Feel better in 5
Big changes start with simple steps. Try these easy ideas to help improve your wellbeing
1 STOP COMPARING YOURSELF
Whether you’re comparing yourself with peers, models on TV or your past
self, it’s not worth it. Teenage girls and young women, in particular, are more susceptible to depression and anxiety, since comparisons with what they see on social media can become second nature.
However, it’s not just the young who are affected. Those who are older are more likely to notice what they’ve ‘lost’ when reflecting back on their past self. For example, a photo brings happy memories at first, but the longer you look, the more you may note your change in appearance since then, to remember what happened before or after the shot was taken, or you may even struggle to recognise yourself.
But, remember – what made you happy then can be different to now, and trying to conform to beauty ideals or focusing on negatives only hurts self-esteem. Instead, look to positives – what you love about your life and who you are now.
Focus on friends and family, not your small screen
2 NOW! SWITCH OFF,
Nomophobia – the irrational fear of being without a mobile phone or the inability to use your phone (due to a lack of signal or being out of power) – is one of the biggest fears in the modern world. A study from the telecommunications equipment company Huawei in early 2017 found the average Australian spends 2.5 hours a day on their phone, equalling out to 38 days a year. But of course, this is just the average, with the numbers from heavier users balanced by those who aren’t as ‘obsessed’.
Today, people struggle to leave work at work, or switch off their phones and laptops, both of which are necessary to give the brain a chance to recharge. As a result, our mental health is suffering, with more people combatting higher anxiety levels than ever before. There is also a lack of face-to-face interaction with friends and family, causing many of us to feel somewhat lost and empty.
So, starting today, put your phone down, spend some quality time with your loved ones, go on a date, watch a movie together, go to yoga, relax in a bubble bath… do whatever you need to do on a daily basis to give
your brain a chance to truly switch off.
3 GET A DAILY DOSE OF SUNLIGHT
Don’t let those winter blues get the
better of you! Low levels of sunlight can impact your wellbeing, as well as increase joint pain and achy bones due to a deficiency in Vitamin D. Sunlight not only provides us with 90 per cent of our Vitamin D, it also boosts our supply of serotonin (also known as
‘the happy hormone’).
During the darker months, head outside between 11am and 3pm for at least 15 minutes, exposing your skin to the sun. If the chill of winter is stopping you from doing so, talk to your healthcare team about taking a daily supplement.
Alternatively, book a holiday and chase some sun!
4 RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
One of the easiest things you can do for your wellbeing is engage in random acts of kindness.
Going above and beyond your own personal desires to aid someone else can help you feel better about yourself and more connected, reduce your stress and strengthen your sense of belonging. Even once a week is enough – and it doesn’t have to be a big gesture. Try these for an instant pick-me-up:
• On public transport, offer your seat to someone injured, pregnant or elderly. If this isn’t possible (or there are enough seats), offer your help to ‘mind the gap’ when they’re getting on or off the bus or train.
• In a traffic jam, if you see someone waiting to turn or merge into your lane, let them in.
• Simply smile at a stranger – you may even make their day!
5 ADD LEMON WATER TO YOUR MORNING RITUAL
Did you know that 85 per cent of brain tissue is
water? As a result, dehydration causes the brain to generate less energy, and it can also contribute to headaches, fatigue and foggy thinking.
Sometimes we’re a little too busy to ensure we drink those eight recommended glasses per day, or are just a little bored of plain water, so why not add flavour as encouragement to have a little more every day?
Add lemon to your water first thing in the morning to instantly feel refreshed. Not only will this ensure you’re starting your day right, lemons can also help to build up your immunity level, cleanse your digestive tract and provide a zesty zing that increases your alertness to help you focus on the day ahead. Also try limes, cucumbers and berries to mix up the flavoured water of the day.