TIPS AND TOOLS FOR SUCCESS FOR THE LIVE WELL KITSAP TRANSFORMATION EVENT

WEEK 2. EMOTIONAL/ MENTAL WELLBEING

PRO TIPS FROM THE LWK TEAM

 

RE: DEEP BREATHING/ BEING STILL/ UNPLUGGING

 

Deep Breathing is best practiced in a quiet safe space, where you are unplugged from technology or any screens. Practice breathing in through your nose and exhaling slowly out your mouth. This type of breathing when repeated often allows us to feel and experience an increased sense of calm and can enhance our ability to be present and mindful.

 

RE: OUR THINKING

 

Many of us never really learned how to think well. We often think a thought and assume it is true just because we had that thought. We would do well to become more intentional when we think and to “catch” the thoughts that may not be serving us well, leading us down a path of negativity, fear, worry, anxiety or depression. What we tell ourselves daily matters. This is your opportunity to track or journal some of your thoughts, especially your persistent thoughts and then question them for accuracy. If you are struggling with anxious thoughts or depression consider reaching out to a competent life coach, counselor or therapist who may help you.

 

RE: WALKING, HIKING OR GETTING A CHANGE OF SCENERY

 

Many of us have experienced a lot more time at home since Covid – 19 came into our lives. Living and working from home for many of us has created too much time in the same environment and inside. Practice taking breaks from your responsibilities and getting a safe change of scenery. Walking, hiking and just being out in nature can provide a much needed boost in your mental health and wellbeing.

 

RE: JOURNALING, COLORING, WRITING, LISTENING OR WRITING MUSIC

 

These are all ways to express ourselves, and any of these can provide a good break from our roles and responsibilities. Journaling is widely researched and known to provide therapeutic benefits. Engaging in some kind of creative expression through art, music or movement is a great way to engage your senses and can provide a boost to your mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

 

RE: CONNECTING AND PLANNING AHEAD…

 

Sometimes just visualizing, dreaming or thinking about getting a change of scenery, or planning the next vacation or camping trip can be beneficial to our mental and emotional wellbeing. Even scheduling a massage, a hike with a friend, can give us something to look forward to that we can enjoy no matter what our current circumstances. Be sure you are creating opportunities to spend time with good friends or extended family members either safely distanced or virtually on a regular basis.

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HOW TO USE THE TRANSFORMATION THIS WEEK- OPTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES:

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Do the Challenge just how it is laid out- one challenge activity per day.

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If that feels overwhelming, pick just one or two of the daily challenges and focus on doing them each day.

 

MAKE THE TRANSFORMATION WORK FOR YOU! EACH DAY IS AN IDEA AND A SUGGESTION OF WHAT YOU MIGHT DO. MODIFY TO FIT YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS.

 

By the end of the week, consider how one of the daily transformation activities if repeated and became habit might help you accomplish a health goal. Decide which activity and then put it in your calendar as a regular appointment.

 

Be sure to touch base with your A/E buddy regularly or as often as the two of you have agreed upon.

 

Find a small way to reward yourself for completing Week 2 of the Live Well Kitsap Transformation Event!

 

You may choose to track or journal your experiences from the week, and /or share with us in the Live Well Kitsap forum. Take some pics and share with us what you did this week!