During the winter months, we may find that our mental health begins to suffer. As the nights draw in and the days become shorter, our mood may shift to be a little darker. Our tendency to hide away may become more frequent, but the reality is the more we isolate ourselves, the lower our mood can become.
We’ve compiled a great list of all the things you can do to help yourself and others to stay healthy, happy and positive throughout the year.
In our practice, we take a holistic approach to helping you reach your full potential. We propose ideas which help your mind, body and soul to not only survive but THRIVE.
WORK EAT SLEEP REPEAT
Is this you?
It’s not easy to feel motivated, especially when you feel like a hamster on a treadmill.
Even the thought of breaking the cycle can be exhausting, but the trick is to start with just a few small changes in your daily routine.
Perhaps between work and bed, you could call a friend? Or between breakfast and work, you could join an exercise class or walk to work instead of driving?
One of the best things you can do to stay positive and
happier is to get out and about. Meet with friends, socialise, join a club, do
some exercise, stay active and get outdoors!
The Great Outdoors is good for your health – It’s official!
The benefits of being outdoors are numerous. Getting back to nature, breathing in the fresh air and finding some space can help us to gain some perspective.
Whether you’re walking, sitting, running or swimming the sights, sounds and smells of nature can have a significant impact on our general health and well-being
There is much data and research on the subject, but a recent report published by the University of East Anglia revealed;
“…spending time in, or living close to, natural green spaces is associated with diverse and significant health benefits. It reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, and preterm birth, and increases sleep duration.”
It also studied the impact of nature on our stress levels:
“People living closer to nature also had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress. In fact, one of the interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.
“This is really important because in the UK, 11.7 million working days are lost annually due to stress, depression or anxiety.”
Shift Your Body, Shift Your Thinking
Exercise gets your blood pumping around your body. It gets your heart rate up, and your body starts to release endorphins; a chemical which helps to relieve pain and cause feelings of pleasure and happiness.
If you’re not ready to run a marathon just yet, start small. Walk to the shop to buy a paper or cycle to the village instead of driving. The important thing is to make a start.
When it comes to fitness the benefits of exercise are well documented, but from a mental health perspective, exercise can make a significant difference too. Benefits include:
- A release of hormones which helps to lighten your mood and helps you to feel good.
- Improved concentration
- Diminishing Insomnia, plus your body is less restless at night because you have expended more physical energy during the day.
- Becoming fitter, leaner and stronger in the body helps you to feel mentally stronger and more confident.
- Achieving a sense of well being, which can be the foundation blocks for a healthier, happier you.
5 A Day
Eating your body weight in fruit and veg may seem a little extreme. However, the fact remains that putting fresh food into your body stimulates it, strengthens it and helps to stabilise your mood.
Less sugar, caffeine and fat reduce the impact of mood swings as your blood sugar levels remain more stable and consistent. It may seem a little dull at first, but you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of a healthier diet; gaining more clarity, focus and an overall mood boost.
Inspiring Activities
The list of activities you can pursue is endless. There is something for everyone if you’re willing to go out and look for it. From singing and crafting to lake swimming and mountain climbing.
Don’t forget, even if you’re immobile creative activities such as art, painting, knitting, meditation, and crafting all have their stress-relieving powers. Not to mention the friendly aspects of being with likeminded individuals.
Even at work, you could start a lunch club, an after-work supper club or ask your boss to bring in a professional who could teach yoga or meditation during the working day. The benefits are tangible, and everyone will benefit from a healthier and happier workforce.
If you’re looking for ideas in the workplace, contact us at Your People Potential. We’re the professionals when it comes to well-being in the workplace.
Phone: 01954 267640
Click here to find out more about why our clients love us https://yppp.wpengine.com/why-use-us/
