https://www.psychotherapyinexeter.co.uk https://www.psychotherapyinexeter.co.uk/true-blue9c902e75 Blue Monday is turned in to a retail opportunity. <h3> 'Blue Monday' becomes a 'thing' in retail </h3> <div> <img src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a2e43936/dms3rep/multi/IMG_4011-3264x2448.JPG" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <br/> </p> <div> <div> <div> <p> Above is a view from a hill in Exmouth, that I can go to after seeing clients at a local low-cost counselling service called Quiet Mind, the vista of blue sea and blue sky feels expansive and restorative. Blue has positive connections here, but in terms of mental health to feel 'blue' is to feel down or low. So I was not surprised when one of the hardest days of the year for people in the UK emotionally was coined 'Blue Monday'. </p> <p> At the start of this week, when the Monday in question came around it threw up some social media feeds that I was concerned about. A few retail companies were using the possibility of people's low mood to sell products at a vulnerable time. </p> <p> It is a tough bit of the year, when the grey weather is more common, the post-christmas bills come in, colds and flu hit and the dark mornings make getting up a little harder. However, on those cold but clear days it is worth filling up a travel mug with a hot brew, pulling on a thick sweater and getting out for some sunshine in a natural setting to help lift your mood and keep you feeling physically healthier. </p> <p> The benefits of this behaviour over so called 'retail therapy' is not only financially free but may have a longer lasting impact over all. </p> </div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <br/> </div> <br/> </div> <br/> <br/> <p> </p> </div> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 11:51:55 GMT hannahcs88@hotmail.com (Hannah Coupland-Smith) https://www.psychotherapyinexeter.co.uk/true-blue9c902e75 Blue,Monday thumbnail https://www.psychotherapyinexeter.co.uk/End-of-Summer---Autumnal-self-care With the end of Summer in sight in the UK, the opportunity for a boost of vitamin D through sunshine becomes less possible. So it is really important that we try and get out in the fresh air and resist the temptation to hibernate, shutting ourselves off from contact with others and neglecting our self care. <div> <img src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a2e43936/dms3rep/multi/IMG_2165.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As the Sunny days become less frequent and the trips to the beach less appealing, it is important to resist the urge to hibernate and shut away from contact with others. Fresh air and sunshine not only boosts your Vitamin D levels ( helping your immunity in the winter) and gets your blood moving, but it can help lift your mood as well. <br/> As you can see from my image, I find the beach a great place to go and breathe, finding peaceful thought easier whilst looking out to sea. It is useful for you to find an outdoor place of solace, such as the local park, a harbour, or a beach. I find self care especially important in the colder months as it can seem easier to neglect oneself in regards to hydration, warmth and physical activity. This can bring feelings of guilt and shame. So as the days get shorter and the wind blows stronger, try and get out even if for a little while, wrap up warm in comfortable clothes and drink lots of hot drinks. </p> </div> Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:30:41 GMT hannahcs88@hotmail.com (Hannah Coupland-Smith) https://www.psychotherapyinexeter.co.uk/End-of-Summer---Autumnal-self-care thumbnail