Ok so we’ve had the “5 a day” concept drilled into us, we’re there at the end of each day totting up the fruit and veg we’ve consumed, but that’s looking at the physical side of the coin, now how about our emotional? If emotionally we’re not looking after ourselves, we may as well not bother with the fruit and veg either! When we are emotionally in a bad place, our lives descend into a negative spiral of exhaustion and boredom where we are lacking in inspiration and purpose and our relationships dragging at our heels.
So here’s some tips on how to pep yourself up and keep yourself emotionally in shape:
OK so this might be pushing it - but remember when you used to do this in the garden just because you could? Find something you can do now which makes you smile, gives you a buzz - and do it because you can!
1 Do Something You Love
They say “life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans”. Well, the fact is that if we don’t make an effort to do the things that make life meaningful to us, then it’s unlikely that success, happiness or anything else we desire will come our way either. One of the best antidotes to feeling unmotivated with life is doing one thing every day that is for you and makes you feel good – something you love. It’s also important that you feel like you’re not stagnating so it is equally necessary to make an effort to do things that give you a sense of accomplishment. Doing this will keep your mood high and boost your confidence no end. Go outside, get some fresh air, do something different, go somewhere new – just don’t do only what you did yesterday.
2 Challenge the World Around You
We are bombarded by more media images today than ever before. Each one is loaded with so many “shoulds” and “have tos” that sadly we’re prone to simply taking them on board, judging ourselves and accepting the world’s/media’s values and opinions without questioning whether they are in line with our own. So, make a point every day of questioning at least one “ideal” that you come across. Challenge the idea that you have to look a certain way to be happy; challenge the idea that a woman’s value lies in her ability to attract a man; challenge the idea that you must have that new gadget, dress or pair of shoes. Is that really the route to happiness? etc etc By taking the time to evaluate and assess what is thrown at you, you will not only begin to define what is important to you, but you’ll also feel stronger to resist those things that just don’t feel right to you.
3 Keep Your Mind Active
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is keep your mind stimulated. We live in a world so saturated with things that take up our time that we rarely think about how we use our time. So instead of spending hours on Facebook, read a book or newspaper you don’t normally read; join a local group, or take a class. Your mind needs stimulation – it’ll allow you to build confidence and grow, and to reassess what you’re capable of. It’s easy to get complacent, going through the motions and not fulfilling your potential. When we’re not fulfilling our potential, our self esteem plummets and it becomes hard to remember what we want in life.
4 Focus On What You Can Give And Be Grateful For What You Have
One of the best ways to stop worrying about what you need is by being thankful for what you have, but also by supporting others. Whether it’s helping a neighbour or volunteering for a local group, it helps put life into context. Look outwards, don’t look so inward all the time – society tells us constantly to look inwards however research shows that volunteering for a charity helps people feel happier and more content. We are built to give. So, look beyond your own situation and see how you can give to others, you’ll be amazed at how you automatically feel about your own life in return.
...and laugh together!!
5 Hang Around People Who Make You Feel Good
We’ve become workaholics, achievementaholics, do-ers as opposed to be-ers. We by nature are social, we function best when given the chance to interact and engage with each other. Whether it’s making time to meet a friend for a drink or calling your Mum/Sister/Best Friend, it will do you a world of good to stop DOing and just BE with someone who you love and who loves you back. Active relationships are vital for our mental and physical health (and face-to-face contact is FAR better than online chat through Facebook or email). Not only does it feel good, it’s also important in helping us feel part of a wider community. Investing time in nurturing the relationships around you enriches your life dramatically.
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