Spring Forward!

 

Happiness is the meaning and purpose behind life. But how can you help others towards happiness, and how can you promote it within yourself?

As buds burst from slumbering soil, the hopeful promise of Spring comes happily into focus.

Happiness and the Promise of Spring

The winter months in the UK are long and often dull, cold and wet. For many, the beginning of Spring signals a fresh start – the chance to look forward with excitement to the weeks and months ahead.

For sufferers of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), the coming of Spring brings with it a promise of happier, healthier times. The weather can have a stark impact on our moods, and there is no wonder that winter can be a difficult time for many. SAD is surprisingly common, with approximately one in three people suffering from symptoms during the darker days of the year. 

However, it’s important to remember that many mental health issues are not confined to one season; millions of people live with poor mental health throughout the year.

What Can I Do to Help?

Mental health problems don’t display themselves like broken bones or grazed knees. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be mindful that anyone who looks ‘fine’ on the outside may actually be suffering internally. 

We all have mental health: from the smiling barista who makes your morning coffee; the quiet postman who nods a ‘hello’ to you every day; the helpful sales adviser at the other end of the phone; the timid little girl who lives at the end of the road… Do we honestly know what anyone is really going through at any particular moment?

The easiest way you can help?

Be Kind

Kindness is an underestimated quality; showing kindness to another person costs nothing, but its value can be priceless to the receiver. 

It’s important to try to be kind – in whatever situation we find ourselves. So, instead of getting angry in a frustrating scenario, try to exercise a little patience and a kind word to make a positive difference.

Reach Out 

Be mindful of those around you and keep in touch with them – friends and family, distant relatives, neighbours and work colleagues. Pick up the phone or grab a coffee. 

Listen

Listening is another underrated quality, and the simple act of carefully listening to someone who is struggling can be of great comfort to them.

Point People Towards the Help They Need

People suffering from mental health problems in the UK can contact Samaritans 24/7 on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org and the charity Mind also provides professional support.

The Importance of Self Care

It’s wonderful to be in a position to help another person. However, it’s so important to ensure that we keep a crystal clear focus on our own wellbeing too! After all, you can’t help other people effectively if you don’t look after yourself!

Take time out for you – meditate, exercise, socialise, eat well and sleep well. Spring in the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, being mindful to the natural changes happening around you – the emergence of bright colours and floral scents.

Environment

It’s so important that you enjoy an environment conducive to health and happiness in both your home and workplace. Keeping your living space clean and tidy can have positive benefits to your overall wellbeing and quality of life. You can create an uplifting ambience in your home by diffusing Grapefruit essential oil; the fresh aroma brings the Spring season inside whilst also promoting healthy skin.

Spring Forward!

The gentle chirp and whistle of the dawn chorus; glowing daffodils with crisp, verdant stems; fresh, scented air and the cautious emergence of the sun… there are so many beautiful things to enjoy about the coming of Spring.

So – no excuses! Get out and about and encourage a friend or neighbour to join you. And bring nature inside – flowers, fresh air and natural oils to make for a healthier home. 

Above all, never underestimate the power within nature to transform, renew, heal and uplift – all throughout the year!