Helpful tools for difficult times ♥ #mindfulMonday
Hello, it's been a long time.
I've come back to blogging during this difficult time because A) why not, I enjoy writing and have really missed it, and B) I thought that someone else would like to escape into a blog during these trying times in the world. I'll be regularly updating my blog with what I've been enjoying using lately (product-wise), my running training, my thoughts and things that I've tried regarding skincare and my journey with it (hardcore skincare junkie with Rosacea at your service).
Here's a short list of things to try this week that have greatly helped me through any uncertain times in my life. You don't need to do every single of one them and not every one will work for you. It's all about trying them out and finding what works for YOU. I hope you find something helpful here that will help you navigate through your thoughts and feelings and to also calm your mind.
I'm starting off with one that you might have not considered and three others that are very popular. As someone in recovery from clinical depression, these are my tried and true methods of relaxing my, at times, chaotic mind.
Sounds
This one is a game changer for me - listening to gentle, mostly nature sounds as I'm falling asleep; or whenever I feel like I need something comforting and soothing. Ever since I was a baby, I've always needed a sound to fall asleep to whether it was the ceiling fan whirring, or the sound of the crickets chirping outside into the night. Some people are the exact opposite and need complete and utter silence (the worst scenario to me). So if you find yourself not being able to fall asleep as well as you'd like to, I'd suggest giving this tactic a try. There are a multitude of apps like this nowadays which is great. The one I primarily use is called 'White Noise Generator' and can be found on the App/Play Store for free. I love this one because you can customise your sounds! A little bit of rain, a touch of crickets, maybe some crackling bonfire and you're off to dreamland.
Journaling
No matter how many people you speak to about how you feel at the time, there's nothing quite like putting your thoughts down on paper. It's such an intensely cathartic thing to do and it does feel like a weight has lifted off your shoulders when you're done. The act of writing things down helps clear more space in your mind I've found.
Exercise
Exercise is a major help to me personally and one of the most recommended tools for overall wellness especially within the mind. Even if it's a simple walk in the park, getting fresh air and producing endorphins from moving your body will help you feel more grounded, calm and will help you to put certain things into perspective.
Meditation
Meditation is another very popular tool and for good reason. I found out recently that meditation can even change the structure of the brain - in a good way! The biggest bonus of meditating is that it helps regulate stress and tunes out negative thoughts. Most people think they can't meditate or that they're doing it wrong. There is no 'wrong way' when it comes to this practice. It's perfectly normal not to be able to totally clear your mind, so don't worry! If it was that easy, everyone would be master gurus and mental illness would be barely there. Some days it will be easier than others, but doing this at least a few times a week has really helped my state of mind. Calm is an amazing app but there's so many on the market these days such as Headspace, Simple Habit, etc...plus apps that are free. You can also find a lot of guided meditations for free on YouTube!
I really hope that these were helpful and that you'll give the ones you haven't tried yet (or recently) a go. It's all about the little things that we do every day rather than looking at big, overwhelming tasks.
I'll be speaking about more of these methods next Monday!
Take really good care,
Laura x
Question(s) for you!
I've come back to blogging during this difficult time because A) why not, I enjoy writing and have really missed it, and B) I thought that someone else would like to escape into a blog during these trying times in the world. I'll be regularly updating my blog with what I've been enjoying using lately (product-wise), my running training, my thoughts and things that I've tried regarding skincare and my journey with it (hardcore skincare junkie with Rosacea at your service).
Here's a short list of things to try this week that have greatly helped me through any uncertain times in my life. You don't need to do every single of one them and not every one will work for you. It's all about trying them out and finding what works for YOU. I hope you find something helpful here that will help you navigate through your thoughts and feelings and to also calm your mind.
I'm starting off with one that you might have not considered and three others that are very popular. As someone in recovery from clinical depression, these are my tried and true methods of relaxing my, at times, chaotic mind.
Sounds
This one is a game changer for me - listening to gentle, mostly nature sounds as I'm falling asleep; or whenever I feel like I need something comforting and soothing. Ever since I was a baby, I've always needed a sound to fall asleep to whether it was the ceiling fan whirring, or the sound of the crickets chirping outside into the night. Some people are the exact opposite and need complete and utter silence (the worst scenario to me). So if you find yourself not being able to fall asleep as well as you'd like to, I'd suggest giving this tactic a try. There are a multitude of apps like this nowadays which is great. The one I primarily use is called 'White Noise Generator' and can be found on the App/Play Store for free. I love this one because you can customise your sounds! A little bit of rain, a touch of crickets, maybe some crackling bonfire and you're off to dreamland.
Journaling
No matter how many people you speak to about how you feel at the time, there's nothing quite like putting your thoughts down on paper. It's such an intensely cathartic thing to do and it does feel like a weight has lifted off your shoulders when you're done. The act of writing things down helps clear more space in your mind I've found.
Exercise
Exercise is a major help to me personally and one of the most recommended tools for overall wellness especially within the mind. Even if it's a simple walk in the park, getting fresh air and producing endorphins from moving your body will help you feel more grounded, calm and will help you to put certain things into perspective.
Meditation
I really hope that these were helpful and that you'll give the ones you haven't tried yet (or recently) a go. It's all about the little things that we do every day rather than looking at big, overwhelming tasks.
I'll be speaking about more of these methods next Monday!
Take really good care,
Laura x
Question(s) for you!
- Have you tried these before?
- Do you have any other methods of mindfulness that you already do each day?
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