Mental Health Matters - Jo Loach

This is no t to say that we do no t have hard times where our corresponding internal distress is present or consuming, bu t to remind us o f the need to self soo th when such times are present And no t to give up indulging in the things that make our hear ts sing

What makes your hear t sing

Last month I introduced the vagus ner ve and the role it plays in reducing stress levels The ability to self soo th is a critical component in maintaining good mental and emo tional health so it is wor th investing the time and energy disco vering what works for you Whether walks in nature, various deep breathing exercises, physical exercise, massage, singing or any o ther such activity, no t only can managing stress and reclaiming calm impro ve our wellbeing, bu t it can also be thoroughly enjo yable! Win, win! In the same vein, is the impor tance o f taking time to identify and indulge in those pursuits that make your hear t sing

There may be a crosso ver with those that calm stress and distress, or they may differ The impor tant thing is to kno w what they are and grant yourself permission to do them. This is no t merely indulgence. This is self-preser vation.

For me, watching the wonder o f the ever-changing sky in the early morning, accompanied by the beau ty o f birdsong is the ultimate star t to the day. This combo soo ths my soul, lifts my spirits and makes my hear t sing. And that’s the kind o f hat- trick I want to be star ting my day with! The musicality o f birdsong also reminds me that the birds sing irrespective o f whether the sun graces us with its presence. Their song comes f rom within, no t in response to what is happening externally

In diff icult times, we need these even more

Jo Loach is a BACP accredited Counsellor and Super visor, with an MA in Contemporar y Therapeu tic Counselling

Book Club @W ild Co ffee

Sto tfold (on the parade) will be meeting on Wednesday 1st March.

7 00pm All welcome

This month's book is A Terrible Kindness.