Relax!

Here are some reminders to help clear and relax our minds so we can enjoy life a little more.

Be mindful what you say about people. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say something not-so-nice.

Don’t complain. Stop blaming others.  Instead of blaming, take responsibility. Instead of complaining, take action!

Write down your worries and in daylight write the things you can do to help you take charge and make changes. Turn the worry list into a to-do list. This is helpful particularly if you can’t sleep at night. Keep a notepad by your bed and write down the issues that are keeping you awake. Allocate a scheduled time to deal with those worries e.g. Sunday from 10-12noon when you can examine and make a plan of action to deal with the worry list. Always tackle worries in daylight – nothing gets solved in the dark.

Mind your body to mind your mind! Keep your body healthy and work to make it strong. Supplement your intake of essential minerals and vitamins but they’re no substitute for a healthy, broad diet!

Develop gratitude. The little things are important.  I broke my shoulder a while back and was unable to raise my hand to put a key in the front door, however, now I can reach and I am immensely grateful. Be grateful for the mundane because you never know when you’ll wish you could do something that you now take for granted.

Say “thank you” and be appreciative of others.

Pay attention to your thoughts. If your thinking is positive/neutral, then great. If your thoughts are negative, then it’s time to change. Pay attention to what you say to you about you and challenge anything negative. If you are stuck in your worried thoughts then perhaps read this 

Give yourself a break. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to something nice whether it is a hot chocolate or nailvarnish – treat yourself every so often, and enjoy the feeling.

There is more than one view-point. You are not always 100%-right or 100%-wrong. Allow yourself to change your opinion and your beliefs. Listen to others’ opinions without feeling the need to tell them they’re wrong! In general, listen more and talk less.

Enjoy your work. Put in your best effort, regardless of what you do. Be the best. You can then take pride that you have given it your all.

For one month do not buy anything except food and even then, make a meal plan before you shop.

Rid yourself of the things you don’t need. Give them away to friends or take to homeless accommodation where they are always needed.

Ensure you get good quality sleep. There is information here and you can improve the quality of your sleep by cutting out alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine; have a bed time routine and get into and out of bed at a similar time every day; shower or bathe before bed; don’t have screens in your bedroom and ensure it is a peaceful and calming space; exercise and spending time in daylight can also help improve sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, do not worry about not sleeping – that will not help! Rather than lie in bed thinking, when you can’t sleep, get up and do something, perhaps write down your worries or plan for the following day, have a drink and return to bed.

Make time for yourself. Ask someone to come and mind your children while you get out for a walk.

If there are worries upsetting you and you have difficulty relaxing your mind and it is whizzing like a washing machine, there are certain things that may help such as the 54321 task; calm breathing; progressive muscle relaxation.  Please talk to someone – a healthcare professional, a counsellor, a trusted friend or family member. There is no need to face your problems alone. Help is at hand – reach out.

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