Using Positive Psychology to boost Resilience – Part 2
In part 1, I introduced the concept of positive psychology.
Positive psychologists say that it takes 21 days to re-program the brain. They also say that doing the following activities every day can allow you to see the positive in your life rather than looking for negatives, to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for in your life.
- Write a diary entry about 1 good thing that has happened to you over the last 24 hours.
- Exercise – its boosts your mood and reduces stress.
- Meditation helps you stop over thinking!
- Random acts of kindness – do at least one kind act a week, even if its just sending a text to say thank you.
- Share your joys and foibles with the ones you love.
Finally I would like to remind you that the treatments we offer at Vitality Therapy also help reduce anxiety and stress, click here to book.
Related Posts

An alternative way to do simple mindfulness (Part 2)
Following on from part 1, I want to introduce you to more ways to do simple mindfulness. 1. Tuning into sounds The hum of a gan, tickeing of a cloack, the round of rain on the window, voices outside the room. Realing tuning in ot hte volume, pitch and noticing if there's a rthythmic quality to the sound. 2. Experimenting with taste Using a small pleasant tasting boiled sweet, chocolate melting int he mouth or taking a few sips of water. Noticing the flavour, physical sensations and returning the attention when it wanders. 3. Smell Simply light a scented candle where your like the smell or inhale the sent of your favourite essential oil by placing a drop on a tissue. 4. Hold an object in your hands A pebble, wooden bead pen, cup etc any everyday object. Focus your attention in to notice the temperature, the texture (roughness/smoothness), the shape and how it feels. Experiment with your eyes start with open and then notice the difference if you close your eyes. Remember mindfulness is about training the mind, so you don't need to use breath as your anchor be creative, be kind to yourself and start simple with 30 seconds and build up the time slowly and gradually - its a practice not a race!

Mundane superfoods – part 1
The list of superfoods grows longer each day and they all seem to come from far off exotic locations and they can be quite pricey. So I want to share with you a few more humble, even mundane foods that are good subsititues for some superfoods.
Swap: Lemon Balm for Cacao
Ok the flavors aren't similar but the effects are. People crave chocolate because it is soothing and even slightly stress relieving. The appropriately named lemon balm, lifts your spirits but without the stimulation from caffeine. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and West Asia, Melissa officinalis, like so many other herbs, has been used for centuries as a therapeutic remedy due to its antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic and antidepressant compounds. Its modus operandi, according to Natural Living Ideas, includes stress relief, relief of pain from indigestion and improving your appetite. Another use for lemon balm is to promote sleep. You can chop the leaves and steep them in boiling water to make a tea or rub a few leaves on your skin to allow the natural oils to seep into your bloodstream, which helps you relax. In fact, a University of Maryland study found that 81 percent of the participants who used lemon balm with valerian root got a better night's sleep than those on a placebo. And a Northumbria University study reported that experiments with lemon balm returned memory-strengthening and improved problem-solving abilities when they took capsules filled with the dried herb. The subjects also performed "significantly" better when taking standardized computer tests on memory in comparison with those given a placebo. One of the great things about lemon balm, a perennial herb and member of the mint family, is how easy it is to grow, particularly in the spring. It can be sown from seed, or you can buy a small plant from a farmers market or nursery, and you'll be amazed how quickly it grows and spreads. References Natural Living Ideas March 8, 2017 UMM 2017 Northumbria University April 29, 2016
Using Positive Psychology to boost Resilience – Part 1
Sometimes in life we can get trapped, focusing on what we don't have rather that what we do have, which can lead to a state of anxiety and stress. I know in the past, I have been guilty of believe my happiness will increase when I earn more, find my ideal man, get promoted at work (- obviously I am talking about before I was self-employed), have a bigger house. The danger is when we get the promotion, pay rise, bigger house etc we immediately focus on the next goal and an increase in our happiness is now dependent on our next goal. Growing up with mother who suffered from frequent bouts of depression which made her focus on the negativity, I have learned the importance of focusing on the positive. Now their may be some people reading this, saying that is all well and good for you, but isn't that burying your head in the sand when your have problems. The short answer to this is no. It is important to acknowledge your problems & difficulties but rather than focus on life’s BS and pain, focus on what is going right. At the same time remember that what ever isn't working in your life right now, will pass!

