Mental Wellness In January

Why January?The Christmas period is supposed to be a happy time but for many people, Christmas time has been the hardest. For some, Christmas is a sharp reminder of the loss of loved ones with whom we can no longer share it. For those struggling financially, it is a time when the pressure on our purses is greater than ever as we try to buy gifts whilst trying to make ends meet. Christmas can also be anti-climactic. there is so much build up to the event. This year in particular, many people have struggled with coughs, colds and flu.

Around the third week in January, well-intentioned resolutions can start to slip. The days are short and the weather somewhat miserable, so it is hardly surprising that statistically, January has the highest rates of depression. So, how can we take care of our mental Wellbeing... in the lead up to CWaC mental health and wellbeing week, TarvinOnline will be posting several articles about wellbeing events at the library and other places and ideas to boost mental wellbeing... but here are a few ideas to get you started:

1 Spend time with friends, loved ones and other people
Spending social time with others is statistically proven to boost mood, and help us feel connected. Humans are programmed to connect socially and when we are living alone, living with just one person, caring for children or working mostly from home it can be difficult to maintain those important additional adult social connections. Online is ok but if you can physically connect, it is better for our health. Make arrangements to meet up for a cuppa or Lunch and keep to it. Go to one of the social meet ups in the village; The Methodist Church coffee morning is not just for regular church goers. Everyone is welcome! If you have little ones to look after, attend one of the local toddler groups at Tarvin, or Kelsall.

2 Spend time with Animals
Pets are good for our mental health, Studies have shown that stroking our pets releases endorphins and boosts our feelings of wellbeing.

3 Smile
watch a funny cat video on you tube, listen to or watch a comedy sketch or film. Even if you don't feel like smiling, grin on purpose. The gland that releases endorphins(our happy hormone) is triggered by the very act of smiling – so go on. Grin!

4 Exercise
As soon as there is a break in the weather, or even if there isn't, get out for a walk or run in the fresh air. you know that exercise helps mental wellbeing. if you think you might put it off, make a regular arrangement with a friend to meet up for a walk or run. Swimming is a good option and here is a link to theTIMETABLEfor Christleton Swimming pool. you can also access Northgate, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port timetables on this link.

5 Gratitude
Try making a list eachmorning of at least three things you aregrateful for. It may be as simple as being grateful that you live in a lovely village, have nice neighbours or that you live in a country at peace.

6 Volunteering
By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense happiness. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel. Whether it is helping at a charity shop, or food bank or helping at an animal shelter

6 Mindfulness colouring, tapestry, woodworking or turning,
Many people find that the concentration you need to colour the images in mindfulness colouring books helps you to focus on one thing and can calm us down if we are anxious. The same can apply to activities like Tapestry, woodworking, embroidery and patch work.

7 Yoga and tai chi
Yoga teaches us to breathe better and calm the mind by focusing on our breath or our heart beat. We can centre ourselves whilst doing the various asanas. Some you positions can help us feel more wakeful – get if you are feeling slow in the morning or after lunch and other positions help us to sleep better. I found the careful attention to detail required to perform movements in tai chi help to calm my mind.