Shockingly, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.* Anxiety and depression are said to be reported by one in six people each week.**
NHS and local authority cuts are never welcome news, I myself have experienced waiting lists lasting over a year. I didn’t want to ‘burden’ friends and I was embarrassed with my behaviour towards family. I was starting a new job out of area and so my only immediate option was to help myself. Obviously, this wasn’t possible on some days, but on others, Google was my best friend. I scoured the self help shelves in charity shops, but sometimes reading a hefty book felt like a huge step. I needed something quick, easy and effective.
So what can we do to help ourselves? Allocating a specific time to worry each day didn’t work for me. But, allowing myself time to pause did. Mindfulness is a buzz word at the moment – taking time to really think and feel in the present. How often do you actually just stop? Do you regularly just focus on your breathing or other actions you normally don’t stop to notice? In time, mindfulness helps you to focus on the now, letting go of worries and stresses.
MYnd Map kindly sent me 30 daily cards to help inspire my mindfulness. Firstly, they include three focuses for the day; your intentions, actions and what you’re thankful for. Not only does this encourage gratitude, it also helps you to encorporate positivity into your daily life.
Secondly, they’re black and white, hand designed cards. Perfect for colouring in – a task that distracts your mind and improves visualisation. They include a motivational affirmation for you to focus upon that day. They’re wallet sized and great if you have a window in your purse to slot it in. Alternatively, I’ve been placing mine in a clip picture holder on my desk.
During your commute, you can fill in the plan. You can colour when feeling stressed. Simply reading the daily affirmation, takes no time at all and yet, improves your day considerably.
This is just one of many products, check out their take on the bullet journal!
Use my code ‘Voluble’ to get your cards for only £9.99 from MYnd Map
Take action and be inspired every day.
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* http://www.mind.org.uk, McManus, S., Meltzer, H., Brugha, T. S., Bebbington, P. E., & Jenkins, R. (2009). Adult psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007: results of a household survey. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.
**www.mind.org.uk, McManus S, Bebbington P, Jenkins R, Brugha T. (eds.) (2016). Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult psychiatric morbidity survey 2014.Leeds: NHS digital.
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Voluble Blogger 
Those cards are so cute. Definitely a positive way to begin or end your day. I try to practice mindfulness on a regular basis but honestly sometimes I forget! Great post loves xoxo
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