25th November 2021
I've been asked what the energies are like at Stonhenge today... its hard to put a finger on it. They seem mixed. I feel the energies are meeting me in my own feelings of change, resisting change and procrastination in getting the work done and digging deep within to actually do some more shadow work. The Raven clarified this for me with it's visit and call as I walked past. Representing a change in consciousness and moving into new cycles.
5th January 2022
9 ways to improve your mental wellbeing
There are many reasons and causes that affect our mental health. Social isolation and loneliness, discrimination, long term stress, health conditions, unemployment and more recently, uncertainty and stress of the pandemic has had a negative effect on the menta wellbeing of many people.
Here are 9 different ways to improve your mental wellbeing. Remember, it is better to choose one to start, that fits in with your lifestyle. Make time and plan for it. Devoting time and making a commitment to yourself is much better than saying ‘I’m going to exercise more’
1. Practice mindfulness. Information overload and constant demands on our attention can make it hard to focus on what’s really important.
We can spend too much time worrying about the future and stressing over things we can’t change.
Try noticing the sights, sounds, smells and physical sensations you experience when out for a walk.
2. Cut back on clutter to reduce stress. A tidy and organised environment lets you feel calmer and more in control, whereas clutter creates stress, especially if you’re at home a lot during lockdown. Get rid of things you don’t use and find a home for other items. Your home is a mirror of your mind!
3. Laughter to boost your mood. A good giggle releases endorphins, and is a great way to relieve stress and give you a lift. Watch a funny film, find some stand-up comedy online. Sharing laughter is even better, so regularly catch up with the people in your life who make you laugh.
4. Get regular exercise. Physical activity is another way to get the endorphins flowing, and it can also reduce levels of stress hormones. Even if you can’t get outside or to the gym, there’s plenty of free online exercise classes.
5. Find joy in nature. Studies on Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing have found that spending time in nature has a positive effect on mental health, so try to get out into your local green spaces several times a week.
6. Use social media in a positive way. Social media lets you stay connected with family and friends but it can also eat up your time, expose you to online negativity and can make you feel that other people have a more exciting life than you. Try turning off the notifications that constantly call you back to your phone. Use social media in a more positive way by following people and pages that you find uplifting, and ones that provide useful health information.
7. Boost your happiness by helping others. Research has found that volunteering and being kind to others can increase our own wellbeing, self-esteem and happiness. You could simply try to do a small act of kindness every day, such as offering to pick up some shopping for a neighbour, letting another driver into a traffic queue, or giving an unexpected compliment.
8. Learn to say no.You cannot pour from an empty cup! Many of us find it hard to say no. Overcommitting and being constantly at someone’s beck and call can have a negative effect on your mental health. If you struggle to come straight out with a refusal, say you’ll have to think about it or check your diary first. Then just say you can’t manage it this time as you’ve got too much on. It does get easier with practice!
9. Be grateful. I like to ask people to think of one thing they are grateful for today. Counting your blessings and being thankful for small, day-to-day pleasures helps to develop a more positive mind-set. Try to think of three good things that have happened that day.
Awakening Souls