Little things can make a big difference
Try meditating Write down your feelings
“You can’t have self-development without self-awareness, because you simply can’t change what you are not aware of,” says Simon.
“It is why true
Anne-Sophie Fluri says: “A resilient brain is one that is well-nourished, wellrested and well-cared for. Practising good self-care is essential for showing up as your best self and guarding against stress and burnout.”
Find out what works best for you whether that’s having a bath, going for a walk out in nature or listening to some music – anything that gives you an opportunity to focus on nourishing yourself. wisdom begins with understanding yourself.” He recommends regular journalling, calling it “the cheapest form of therapy there is”. Simon continues: “By understanding your thinking, you not only know yourself better, but you feel a greater sense of clarity and [can] channel your energy into what you can control over what you can’t. It helps to deepen the relationship you have with yourself.”
Anne-Sophie says journaling can help with emotional regulation, adding: “Learning to deal with your emotions is an important part of mental fitness. Key to this is self-soothing: finding constructive ways to tolerate distress and comfort
ourselves.”
Be kind Take a cold shower in the morning
Dr Deborah Lee suggests practising kindness every day could help boost your own mental health.
“Being kind to others will increase your sense of worth and self-esteem, all of which lead to happiness and greater pleasure in life,” she says. “You could sign up to be a volunteer, drop in on an elderly neighbour, walk a dog for a friend, start babysitting, or even become a blood donor, for example.” ment advocating for the mental health benefits of cold water therapy.
Be careful with this if you have any existing health conditions, but Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) suggests a cold shower can “elevate levels of endorphins, the natural chemicals released in the brain that give you a ‘high”’.
She adds: “Cold water immersion also lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Interestingly the biggest benefit from the cold shower is in the first minute or two – there is no real additional benefit from gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to stay under the cold water for too long!”
Schedule in rest periods
We all have hectic lives and it’s easy to get caught up with everything that’s going on – only to realise you’re burnt out when it’s too late.
Simon recommends scheduling in time to rest every day, because this is “the space where our creativity blossoms, our wisdom rises to the surface and insights are born”.
He advises treating these rest periods like you would meetings or social events, saying: “Making this part of your routine will help you stay mentally fit, and come back to whatever you were doing recharged, rejuvenated and ready for whatever the world may throw your way.”