By Abi Gold, Family and Parenting Expert, Juggle Family and Parenting Consultancy
Practical tips for staying positive from Abi Gold, Family and Parenting Expert at Juggle Family and Parenting Consultancy.
We all get a little low sometimes, but that's ok, because life does tend to serve us the occasional curve ball. But we soon buck up, and before we know it, we're back to our old selves again. But what if we can't shake off the sadness, control the worry or find joy any more? And how do we keep the blues at bay?
Exercise releases 'feel good' hormones that give you an instant pick-me-up. Find something you enjoy doing, make it part of your day, and if you can, do it with company, to get the maximum benefit. Being outside will also give you a lift.
Your mind needs regular nourishment to help it to maintain a positive outlook on life, so fill up on foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts and soy beans, and eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, like wholemeal bread and oats, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Tiredness can put a real dampener on your happiness, so prioritise a good night's sleep, to feel energised and better able to cope. Find a bedtime routine that helps you to wind down, like taking a hot bath, lighting candles or burning incense. Try to avoid stress and work before bed, avoid caffeine in the evenings, and stick to a regular bedtime.
Surround yourself with happy people who make you feel happy, do things that you enjoy and that challenge you, and smile and laugh lots. Think happy thoughts, make an effort to see positives wherever possible, and seek out good company as soon as you start to feel down.
We all need someone to confide in, and talking about how we feel is a great way to manage stress and find solutions. If you're feeling low, find someone to open up to, after all, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Everyone has good days and bad days, but seeking out happiness and choosing to be positive are the first steps to being happy most of the time. So pass the message on, and have a happy day!
