The benefits of having a positive mental attitude



Posted 05/01/2023





This month I would like to focus on looking to the future in a positive way and the benefits to you of having a positive mental attitude. With the uncertainty of the economy, the rising costs of food, petrol and fuel costs, this is leaving many of us with anxiety and fears for the future. This blog therefore aims to support you with your mental health and wellbeing at this difficult time as well as enable you to develop a positive mental attitude for 2023 and all those great things that you are about to experience.


Being a human is tough. We live in a society full of pressures whether they be from school, family, friends or the media. Sometimes, these pressures can become overwhelming and we end up prioritising them over our own physical and mental health.



What can YOU do to take care of your mental health?



Self-care is important to ensure that you have a positive mental health and wellbeing outlook. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.


Focusing on self-care is often spoken about in terms of treatment for mental health problems, but it should be practised by everyone to keep happy and healthy.


Self-care is totally individual. You just need to figure out what you enjoy and what keeps you feeling stress free, but there are some general ways you can take care of yourself like a pro.



1. Be kind to yourself



This is the most important one that should be on everyone’s list. Give yourself a break. You’re allowed some time to yourself to relax and recharge, and shouldn’t feel guilty or selfish for looking after number one (that’s you). No matter what your situation, your physical and mental health should always come first. You are important.



2. Exercise



Keeping your body active is a great stress-reliever. Even if you go for a 20-minute run twice a week, you can let off some steam and release those endorphins that will make you happy.






3. Go outside



It might be tempting to stay in bed all day when you’re having a self-care day but getting yourself outside even for a 10-minute walk around your area will get some fresh air into your lungs and brain.






4. Enjoy some rest



However, there’s no shame in staying your pyjamas under the duvet for some of the day. Rest your wonderful body. Stick Netflix on, turn off social media and immerse yourself in some outrageously trashy telly.






5. Eat well



It’s easy to recommend junk food, especially when the corner shop is running an extremely hard to turn down deal on strawberry laces, but in reality, making sure you eat well is more important when putting your body first. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of chocolate, but a healthy and nutritious meal should accompany it. Sorry to sound like your mum.



6. Have a bath



Baths are less common these days. Showers get all the attention. They’re quicker, easier and in the modern world they’re just more convenient. BUT, let’s bring back the bath. Grab some bath bombs, go overboard on the bubbles, stick some music on and just lie in blissful warmth for a bit. A candle also is a lovely treat.



7. Create a self-care playlist



Speaking of music, instead of just clicking ‘shuffle’ and skipping through 80% of your songs, how about you create a self-care playlist to listen to when you need some me-time? Shove some calming music on there, motivational songs, songs from your childhood, and sing along to your heart’s content.



8. Say no



It’s very easy to feel guilty when saying ‘no’ to social commitments or people in general, but sometimes it can be the best thing you can do for yourself. You shouldn’t have to come up with any “I’m pretty sure I’m going be sick that day” excuses or feel like you have to say, ‘yes’ in order to please others and then being untrue to yourself.



9. Write an achievable to-do list



It can be easy to set yourself a list of big goals when writing to-do lists, but giving yourself smaller targets can make you feel more in control and proud of your day. Get up. Shower. Put clothes away. Have lunch. All the little necessary things are great to tick off and keep you motivated.



10. Get creative



This isn’t for everyone, but getting stuck in with creative activities can keep your mind focused and productive, whilst still keeping you chilled. Get yourself a mindfulness colouring book, dig out the cross-stitch you didn’t finish when you were 12, or decorate some biscuits. Basically, have fun.



It’s easy to get swept up in the fast-pace of life, but making sure you’re giving yourself some self-care time will ensure you’re best prepared to deal with the worst that life can throw at you. Keep happy and healthy!



What can FAMILY members do to promote mental wellness?



Self-care is important to ensure that you have a positive mental health and wellbeing outlook. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.


Focusing on self-care is often spoken about in terms of treatment for mental health problems, but it should be practised by everyone to keep happy and healthy.


Self-care is totally individual. You just need to figure out what you enjoy and what keeps you feeling stress free, but there are some general ways you can take care of yourself like a pro.



1. Give a listening ear



Provide an environment where every member is free to share their worries, problems, and even the good things life offers. Since you cannot offer what you do not have, you first need to work on your well-being to help others. That said, ensure you check out how you can balance self-care and helping others.





2. Celebrate small wins



In a family setting, it is more likely that you know the strengths and weaknesses of every member. Some wins may seem too small to be celebrated by non-family members but celebrating the small wins at home motivates and boosts your confidence. It also shows that the people close to you are proud of you and make you feel good about your achievements.




3. Handle difficult situations positively



From a tender age, teach children to see positivity in handling even the worst situations. Let them know that they can develop a plan of action that does not drive them or other people involved insane. Also, teach them that life is not always a smooth journey and difficult things are bound to happen. That way, they will be psychologically prepared to handle life's challenges.



4. Attend counselling



If you face issues that interfere with the family's cohesiveness, seek family counselling. You do not have to delay until a problem escalates before seeking help. Most models address the family's verbal and nonverbal communication styles and seek to enable all members to learn effective communication. You can even contact the counsellor here at PCS for guidance or support.



5. Make everyone feel valued



Avoid behaviours that will make some members feel side-lined. For instance, avoid being overly harsh with just one person. Some children are difficult to handle and may require you to be stricter but don't let them feel you are picking on them. Also, be fair in the distribution of roles so that everyone plays a part in doing the house chores.





6. Have a bath



As stated previously the outdoors provide some tranquillity and beautiful adventure that calms the body and mind. Watching the beauty nature has to offer takes your mind away from the hustle and bustle of life and creates positive emotions. It is a 'nature prescription' that does not cost you a penny. Spending time outdoors relieves you of stress, sleeping problems, anxiety, and depression. In addition, time spent in green places reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. You do not need to go for hours outside to make this possible; twenty to thirty minutes is enough.



You can support anyone in the family not to feel alone and anxious. However, you need to know how to help others to offer support effectively. As you take care of other people in the family, remember to take good care of your own mental health.



Develop a positive attitude for 2023



Developing a positive attitude in 2023 can be easy for you, following the steps below for small or big changes, the choice is yours. Try one or try them all.

  1. Reframe Negative Thoughts.
  2. Set Boundaries.
  3. Cultivate Positive Relationships.
  4. Identify Your Stress Triggers.
  5. Find Ways to Recharge.
  6. Acknowledge Your Weaknesses.
  7. Establish New Goals and Priorities.
  8. Embrace Change.




Remember however change can also be difficult and if you need support or someone just to talk to, your counsellor at PCS is here to help. She can be contacted on jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk or 07399809671. There is also a drop in session each Tuesday 5pm-8pm, the counselling services are completely confidential and you can self-refer.



Virtual Drop-in Clinic





If you are feeling a little down, worried about the current pandemic, or just looking to let off some steam; our counsellor is now providing virtual drop-in sessions every Tuesday.


Issues or concerns discussed with Jaime do not need to be work related; but could include home life, relationship, or health concerns.


We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space.


This service is completely confidential and free to all our Staff.



Your counsellor at PCS is also a qualified CBT practitioner as well as qualified ‘talking’ therapist. She will help and support you if you feel that you are suffering from something such as perimenopause.


Don’t suffer from any mental health issue in silence or alone, the more that we talk about it, the better you will feel.


Contact Jaime on 07399809671 or email on jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk


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