tried and tested : )

With Love 

 xxx

" Have courage and be kind"

 ~  Cinderella ~