Most of us have something we do regularly, usually daily, to help us feel better. Having a support mechanism (or several) can be very positive. Some people cannot function unless they have completed a strenuous workout or a 10-mile run. Others might need the calm retreat of a bath and a book.
You might not have a specific 'thing' that you turn to so it might be time to consider introducing things that make you relax and feel better generally. Your well-being 'go to' should help you to: see things more clearly, enjoy life more, and restore some internal harmony, even if it's only temporary.
So what might you do to keep yourself grounded? Because we are all unique the list is potentially endless! Here are a few ideas:
Reading
Hobbies
Walking
Gardening
Crafts/creative pursuits
Lighting candles
Socialising
Meditating
Yoga
A relaxing cuppa
Skincare ritual
Tidying/organising
Relaxing with pets
Family time
Phone calls with friends
Music - listening and playing
Preparing food
Learning something new
Journaling
Sport
A long, hot shower
Wild swimming
I don't want to be prescriptive and list lots of things you shouldn't include but you can see from the suggestions above that I'm suggesting valuable activities that add something to your sense of self and make you feel more satisfied as a result. A pizza and trashy TV is great now and then but that's not what I'm talking about.
A successful 'go to' is usually a small gesture of self-care that contributes towards a better state of mind. It absolutely doesn't mean you need to go all out and walk from Land's End to John O'Groats, benchpress 300lb and learn Mandarin Chinese this weekend. It's actually the opposite. Reading a few pages of your favourite author, listening to a few good songs, sitting in peace and breathing mindfully for 10 minutes - these are all great things to practise.
You may know exactly what your 'thing' is. If you don't, take some time to find it and really enjoy examining the effects of different things until you hit on the activities that make you feel better, even if it's just a little bit. What do you reach for?
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