Tools for healthy living (mental health)
A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. How you think about things matters, as it can determine whether you survive or thrive.
There are a range of tools out there to help you with your thinking, and to keep your brain active. In today's blog, I will focus on some of the ones I like, with links to others for you to explore.
I tend to struggle with depression and anxiety, and I have found Cognitive Behavoural Therapy (CBT) to be extremely helpful. It analyses how you think about things, the accuracy of those thoughts, and then helps to build new thought patterns.
The NHS provides a range of tools for various mental health issues, some free, some for a fee. These range from tools for depression, anxiety, sleep therapies, brain training and forums where you can safely discuss your issues. Their Moodzone pages offer a number of audio guides to help boost your mood.
Headspace is either an app or online tool that provides you with meditation tools, on a range of topics. There is both a free option, and a paid subscription.
I'm a fan of Dr Henry Cloud, a Christian Psychologist who does a lot of leadership and management counselling. His teaching is practical and sensible, and I have learned a lot listening to him on Youtube.
There are many tools for brain training, which helps to keep your mind active and agile. There is debate on whether they have any impact on intelligence, but there are many benefits to keeping your mind active. Crossword Puzzles; Suduko; quizzes all help keep your brain active. There are also a range of online tools you can try:
'The scientific evidence and clinical research that underpins mindfulness is strong and growing. It shows positive effects on several aspects of whole-person health, including the mind, the brain, the body, and behaviour, as well as a person's relationships with others.' https://bemindful.co.uk/
Tools like Yoga (I particularly like Adriene, because she includes mindfulness and CBT in her sessions) and Headspace also help to live in the moment. They can be a great way to learn to slow down, stop and smell the roses, but also not to worry about things that may never happen.
Mindfulness tools offers free tools and audio guides.
Finally, Rethink offers a wide range of tools to improve your mental health, along practical advice for day to day living.
Happy Mental Health!