What a Difference a Day Makes - Please Remember That
The festive period, including the start of a new year, can be challenging for many reasons.
And you can find yourself plummeting from content and focused, to despairing and lost.
Those days or moments when the thought of gratitude and contentment offer no relief.
Please remember, it can and will pass, if you let it.
No matter what your personal situation, without exception, it is critical to know that we are ALL subject to external influencing forces.
Every fibre of the Universe consists of energy.
That includes you and all other matter, everywhere.
And it is ALL connected.
The Law of the Conservation of Energy tells us that energy cannot be destroyed, merely converted to another form.
We leave a permanent record of our existence in the form of energy, through thought, word and action and we always have.
You may recall times when you have detected positive or negative energy.
Perhaps socially when the happy mood of those present became almost tangible.
Or in contrast, you've sensed the weight of negativity produced during an argument or acts of aggression.
Even the trace of residual energy exerted previously and continually, such as the atmosphere of a holy place or common area.
This energy interacts with our own, sometimes to our detriment.
So at times, your feelings can be picked up like the residue of a fog you have walked through.
But whether inherited or not, when the weight of the world or your personal circumstances become unbearable it is imperative that you take action to remedy your mental state.
Permitting yourself to dwell on negativity will not help you, never doubt that.
As a good friend has said to me many times:
“Pick yourself up.”
I have not always enjoyed hearing that, but it is the only remedy.
Here's how I achieve it.
This is my First Aid Kit:
STEP 1
NEVER and I mean NEVER try and seek, answers or make decisions when in a negative state.
That includes anger, despair, sadness, desperation, or simply being unwell.
Your energy is insufficient to support you and your reasoning will be flawed.
Whether you feel you can justify your feelings or not, this state of mind is damaging and must be rectified.
Your one and only priority is to improve your mood.
That's final.
*Positivity is a greater source of energy than you can POSSIBLY IMAGINE.
(*If you take only one thing from this article it should be that sentence.)
STEP 2
Focus on one thing.
Just one thing you need or want to achieve today.
One thing that will have a positive impact on your life, even if it is mundane.
Then do it.
And make yourself do it.
REALLY make yourself.
Don't ask why you should, just do it. It is a predetermined course of action.
It is your first aid kit.
If offers FOCUS and allows the mind to quiet.
Deploy it without question.
If one application is insufficient, reapply as needed.
STEP 3
Do not engage in contemplative thought until your energy has fully recovered.
This takes discipline, so practice!
In my experience, once you have achieved your first task, you have mastered your state of mind and won the day.
Hold on to that achievement.
Somedays that is enough.
But if you need to do it again that's ok too.
Always, one achievement at a time.
I hope that has given you food for thought. We live fast and demand much of ourselves.
Finding time for new practices can be a challenge.
But perhaps knowing that your negative mood or uncharacteristic behaviour may be somewhat imposed can help you gain the strength to apply that First Aid Kit.
And find your way back to positivity.
“Wear it like a shield.”
Never give up, there is no gain in accepting defeat, only a brief respite, but the path of learning is eternal, as are you.
This article was originally published on my newsletter.
UK Support agencies
If you read this and are finding it difficult to cope in any situation, remember there is Always someone there to help. You are never alone.
Raising the awareness of loneliness and helping people connect and build friendships.
Kooth
Kooth offers free, confidential and anonymous online support and counselling for 11-23 year olds. Their team will be available to provide mental wellbeing support over the festive period.
Childline provides a confidential telephone counselling service for any child with a problem. Call: 0800 1111 anytime or online chat with a counsellor.
Crisis Tools helps you support young people in crisis. Short accessible video guides and text resources are available for free here.
Every Matters offers expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Good Thinking is London’s digital wellbeing service and provides a range of resources for people to help improve mental wellbeing including free NHS-approved apps.
Papyrus
Papyrus provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person. Call: 0800 068 3131 or text: 07860 039967 (9am-midnight, 365 days a year).
24/7 365 days a year – they’ll help you and listen to how you’re feeling. Call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org
Shout
Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when immediate assistance is required Text “SHOUT” to 85258.
The Mix provides free, confidential support for young people under 25. Call: 0808 808 4994 (3pm-midnight every day) or email.
Mind
Mind's helplines give support and information by phone and email. You can contact us about mental health, welfare benefits and legal rights. Support line: 0300 102 1234 open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).
Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
You can find your local Mind’s website to check Christmas opening times.
Side by Side
Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can access the community any time, including over Christmas.
