29/08/2025
*Mental health MOT*
It's that time of year when we are all quite exhausted and secretly looking forward to autumn (except possibly teachers who will be working even harder! Sorry guys!)
🍂 But generally, autumn inspires us to be more introspective. To slow down, enjoy the cosiness of home and pets/family or books!
But it's also a good time to reflect on all the things you are grateful for. They might be few, or they might be many, but gratefulness ✨️ is very powerful and can completely change your perspective.
A little habit that makes a big difference:
1.) Before bed, write down or tell someone 3 things you are grateful for today. 🧡
Trust me, if you're cynical, it takes a few days, but it is well worth sticking with it.
2.) Pause, name out loud what you can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch to help bring you back to the present moment - this is a mindfulness trick to stop negative thoughts escalating
3.) Breathe slower 🌬 - inhale through your nose (count for 4) and make the exhale through your mouth extra long (count for 8) - this stimulates the nervous system to relax
4.) Try a meditation practice, 🧘♂️ there is often a mantra or takeaway you can carry with you for the day to redirect your thoughts in a positive way
Here's one I find helpful
Do you agree you cannot change the past?
Do you agree you cannot force the future?
I am peace
If you're new to meditation, it can feel a bit woo woo but practice makes it easier to relax into it. 🙌
5.) Move your body, dance, shake it, exercise, whatever feels good and gets the blood pumping. Exercise has been proven to be beneficial to your mental & emotional state.
Remember to check in on your friends and family and let them know how important they are to you, and more importantly, take a moment each day to show yourself some love and respect.
💚
