This month on Well? we are going to be thinking about rhythms. 

We live in a rhythmical world – alternating between Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.  We experience rhythms of light and dark in our days.   We are always wired to be rhythmical – to rest and be active, to work and to play.  

These rhythms can help us to understand the nature of life – not to panic when things are tough, not to lose perspective when things are good.  They can also help us when we plan for our wellbeing.

Your health and wellbeing is a life long journey. If we only respond when things get tough we may find life overwhelms us. If we only look after our health and wellbeing at certain times, we may find the unexpected challenges hit us hard.

We have spoken before about having a Wellbeing Toolkit to help us with these rhythms - always having ideas and techniques at our disposal when things get tough.  Check out the video below.

In our Well? package this week we have a number of tools that help us in a rhythmical approach to wellbeing.   In this blog I’ve tried to explore three areas:

• Every day support - something to repeat time and again.

• The quick response - something to do in a few minutes to provide support when you need it.

• The container - what to place your ideas within - the core idea.

In our Shhh… meditation we introduce to a daily breathing exercise.  Having something like this can help us gain perspective and strength each day.   

Part of your rhythm might include an activity that you repeat most days.  This may be a breathing or mindfulness exercise but you may do other things like a daily walk in nature, exercise or yoga class or maybe a creative art like painting or writing.  

ASK YOURSELF …

What’s in your toolkit to be repeated each day?

Sometimes life happens and we don’t have our tried and tested responses to help us. Maybe we’re at work and stopping to do a Breathing exercise or go for a walk isn’t possible. I try to have a few quick response (2-5 mins ideas) to help me.

I use a Stress Ball for this sometimes, pulling it out of my bag and giving it a squeeze – placing the stress into the ball.  Other people use a Mindful exercise to be present where you are.  Maybe you might write something down to express an emotion.  You might take time to sit or bit still and find some calm.  Even having a relaxing herbal tea or lighting a candle can help us stop – just for a minute and find peace.

Today’s audio meditation is another good idea.  The Hand meditation is a quick stop reflection which enables us to remember that the down-days are often followed up fresh up’s and encouragements. 

Ask yourself…

What’s in your toolkit that enables you to stop wherever you are for a moment and find some calm?

We think for wellbeing, the container is self-awareness.

Psychologist Carl Rogers wrote “the curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” The amazing thing is that the road to health and greater wellbeing starts with us being willing to see ourselves exactly as we are. 

Why not take a few minutes today to ask:

• How am I doing and feeling?

• What things are positive that I’m grateful for today?

• What are the areas of challenge where I might need help? 

ADDING TO YOUR TOOLKIT

There are some many other elements that over time might prove useful elements of your toolkit. Gaining support through therapy, joining a discussion group, learning a new skill, volunteering, gardening or sports are just some of the many things people find help build their wellbeing. Try to add what feels right to you over time - remember this is your life and you can allow yourself to chose activities that feel right to you.

For now, try to add something to repeat each day, something for a quick response and a good container to start yourself off. Let us know how you get on.