Friday, 20 January 2023
Anybody else feel as though it’s been January forever?
January can be a particularly difficult time of year – between the cold days, long nights, fading memories of the festive period and the financial strains that many of us are currently facing, you may find that your mental wellbeing has taken a dip this month.
Our Perform Well team are here to share some top tips to give your mental wellbeing a boost this January.
If you feel as though you're struggling, it can be helpful to spend some time focusing on those things in your life you feel grateful for, no matter how big or small.
Regular gratitude practice has been consistently shown to improve happiness levels, so why not try to identify three things each day that you feel thankful for? It could be your friends, your family, or something as simple as the fact that, for once, your horse didn’t come in from the field covered in mud!
Getting active doesn’t have to mean 20 minutes on the treadmill or rounds of squats. Even just getting outside to take the dog for a walk or choosing to go to the shops on foot can get the endorphins flowing and lead to a better mood. Being active may be the last thing on your mind when you are tired or stressed, but studies show that regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve your overall energy levels. Even short bursts of activity can help to regulate your sleep pattern.
Forming connections with those around you can give a sense of belonging and self-worth, as well as providing emotional support. These relationships don’t just have to be with other people, though. Animals are great listeners and offer unconditional love – your horse won’t judge you or criticise your decisions, which can help with anxiety or self-doubt.
However, if the conversation with your four-legged friend is starting to feel a bit one-sided, animals also offer a great opportunity to meet and connect with other people, whether that’s chatting to a fellow dog-walker in the park or going on a hack with other liveries at your yard. Talking about your animal can give you common ground to talk about, helping to get conversation flowing.