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The way we interact with our homes, our friends, and the great outdoors, say Colin and Justin, can positively impact wellbeing
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Although the Canadian winter encouraged many of us to happily hibernate, others emerged from those dark days having struggled to create meaningful moments.
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With a little re jigging of time, however, post winter (and yes, post COVID) mental ‘weight’ can be erased…
Hit the deck
Burning calories in your own back yard counts as physical activity, and will help lift spirits and focus the mind. When engaging in a spot of garden work (lawn moving, for example, or deck or window washing) positive effects really build. So get your wellingtons on, and ‘tend’ your way to happiness.
Have a daily routine
If working from home, it’s sensible to structure a timetable – this stops your mind wandering so you don’t become ‘lost’. Plan work hours, and ensure you get quality sleep.
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We have a nightly wind-down routine – the TV is switched off an hour before retiring, and we practice deep breathing and meditation. To be honest, we feel more relaxed than ever on the domestic front.
Social moments
If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that communication is awesome soul food. Prior to the pandemic, we (with best intentions) oft’ missed opportunities to keep in touch with our circle. During lockdown, however, we rebuilt solid contact with our nearest and dearest via Facetime and Zoom.
Now, as the malaise – and its memory – fade, we continue to ‘distantly socialise’ with those who live far away, and still engage in digital gatherings to discuss and share opinions.
We recently ‘attended’ a Youtube music video launch, and chatted with other fans, all similarly keen to continue the ‘brighter times’ conversation.
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Banish the doom
The concept of mindfulness (‘affirmations’) can be applied to any situation, whereas meditation is usually practiced for a focussed amount of time. Search online for downloadable apps such as ‘Mindshift CBT’ (recommended by Anxiety Canada) ‘Calm’ or ‘Headspace’ – great resources for clearer thinking.
Go for a walk
Break free of the home space, by immersing in nature. Escaping the city (if even for a few hours) can tip the scales towards happiness, so open your eyes and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity that lies on your doorstep.
Eat yourself happy
Sensible diet not only makes us look healthier, it has a positive effect on wellbeing – when we look good, we feel good, huh? On a chemical level, certain foods make us feel better: chicken, turkey, fish and milk contain tryptophan, vital for metabolic functions that affect cognition and behaviour.
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Omega-3-fatty acids (in salmon, chia, or walnuts) can help moderate depression, while dark chocolate, nuts, and avocado (which contain magnesium, a nutrient that helps regulate mood) can help us relax. Visit canada.ca/foodguide for tips and recipes to help you make good decisions.
The feel good factor
Listening to music can positively impact mood, so plan your soundtrack and fill it with faves. Stories, movies – or even good news websites – can also buoy your spirit, especially when daily bulletins are so sullied by doom and gloom.
Create good ‘feels’ by offering assistance to friends and neighbours – even small gestures bolster everyone’s spirit.
The foregoing counsel isn’t about putting your head in the sand and ignoring what’s happening in the world, it’s about focusing the mind.
Don’t we all need to tip the scales, once in a while, our compasses set to personal health and happiness? Ready to face whatever comes next with a renewed sense of hope and positivity. Yes, dear readers, optimal change starts here…
Watch for Colin and Justin on Cabin Pressure and Great Canadian Cottages
(Cottage Life TV) and on Cityline (Citytv). Find the Colin and Justin Collection
instores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vdG9yb250b3N1bi5jb20vbGlmZS9ob21lcy9jb2xpbi1hbmQtanVzdGluLWhvbWUtaGFybW9uedIBbWh0dHBzOi8vdG9yb250b3N1bi5jb20vbGlmZS9ob21lcy9jb2xpbi1hbmQtanVzdGluLWhvbWUtaGFybW9ueS93Y20vMzE0NGQ5Y2ItMzJlNC00YTY5LTgzODItMzRkNzk1Y2U0MjE3L2FtcC8?oc=5
2023-05-29 13:39:10Z
CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vdG9yb250b3N1bi5jb20vbGlmZS9ob21lcy9jb2xpbi1hbmQtanVzdGluLWhvbWUtaGFybW9uedIBbWh0dHBzOi8vdG9yb250b3N1bi5jb20vbGlmZS9ob21lcy9jb2xpbi1hbmQtanVzdGluLWhvbWUtaGFybW9ueS93Y20vMzE0NGQ5Y2ItMzJlNC00YTY5LTgzODItMzRkNzk1Y2U0MjE3L2FtcC8
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