Can’t remember when you last felt calm? Currently, the average woman in her 50s feels anxious for over an hour-and-a-half each day, compared to 57 minutes before the COVID-19 pandemic kicked in.* ‘There’s a real worry about mental health at the moment, with feelings of vulnerability and helplessness,’ says chartered psychologist Dr Meg Arroll.
Want to add some much-needed calm to your day? Try these techniques…
Meet our experts…
Dr Meg Arroll is a chartered psychologist on behalf of Healthspan
Dr Sophie Bostock is a sleep expert at Bensons for Beds
Play gratitude bingo
‘Gratitude has been shown to help you feel calm,’ says Dr Arroll. ‘Make your own “gratitude bingo board” by dividing a sheet of paper into 16 squares. Label each one with things you’re grateful for, such as a sunny day or good friends. Do this with your family – ask everyone to think of things they’re grateful for. Place counters on each of the squares that apply each day. This quick game can be a real worry-buster.’
The empty jar trick
‘Find an empty jar and label it: “This Is Me”. Then take 10-20 small pieces of paper and write down your positive characteristics on each,’ says Dr Arroll. ‘Pop them in the jar, then next time you start to feel frantic, pull out a trait. Remind yourself of specific times you felt like that and how you can use it again in the future.’
Stop anxious thoughts fast
This story is from the August 31, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
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This story is from the August 31, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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