Author Archives: Ginny

Understanding and talking to teenagers.

Posted on 27 January 2015 by Ginny

Is your teenage child moody, secretive and morose? Spending more time with friends, or on their own in their room, refusing to talk to you, and finding you a complete embarrassment? This is quite normal! As children develop and reach … Continue reading →

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The fifth & final 5-a-day: GIVE

Posted on 18 January 2015 by Ginny

There are a number of benefits to mental health from the act of giving. These include building a sense of belonging, improving our sense of competence and providing a distraction from our own problems. So how could you GIVE……. Do … Continue reading →

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Fourth out of your 5-a-day: KEEP LEARNING

Posted on 16 January 2015 by Ginny

Studies have shown that learning throughout life is linked to greater satisfaction and optimism, and increased self-esteem and interaction with other people (see CONNECT). Learning gives you a new goal to work towards and reaching this target can create a … Continue reading →

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It’s part three of your 5-a-day: TAKE NOTICE

Posted on 15 January 2015 by Ginny

There is increasing evidence of the benefits of taking notice – of being mindful. It can lead to lower stress and worry, peace of mind and a greater feeling of well-being. Here’s how you can TAKE NOTICE… Be curious. Catch … Continue reading →

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BE ACTIVE: your second helping of your 5-a-day

Posted on 14 January 2015 by Ginny

BE ACTVE…. Exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood. It triggers the release of the stress-busting chemicals endorphins which produce a positive feeling in the body. Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. … Continue reading →

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The first of your 5-a-day for mental wellbeing: CONNECT

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ginny

The New Economics Foundation identified 5 actions that are linked to mental wellbeing. They are all things that we can do for the first time, do differently, or do more of. They could be thought of as your 5-a-day for … Continue reading →

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Controlled breathing exercise – the path to relaxation in 10 minutes or less.

Posted on 6 January 2015 by Ginny

Controlled breathing can help reduce blood pressure, promote relaxation and calm, and help us to de-stress. Here is an easy introductory breathing exercise to try. All you need is a chair and 10 minutes. Choose a time and place where … Continue reading →

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Mindfulness: An exercise to try when the going gets busy

Posted on 11 November 2014 by Ginny

Ruby Wax has spoken and written a lot recently about her experience of mental illness – what she calls “a rollercoaster ride of depression” for most of her adult life. In her new book Ruby describes her quest to understand … Continue reading →

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Music & mood – what’s on your playlist?

Posted on 4 November 2014 by Ginny

You probably have any number of playlists on your phone, your ipod, even on your mixtapes….. You may have a playlist for the gym, for walking the dog, for running, for working. These are all for when you’re doing something. … Continue reading →

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“I know he thinks I’m stupid” – mind reading & other errors in our thinking

Posted on 22 October 2014 by Ginny

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on feelings, behaviour and thoughts – what are you really thinking, and how do you think? Some of the thoughts we have aren’t particularly helpful and can lower our mood. These so-called unhelpful thinking styles … Continue reading →

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