Life can be a bit of a rollercoaster at the best of times. But let\u2019s face it, the last 12 months have
\nbeen extremely difficult for everyone and there still doesn\u2019t seem to be an \u2018end in sight\u2019.<\/p>\n
However there are two choices we have when faced with diversity, and that is to either let it
\noverwhelm and upset us or do what we can to still see the good in our days. Not surprisingly,
\nthe second option is definitely the most favourable – not only for our happiness, but for our
\nhealth too.<\/p>\n
So here are some ways to help you still find joy and laughter, even when the world around us
\nmay be feeling a bit dreary.<\/p>\n
Sleep helps to restore us physically and emotionally – and if you don\u2019t get enough shut eye it is
\nvery easy to feel far more anxiety and worry in our day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n
Try not to watch the television or be on your phone right before bed, or eating or drinking
\nanything too heavy in the hour or so before. A warm cup of milk or camomile tea is also helpful if
\nyou find it difficult to wind down, as is putting a little routine in place so your brain knows sleep is
\ncoming.<\/p>\n
Exercise is crucial for the body and the mind. All sorts of feel-good chemicals get released by
\nthe brain when we move, which is why it is so important not only for our physical health, but for
\nmental wellbeing too. Exercise also helps our bodies relax better too, by removing muscle
\ntension and reducing levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.<\/p>\n
While breathing comes naturally, the right kind of breathing actually takes a little more
\nconcentration to get right. That\u2019s because most of us only shallow breathe using our stomachs.
\nBut taking the time to fill up our lungs with deep breathing is really quite beneficial in a number
\nof ways.<\/p>\n
Firstly, it helps to calm us down – so if you are feeling anxiety or stress, breathe in while
\ncounting to ten, hold for ten and then breathe out while counting to ten. Then repeat this until
\nyou start to feel more relaxed. Secondly, deep breathing also helps to get more oxygen moving
\nthrough your body, as well as lowering\/stabilising blood pressure. So there\u2019s no question that
\nsetting aside some time each day to breathe deeply is one of the easiest things you can do for
\nyour health!<\/p>\n
Hobbies are about spending time doing something we enjoy, and it certainly helps the brain stay
\nactive too. Research has shown that by choosing to occupy our time with a craft, sport or class,
\nwe are more likely to suffer less from stress, low mood and depression. It\u2019s also perfect for
\nsocialising with like-minded people and making new friends.<\/p>\n
As humans we can be easily caught up in all the negative things going on in our lives. So
\npracticing a little bit of gratitude for the regular things in our day – like that delicious cup of coffee
\nin the morning, or that favourite tv programme – is a great way to refocus on things that are
\npositive and make us feel good.<\/p>\n
Grounding is a technique that can be used when you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, or simply as a
\ndaily meditation to help you to relax. Find a quiet space inside or out (although outside does
\nwork a bit better) close your eyes and concentrate on what you can touch, what you can hear
\nand what you can smell. This enables your mind to stop all of those racing thoughts, calming
\nyou down to just have two or three.<\/p>\n
You can even do this on the go – by simply being present in the moment wherever you are and
\nsavouring that bite of cake, scent of a flower or the sound of the waves crashing.<\/p>\n
Fresh air and nature can do wonders for a brain that is feeling a bit foggy. And of course the
\nmore you move, the better it is for your body. So if things are feeling a bit low, never
\nunderestimate the outside world and its ability to refresh and revitalise you – feel the cool
\nbreeze, enjoy the warmth of the sun, or let the rain land on your hands.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s nothing quite like a favourite tune to really help improve a mood, especially when you
\ncan have a good sing along to it as well. It is such a simple action that can work wonders when
\nit comes to energy levels and good thoughts – especially if you\u2019re tackling a task that you don\u2019t
\nparticularly enjoy.<\/p>\n
Being kind to another person can be one of the most effective ways to boost feelings of
\nhappiness and positivity. Even a small, random act of kindness can be enough to make
\nsomeone\u2019s day – and if it makes them smile as well as you, it really is a win-win.<\/p>\n
The list above includes some easy things that really can make a difference when it comes to
\nimproving overall physical and mental wellbeing. And if it is going to make you healthier and
\nhappier – why not give them a go?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n