Even the most optimistic among us have to admit from time to time that we live in a seriously messed up world. Much of the Middle East is a hell hole which the West`s dabblings and interference only ever make things worse. There has just been an earthquake in Nepal which has decimated much of the country. Russia seems to be on a course of provocation and determined to wrest back control of Ukraine.
And as for the UK, as the rich get richer and the poor get ever poorer, our communities and the social fabric which holds us all together seem to be on the verge of imploding. Many people are just about living from one pay cheque to another, with less support to fall back on now that the health service and social services have been cut to the bone. All the above seriously impacts upon the nations mental health and many people cope with alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs to blank out the fact their lives are spiraling out of control.
Putting aside the mess outside our front door, or indeed inside our front door, how do we manage to keep our sanity in this dysfunctional unforgiving world? Is it possible? There are coping mechanisms you can use that mean you don`t have to resort to alcohol or drugs to get by.
One mantra I always use when I have problems is `One Day At A Time`. Don`t put pressure on yourself to put the world to rights in one fell swoop, it`s not going to happen, better to deal with the things you can have an influence on one at a time. Ignore all the things you have no control over and sort out the issues right in front of you.
Another good piece of advice; get rid of all the people who are having a negative influence on your life, or at least as many of them as you can. Fill your hours with people who you genuinely like to be around. The difference this one thing can have to your mental well being is staggering. It is very important you socialise with people, never cut yourself off from the outside world as that can be a slippery slope. The best times in life are when we are spending them with the ones we love.
Which leads to a very important point, if you are in an abusive relationship - mentally, physically, spiritually or any other darn way, get out now. Not tomorrow but now, take action, get help if you need to, but choose to live the life you want to.
Also learn to say no. It`s a very simple word but many people have forgotten how to use it. When you don`t want to do something say no, be firm, you only get one life and you deserve to live it on your own terms.
Finally, learn to stop and smell the roses. The pace of life can catch up with you and it can all get a bit too much but once you have learned to say no (see above!!) you will find you have some time each day to kick back and relax and have some me time! Put it to good use, you could meditate, do yoga, use creative visualisation, or just sit with your favourite coffee and think positive thoughts.
Love yourself, it`s the first step to good mental health. Take care.
No comments:
Post a Comment