Last time I wrote about 5 habits that I stopped doing consistently, how this has affected my mental health and what I could try doing differently.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Today I’m going to let you know about 5 habits I never stopped, and how they have helped. Perhaps you already do some or all of them. If not, maybe there’s one you’d like to try.
1. I never stopped moving
Even though I haven’t walked consistently I’ve been consistent about strength training. I only do 10-15 minutes a day (at home – no nasty gyms required)
, which may not be a lot, but it’s what I’ve been able to commit to with consistency. I’ve also found dance classes to join up here, and I dance twice a week. I’m lucky to be in a lovely school where everyone is welcoming and nobody cares that I’ve got two left feet. Consistency in movement is the most important factor, so I encourage people to do what they can, and what feels good if possible.
2. I never stopped resting
I was chronically sleep-deprived last year when I was going through my stuff. I knew that, if I was going to get better, I would have to take rest seriously. I committed to going to bed before a certain time every night, and I succeeded. As a result, I have better and more productive days more often. That’s not to say that I don’t still love my snooze button, of course…
3. I never stopped being among plants and plant foods
When I moved house, I had a garden for the first time. I’ve never been any good with house plants; they always die on me, but in my new garden I started with pots on the patio. Nobody was more surprised and delighted than me when they thrived. But of course, you don’t need a garden to enjoy fruit and vegetables; they are very readily available and they can be very cheap from street markets.
Most data shows that a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables has multiple health benefits. Plus, it helps make food exciting and delicious. I’ve never stopped eating in this way. The only difference nowadays is that I talk to my plants. Call me crazy, but they seem to like it.
4. I never stopped trying to help
I’ve heard it said that if you want to stop being depressed, you should help a person whose situation is worse than yours. It’s not entirely true, it might come across as more than a bit patronizing, and there’s a chance you’ll get in spectacularly wrong, but there is certainly something about giving back to the community or the planet, whichever you prefer, that takes you out of yourself and helps you focus on the needs of others rather than your own problems for a while. I had to scale back the amount of cooking I was doing for the place where I volunteer for a while, but I’m back at capacity again and very grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, even if it’s only a tiny one.
5. I never stopped learning
I’m a bit of a serial learner and it’s not always a good thing, but keeping the mind active is important and I’m learning more every day about brain health, celebrancy and business skills so that, even though the past has not always been kind, there is a chance that the future will be better.