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Free Bookazine!

Another really nice one from our bookazine team that deserves a special feature, it is packed with really great tips for being more at peace, soothing stress, letting go and finding happiness. Take a moment to read it here, it could be the start of a new you!



Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week (10th May - 16th May) in the UK and this year the theme they want us to focus on is nature. Research has shown that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health. It's possible that you started the pandemic with great habits and daily walks but that has since fallen down and the monotomy of it has taken over. Or maybe you've been really consistent and on track - people cope in different ways and wherever you are is ok. Click here for the full article.


A place to start with unwanted thinking

This image really captures the place to start when you have an unwanted thought, try to set some distance from yourself and that thought. Many thoughts come up during the day and a lot of them may or may not be true, one exercise to practice whenever a thought comes up to make you feel bad is to set some distance. See if you can add a line to the thought such as "I am having the thought that..." or even "I notice the thought that..." just to give a bit of space between yourself and the thought. This can really help release the claws in some persistent negative thoughts that you might be struggling with.


Netflix Guide to Sleep

Another great collaboration between Netflix and Headspace! This time focussing on sleep, this could be part of a great wind down technique, each episode unpacks misconceptions, offers friendly tips and concludes with a guided wind-down. The illustrations in these series are so nice and relaxing so this one is definitely on our list as it has just been released. Don't forget that the Headspace guide to medititation is already out now!


BBC Radio 1 Relax

If you're looking for the Ultimate Banger or Hottest Record in the World - you've come to the wrong place. BBC Radio 1 have launced a new station called relax, and it is a nice mix of calming music and sounds that is the perfect work accompaniment. You can listen to the live stream here, or check out the back episodes. It also has a special ASMR segment for all the tingles.
 
Your mindfulness exercise
 
In every edition of the Mindfulness Monthly we have an exercise to get you centred and feeling refreshed.

Mindful Appreciation

Choose 3 things in your day that usually go unapreciated. These things can be objects or even people.

For example, the electricity that powers your kettle or the person who delivers your post.
Ask yourself:

How do these things work?

How do they benefit you?

Have you ever noticed the finer details of these items?

The point of this exercise is to give thanks and appreciate the seemingly insignificant things in life. The things that support us but rarely get a second thought.
     
Please see our wiki page for resources if you need help.
You can send us an email (or reply to this one) with suggestions, tips, chat or support.
We wish you well,
Gina, one of your Mental Health First Aiders