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  • Take notice and relax

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    The idea behind “take notice” can seem a bit abstract and strange. It’s not about constantly passing comment on everything you do or say or see! Often when we’re busy and stressed, we have so much running around in our minds we lose focus, complicate our priorities and miss out on enjoyable moments. Studies suggest that by being more aware of what is going on in the present, we worry less about the future and ruminate less about the past.

    Taking notice takes practice, but if you make a regular habit of it, you’ll find that your wellbeing will improve. It’s about taking time out to specifically find enjoyment in the moment and environment around out. It’s about being curious and remarking on the unusual or beautiful.

    It’s often the “little things” that can make a difference. For example, why don’t you consider trying one of the following:

    • Get a plant for your workspace, or somewhere in your home
    • Take a different route on your journey to/from work, school or the shops – notice what’s different
    • Take a camera with you when you’re out and about, take some photos of what makes you smile
    • Keep a diary
    • Savour the taste when eating your food
    • Think about how your feeling when you brush your teeth, whether it’s good or bad, that awareness can help prepare you for the day ahead
    • Ask yourself how you’re feeling at three different times in the day

    There are lots of techniques and places that can teach you calming breathing techniques – great for anxiety, stress and anger management.

    • IAPT Sheffield run a Stress Control course which can teach you ways to manage anxiety, depression and stress, as well as techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises. The course is free, you’ll be given a workbook and a CD with the exercises on. You can even listen to the CD online: https://stresscontrolaudio.com/home. To book onto the course, visit the website or speak to your GP.
    • Mindfulness is being used by more and more people as a technique to feel better. Put simply, mindfulness is the art of staying in the moment and accepting what is. It doesn’t take a lot of time, a quick 10 minute exercise every day can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Another benefit of mindfulness is that it isn’t about “succeeding or failing”, it’s about accepting what “is”. It can help you see the world clearer so that you can take more considered decisions and actions to change things in your life. Free Mindfulness has several mindfulness exercises for anyone to use.
    • Going out and about can have a really positive impact on your wellbeing, and in Sheffield we’re lucky to have the Peak District on our doorstep, as well as a whole host of parks. If the weather’s bad, there’s lots of museums too.

    Breathing Exercises

    Image from http://imgur.com/XbH6gP4?r

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