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Beat those January blues

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  The January blues are a well-documented phenomenon, often caused by a combination of post-holiday letdown, financial stress, lack of daylight, and failed resolutions. But research shows that adopting specific strategies can help improve mood and overall well-being. Below are science-backed methods to overcome the January blues and create habits that stick. Lets create awareness and actionable resources to support ourselves and each other to thrive in 2025. One of the main reasons for the January blues is reduced daylight especially here in Ireland, which affects our circadian rhythm and serotonin levels. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate melatonin, improving sleep and mood. Studies show that light therapy using a 10,000 lux light box can alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Go Outside, Even on cloudy days, outdoor light is more beneficial than artificial lighting indoors. Exercise for a Mood Boost as well as physical benefits, Exerci...
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The power of kindness

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  The Power of Kindness and Why It’s Essential for Mental Health Whether we’re giving or receiving, kindness creates ripples that positively impact our well-being and the world around us. Especially at this time of the year. Takw a moment ro reflect, this can be a challenging time for many. Perhaps a new year's promise to your self to incorporate kindness more, whay how life flows better.  Take rime ro consider why kindness matters and how it can transform not just our mental health but also our relationships and communities. Life comes with its share of challenges, and stress is a natural byproduct. But did you know that kindness can counteract this stress? When we engage in kind acts, our bodies release hormones like oxytocin, which not only make us feel good but also help reduce stress. This hormone lowers blood pressure, decreases cortisol levels, and provides a sense of calm. focusing on helping others shifts our attention away from our own anxieties, giving us a sense o...
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Managing christmas expectations

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This month I have created a ten step guide encouraging you to consider your mental health and wellbeing at Christmas. Expectations we put on our sves and that others may create is so important to prepare ahead. Preparing for the Christmas season in a way that supports your mental health can help you navigate the busyness and emotional challenges that can come with the holidays. Here are some strategies: 1. Set Realistic Expectations Manage your expectations about how perfect the season should be. The pressure to have a "picture-perfect" Christmas can be overwhelming, so focus on enjoying simple moments and traditions rather than striving for perfection. Set boundaries with family and friends to ensure you're not over-committing yourself. 2. Plan Ahead Get organised early: This could mean starting your shopping, meal planning, or scheduling early to avoid the last-minute rush that can lead to stress. Create a budget: Financial stress is a common issue during the holidays, ...
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World mental health day 2024

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World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising Workplace Wellbeing Whilst it is important to look after our wellbeing every day,  October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a crucial opportunity to focus on mental health issues and promote wellbeing across all areas of life. The theme for 2024, “Prioritising Workplace Wellbeing,” shines a spotlight on the significance of mental health in the workplace and the essential role organisations can play in fostering a supportive environment for their employees. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Mental health awareness is vital for creating a culture where individuals feel safe discussing their mental health struggles. Many people spend a significant portion of their lives at work, making it essential that workplaces prioritise mental wellbeing. Raising awareness helps to: Reduce Stigma: Open discussions about mental health can reduce the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help or discussing their struggles....
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September, The Perfect Month to Reset, Review, and Refocus

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    September often feels like a new beginning. It’s not the start of a new calendar year, but it holds a unique energy that signals change and renewal. As summer winds down and the crispness of autumn begins to settle in, September offers a natural pause—a moment to take stock, set intentions, and refocus on what truly matters.     Here’s why September is the perfect reset month to review our lives and well-being. The Back-to-School Energy for many of us.  Even if you’re long past your school days, the back-to-school vibe of September is hard to ignore. This energy can be contagious, it’s a time that feels ripe for setting new goals or revisiting ones that have fallen by the wayside. Use this period to reflect on your personal and professional goals, consider what’s been working, and identify what needs to change. Timely Transition September marks the transition from the high energy of summer to the more introspective mood of autumn. As the days...
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Take action towards well-being

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  Take Action to Achieve Optimum Wellbeing.   Achieving optimum wellbeing is not just a luxury—it's essential for leading a fulfilling life. The key to unlocking this level of wellness lies in taking deliberate, consistent action.                                                   it's important to understand what "wellbeing" really means. Wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health. It's the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy, but it's also about resilience—how well you can bounce back from life’s challenges. Optimum wellbeing is about thriving in all areas of life, not just surviving. It's easy to get stuck in the cycle of "I'll start tomorrow," but procrastination is one of the biggest barriers to achieving your goals. The truth is, no one ever achieved optimum wellbeing by simply wishing for it. Action is t...
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The power of Disipline in your routine

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  Maintaining mental health and wellbeing can seem like an ever evolving task for  and  the most part it is, we all change and evolve and this also includes our mental health and wellbeing practices . One key element to achieving and sustaining a healthy mind lies in two fundamental principles: consistency and discipline. Implementing these two strategies can provide the structure and stability needed to navigate the complexities of modern life, making them essential for mental health and overall wellbeing.   The Power of Routine Consistency is the foundation of any effective mental health journey. Establishing a routine helps create a sense of normalcy and predictability, which can be incredibly comforting in an unpredictable world. Daily routines provide a framework for our lives, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by reducing the number of decisions we need to make each day. Some common wellbeing habits can be a morning walk, a regular meditation session...
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