Our Fitness Instructor Sammy has written an article on how a positive outlook can improve your day to day life!
As our restrictions are slowly lifted you may be a little unsure as to how to move forward. These times have proved to be difficult for some whilst others have embraced family times, working from home and all the changes we have suddenly had to make. With our gym hopefully being opened on the 9th June it won’t be too long until we can slowly get back to some normality. I am sure it has been a challenge for most of you.
With this said I have decided that an article on a positive outlook is appropriate timing. So let’s talk about mindset. In the several weeks we have been in isolation I have been told by some of you that you are missing close family, elderly parents in homes and like myself not being able to travel overseas on family planned visits.
We are often told that most people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be. I don’t really agree with this, people with severe pain or are grieving find this almost impossible and a real challenge let alone depression and or other mental health issues. So what can we do to change our behaviour patterns? Studies have already shown us that the power of the mind is immense and has a huge impact on our well-being, so how do we put it in to practice?
Start today with some basics, here are 8 ways to stay healthy and happy giving us a positive mindset.
- Sleep – Go to bed at a decent hour and don’t have long day naps. This can cause a jet lag effect on our system. Power naps are different however as you don’t fall into a heavy sleep. A 10 min nod will keep you alert for the rest of the day.
- Get some fresh air, look at the sky, a brisk walk for 20 minutes or sitting in the garden. Take in your surroundings or go bare foot on the grass or weather permitting stretch out on it. Take a minute or two quiet time to reflect on what you appreciate in your life.
- Don’t treat the down days with a pick me up treat. I’m talking about over indulgence, overeating, more wine, more chocolate. It’s worth pausing to ask yourself will this truly make you feel better. Hunger pangs also come with the need to drink water, did you drink enough today?
- Phone a friend, or Facetime someone you care about. We all know that a good ole natter can keep us chirpy.
- Exercise, my favourite! A big energy boost. Too tired? Even 10 minutes of breathing and stretching and taking time for your body will keep you in a better mind frame.
- Do someone a favour – Help someone out, offer some practical advice, look something up for them, be encouraging and supportive or just lend a listening ear.
- You determine your day, don’t let outside influences take over. Don’t let something or someone else create the day you choose to have. We all get blind-sided but get back on track to accomplish those personal goals. Try not to strive for perfection and high expectations of yourself and others as this can cause unnecessary pressure on yourself. Organise your thoughts.
- Look at the bigger picture and plan for the future, it will be here soon! We will look back at these strange times as just something that happened. Start to plan the things you want to do and to see the ones you have dearly missed. Write them all in your calendar, there are happy days ahead for all of us. Keep smiling I really look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Best wishes
Sammy
