The way I keep my spirits up

Hi , it sounds like your doing a bit of mindfulness, keeping in the now and appreciating those things around you. I’m in the middle of a 4 week virtual mindfulness course myself at the moment after doing a Macmillan HOPE course recently (both organised by a local cancer centre) My usual go to for keeping my spirits up is a walk in the countryside but I’m in the shielding group and only allowed into my own garden which doesn’t cut your description of beautiful colours (I feel jealous of those that have a Love Your Garden makeover!) and sounds so I’m glad you’re enjoying them at the moment. Are you getting out in your own beautiful garden or going a walking once a day out and about. I miss the exercise at the moment but I managed to get an exercise bike delivered and to point it towards the patio windows to feel a bit of connection with nature, and actually at certain times of the day the bird song is really nice. 

I’m setting my self a target of at least 5k on the bike each day, and a mindfulness meditation or breathing exercise. The last bit is homework for the course which also gets be to break a habit/ try something new each day. It was interesting reading the link from the coronavirus info to 10 top tips to help if your worried about coronavirus.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/

It has a link to mindfulness within that link to, I have tried it and dismissed it in the past I think not realising you could do mindfulness on a walk or while having a drink or eating something to appreciate every sense for a moment.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/

I’m glad you have your way of coping, and I hope others find what works for them. I’ve had to adapt how I’ve coped with my diagnosis and recurrences hence the mindfulness course, trying something new, it’s all about finding some enjoyment and perhaps sometimes a sense of purpose or achievement I’ve found.

Nice to chat to you Ridgey.

Hi KT,

What a lovely reply and thanks so much for all that information.

I apologise for delay in replying.

Funnily enough I was worried about saying about the nature thing as I realise that not all people are lucky enough to have such access but you have allayed my fears as you have found fantastic ways to make the most of what you have.

I think that shows the strength in people like yourself.

Thanks for the mindfulness link.

Thanks and it was nice to read your reply.

Cheers,

Ridgey

Hi , I don’t think you have to worry about sharing how you enjoy things, it can give people ideas for what to do themselves. Every day my neighbour posts me a link to pictures he and his wife take on a walk out. I’ve usually done the same walks at some point, it’s great to see for instance that the blue bells have been out. For me at least it’s not a reminder of what I’m missing it’s a way of joining in with their enjoyment. 

If you have a favourite place you’ve visited or something that’s brightened up your day and you fancy sharing a picture here, I for one couldn’t be happier.