What YOU can do to make a positive change in your wellbeing 

💚 Arrange a call with your friend, instead of texting 'How are you?'

You'll both get so much more from it, it builds a real connection and a better opportunity to be open about how you feel and any issues that are going on for you. You could end up having a good laugh, which is great for your well-being.

💚 Look at your daily habits, do they fill up your cup and contribute to a happy life?

Actively add more positive habits to your life. We often think it's about taking negative things out of your life, but actually, if you concentrate on adding positive things into your life, a lot of the negatives just naturally drop away.

💚 Talk to someone if you're not feeling in a good mindset.

Talking can be difficult, but it can also be a lifesaver. Whether it is a friend, the doctor, or a private therapist, it can allow you to see things from a new perspective and also get professional support if needed. Encourage others to do this too, sometimes we feel we need permission.

💚 Swap how you view self-care.

It's way more selfish to go downhill in your mental health than it is to book time out for yourself. You can't give from an empty cup. Look after yourself and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Self-care is anything that makes you feel good. It does not need to be calm and relaxing, climbing a mountain can be self-care, booking a doctor's or dentist's appointment, watching your favourite film or getting something done that has been on your mind. Self-care can look different on different days. 

💚 Understand our mind plays tricks on us.

Don't believe everything you think. If your mind is talking more negatively than positively to you, get some help to change that. It can be easy to get stuck in a spiral of doom where everything looks bleak. Our self-talk gets very negative; from that, we can make unhealthy decisions. If you have no one to speak to, listen to upbeat music or listen to some motivational speakers on YouTube or a Podcast. If you can, move! In any way, shape, or form. 

💚 PLEASE don't tell people they SHOULD be happy, then list all the things they should be grateful for.

Meet them where they are, get in the hole with them and acknowledge their pain. To dismiss their feelings will only make them feel worse and feel like they have no reason to complain, and therefore only add more negativity to their current feelings. If they think they have no reason to complain, they are less likely to seek help.

💚 It's okay to not be OK

But no one wants to stay like that, so if you don't know the answer, speak to someone who does. Off days or down days are completely normal; embrace them and listen to what your body is telling you. If those down days start rolling into down weeks, then seek support. It is much easier to pull yourself out of a hole when you've only just fallen down it. You do not need to wait until you can not function to ask for help. 

💪 You got this, and if it feels like you haven't, reach out. I am happy to suggest self-help support or book a call if you want private help.

Take care of yourself, you're important,

Tammy