Work It Out

 Last December I joined a lovely gym and really enjoyed going. It had everything I needed, it was friendly and clean and I found myself wanting to go and to improve myself.

It was also a massive help in diagnosing and recovering from my TIA (mini stroke) as the treadmill had been tracking my heart rate. The stats where wildly different before and after the incident so it then became piece of mind that I could monitor and recognise signs of blood clots or just my health in general. All was going steadily but I haven't been for a month now.

I had a procedure on my leg which meant no saunas, swimming or heavy exercise for 4 weeks at least. I didn't realise how much I had missed it and also how much it helped with my mental health. Its a proven fact that exercise releases endorphins and that being in good health itself lowers stress and reduces triggers that can affect mental  health. This I know but its also a hobby, a chance to socialise or get some alone time, somewhere to enjoy my music or a podcast uninterrupted and a personal challenge. 

Feeling yoy have worked hard or achieved and improved is a massive boost for mental wellbeing. Its the equivalent of those little gold star stickers we got at school. Especially in western countries we are programmed from a young age to seek rewards. As children we are praised, given certificates, have award assemblies and given those shiny gold stars. As we grow to adults we still seek that validation and praise but where does it come from?  

You may have some wonderful people on your life or a workplace that offers you praise and recognition but for many of us this isn't an option or steady trickle of praise. So we have to learn to high five ourselves. Make it a point each day to say out loud well done and recognise one thing you did that day. Whether it's a personal best in the gym or doing the dishes. Even a compliment to yourself or remembering a past achievement you are proud of. Relive that moment. And what if you can't think of a single thing? Praise the fact you are here which means you have survived every single hardship so far. You're doing amazing.

Much love,

Becky xx

Parklife

 What's your season? We've all got one thats a favourite, that we relate to, the holds all the best memories. For me that is autumn. I love everything about it. The changes that come with nature and the weather, we still get our cosy evenings but its not too dark too early and it holds my favourite holiday of Halloween.

Yesterday I got out in nature to three separate places very dear to me and my childhood with two people I love dearly. We walked and talked, collected fir cones and conkers. I love that autumn tradition of hunting for conkers on the ground and knocking them out of trees with a crisp air around and just enough chill to make you glad to get back to a warm home.

Fresh air, cold, nature, green space, walking, loved ones, a cup of tea... all natural remedies for calming the nervous system and boosting those feel good hormones. Linked with memories, human connection and laughter these are powerful tools we can all use to help heal and calm ourselves. Even on the most stressful and busy of days we can look out of the window, let the fresh air into our homes or workspace, stand on the doorstep and take a deep breath,  enjoy a cup of tea or just get up and walk around our space. These can be micro moments of taking a huge hike in the valleys or mountains and coming home to somewhere cosy. For me yesterday was just a walk in the park.

Much love,

Becky xx