September 12th is National Day of Encouragement
Let's get that mood improved...
With new lockdown restrictions and the weather changing, it's easy to feel discouraged. But there are things we can all do to stay in a positive mindset.
The last few months have been tough, haven't they? Restrictions imposed, plans changed, families and friends missed and hugs forbidden. We have all been in the same position, and regardless of whether you are hoping things will soon return to normal or wishing everyone would stay at home it can be difficult to keep a positive frame of mind.
Luckily there are a few proven techniques for staying sane, and for encouraging those you love to do the same. So to celebrate this Day of Encouragement we have put together a few suggestions for you, to help encourage either yourself or someone you care about.
· Do you have a friend or a family member who is struggling? Send them a note, either by post or via email. Remind them that even though things get tough, life gets better. Reminisce about happier times, and make plans for the future that can be looked forward to.
· Sometimes all the encouragement someone needs is just a friend to stop by and hang out for the afternoon. While we can still visit people in their homes, and while the weather is still good enough to stay outside when necessary, make this a priority right now. If lockdown conditions tighten, or winter arrives with a vengeance, we need to have stored up some people time to see us through.
· Encourage yourself by setting goals. By setting small goals and then reaching them you can achieve a real sense of accomplishment which can elevate mood. And when I say small I mean small - an extra piece of fruit a day, a slightly longer walk, an hour of paying bills and admin - choose a few goals for the week ahead and make sure they are ones you will succeed at.
· Creativity has long been recognised as a way to elevate mood and enjoy the present, and you don't have to be creative to benefit! A quick search on Pinterest for simple craft projects can open up a world of happy-inducing pursuits. Try making an item of beaded jewellery or playing with air-dry clay, two simple activities that engage your right brain. By keeping your hands busy you can also allow your thoughts to flow, meaning further ideas will probably pop into your head.
· You have heard this before but you know it's true - enjoying some exercise is the best thing you can do to feel better about your situation. If you need encouragement to get started, try YouTube for some excellent beginner tips and free videos, or download your favourite uplifting tracks and simply go for a walk. For every hour of exercise you undertake you are reducing risks of health problems in the future, elevating mood, improving your skin, increasing your brain health and memory, enhancing your sleep quality and lowering anxiety - and if that's not enough encouragement, I don't know what is!!
I hope you feel encouraged to succeed at whatever you are working on this weekend. I would love to know how you are getting on - simply reply to this email with your ideas and actions.
Best wishes for now – Deb
(P.S. If you would like some encouragement... every reply will go into a draw to win a FREE box of goodies from Boxcitement worth £40 - leave your comment below!)
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