TIME TO SHOW A LITTLE LOVE

are facing unprecedented times and, perhaps without even realising it, being swept up in the non-stop barrage of news and gloom.

From the car radio to the TV, internet and social media, how can we remain positive mentally and still have the energy to weather the storm? Here are some tips to help dilute negativity. 1. LIMIT EXPOSURE

We can’t control everything, but we do have a choice in making decisions in what we expose ourselves and children to. Try to avoid being swept up in the hysteria of events or other people’s opinions. Negative emotions act on our central nervous system and processes, with one study finding those low on positive emotions were 2.9 times more likely to contract a respiratory illness. We can only control our actions, so dealing with what is happening at present and living in the moment helps to remain calm. Just do what you can do. 2. HELP OTHERS IF POSSIBLE When we branch out to assist those in need it triggers a part of the brain that produces oxytocin, which in turn has a calming effect on the body. Be polite, consider the needs of others, practise random acts of kindness and understand we are all in this together. 3. FOCUS ON YOUR INTERNAL WORLD

It’s OK to pull back from the world … it’s a useful time to reassess things and a little soul searching never hurt anyone. Use these times to retreat by giving yourself space to sort through things mentally. Feel the grass beneath your toes, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Take in the small moments and permit yourself to feel pleasure, which is the key to boosting feel-good serotonin levels in the brain. 4. DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANT STUFF

I just have to take one look at my family and, like a jigsaw puzzle, everything falls into perspective. Remind yourself that this is a hard time, but the only way around it is to go through it. Remaining strong for those around us has a positive flow-on effect. 5. STAY IN CONTROL

This is easy to say I know, but in the end, it is up to us to pull ourselves together. Partners, parents, loved ones can say what they like, but they can’t physically change our mindset. The magic part is up to us. Try meditation, find a calm space to sit and just be. This is part of life – part of the deal of existing on this planet is going through struggles and experiences. It’s just how we individually deal with things that make people shine in certain situations. Kick those negative thoughts to the kerb and make the most of the situation we are faced with.

There is no escaping the fact that the world is moving to a different beat, but this doesn’t mean we have to spin out of control with it.