Surviving Or Thriving?

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Surviving or Thriving” and looks at what people can do in their everyday to help their mental wellbeing.  Too many of us are simply surviving from one day to the next and have ceased to fully participate in life. 

If we look at nature’s way of helping plants and trees to thrive – then we see that strong roots are necessary and that a plant must be nurtured in order for it to thrive.  We humans are not so different.  We also need to be nurtured if we are to thrive.  Over time many of us lose sight of what nurtures us; those activities that make us feel calm and contented.  The pressures of work and life in general take our attention away from self-nurture and we often feel guilty if we try and enjoy some “me” time, leading to us feeling under even more pressure.

So, during Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May 2017) why not set aside a little time for some self-nurturing.  Think back to the activities you used to undertake that nourished your being.  Perhaps you used to enjoy sketching or sewing?  Maybe playing an instrument or singing?  Or listening to your favourite piece of music brought you calm.  For some people physical activity such as walking or running brings them peace.  Other’s get joy from watching or participating in their favourite sport – maybe playing a round of golf or having a kick-about.  Some people find that just sitting outdoors and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature is what nurtures them.

The often phrenetic pace of modern life can make it very difficult for some of us to remember what we used to do to self-nurture.  Or we simply cannot see a way of slotting something else into an already hectic schedule.  Counselling can help enormously by teaching us how to recognise and set boundaries and goals for ourselves.  A professional counsellor can help us to restart the process of self-nurturing.

Whatever it is that nourishes you and helps you to thrive – spend some time doing just that and feel the difference it makes to your mental wellbeing………..it’s time to stop just surviving and to begin thriving again!

Add your comments | Subscribe | View all messages