World Mental Health Day 2018

I am privileged to share my passions for exercise, yoga & good food with others on a daily basis, and so I am all too aware of the profound effect that each or a combination of all of them can have on physical & mental health.

If you’re wondering where to start, try these:

Try Yoga: Breathing exercises (Pranayama) used during yoga practice can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, this in turn can help lower heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, increase feelings of calm and alleviating anxiety.

Try Mindful Exercise: Exercise is a well documented strategy in reducing mild anxiety and depression. Get outside, get moving, boost those feel good endorphins but as you do so pay attention to simple nuances like your feet striking the ground as you walk or the rhythm of your breath as you move for a more grounded, stress free experience.

Try Meditation: Distance yourself from stresses of past or future events by clearing some time each day to meditate & it can be super simple. Try finding a comfortable seat, breathe in through your nose for a count of 5 & out through your mouth for 10 & repeat this 10 times. If your mind should wander, just bring it back to the rhythm of your breath.

Try Talking: seems simple really, but sharing your problems, fears or anxiety with others can transform your mood, alleviate short term stress and perhaps change long term perception. Talk to friends, colleges or loved ones who offer a non judgemental & sympathetic ear. Their perspective on your woes could really help. If you would like to speak to someone outside of your immediate peer group then checkout out @aware_ni who offer incredible support groups & counselling.

Here’s me in my happy place - the north coast seaside 🍦