BY FLORA WHITE, PSYCHOLOGIST, MANLY VILLAGE MEDICAL
In today’s fast-paced world, there are many things that we have to get our heads around in order to show up and take care of ourselves. The impacts on one’s mental health can be felt and seen with multiple roles and hats that we wear. At times we can feel overwhelmed and exhausted by our lives. When we feel this way, what self-care strategies can we use to help us when in need?
Recently I was reading a book written by Louise Hay called The Gift of Gratitude. Gratitude is important as it can help people to refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. Trying to shift our thinking patterns on a regular basis can assist us in being more positive and appreciative.
Gratitude can be practised by:
Keeping a gratitude journal. Write down on a regular basis your thoughts about one or several things/events/people you are grateful for.
Mindfulness. Incorporates being in the present moment, paying attention to your senses, and noticing what is happening with your senses (sight/touch/hearing/taste/smell). An example could include walking around the Manly Esplanade and noticing what is externally happening in the present moment.
Sharing your thoughts with others. Talking to people about your thoughts of being grateful. An example could include over dinner, each participant individually saying what happened that day that they are grateful for.
Prayer. People who are religious can use prayer to express their gratitude.
Focusing on trying to stay grateful with our thoughts can be difficult, but if we practice regularly, people will often see a benefit. This practice can help to build resilience when times get tough. Begin by asking yourself what is one thing you are grateful for today.
