The A-Z of Wellbeing – T

Welcome to my monthly series, The A-Z of Wellbeing, this month it is all about the letter T. So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and settle in.

Time – I’ve written about this a lot. Time is something we always want more of but can’t get back. The days, weeks and months can run away from us. We’re never really sure how we got to a specific month or season as we are all so busy. Give yourself permission to stop being on life’s treadmill all the time, hop off and do something you love. Get yourself immersed in a good book or lost in an adventure movie, or get creative and draw or paint your favourite place. This is our time and we have to remember to use some of it for ourselves.

Talk – our conversations can vary from deep and meaningful to really silly. We talk to our friends, colleagues and families about all sorts. When it really matters and you need to confide in someone, who would that be? Who do you rely on and trust with your problems and concerns? Never stop talking to those you trust, keep conversations going, particular when things get icky. Remember a problem shared is a problem halved.

Tears – never be afraid to cry. Letting those tears fall and getting your feelings out is cathartic. We cry when we are happy or sad, from a loved one passing to an advert we see on television. Our emotions play a huge part in who we are and allow us to feel what we need to at that moment in time. So let those tears fall as it will help you process your feelings and move on.

Thank you – it’s not difficult to say. But some people sure do have a problem saying it! You can really make someone’s day by saying ‘thank you’. From the waitress who has served you all evening to your boss who gave you a bonus for all your hard work. A little ‘thank you’ goes a long way.

Therapy – Talking to a therapist can give you a non biased view on what you are going through. They can help you figure out what to do next by asking you the right questions so you arrive at the answers on your own. But it also depends on what kind of therapy you opt for. Take a look and select the one that suits you are your needs best. Never be afraid of what a therapist thinks, they are non judgmental and are there to be your guide.

Trees – What do trees mean to you? Have you ever tried forest bathing or sitting in a forest looking around you and immersing yourself in nature, just being. The next time you are in a park or in a forest, pick a tree you are drawn to. Go up to it, and place both hands on it. Take a few deep breaths. Focus on the tree. What does it feel like? Is it rough and hard or smooth with some knots? What does it smell like? Yes I know, sniffing a tree might seem crazy, but truly be in the present and give it a go. Is it earthy and damp or perhaps it’s a pine tree and smells like winter? Is it making any noises, like creaking or rustling in the wind? How does it look? Tall, thick with long branches or thin with stubby small twigs for branches? Does it have leaves or is it bare, perhaps it’s starting to show some buds or does it have pine needles? Going out and spending time in nature, is fantastic for our health. It helps to bring us to the present moment and enjoy what we have, often on our own doorstep, Trees are wonderful, they have strength, are fantastic for our senses, they live for years, often centuries, and I’m sure could tell you a thing or two about what they have seen over the years.

Try – when we are faced with a task we perhaps have never done before. We often give up before we start as we think we can’t do it so what is the point. But in order to learn, we quite often have to fail first. So really, what is the worst that can happen in your situation? Give things a go, you might surprise yourself and do something you never thought possible. The older we get the more we doubt ourselves. But we really shouldn’t as failing is the path to growth. So go on and give it a go.

Those are some T words which relate to wellbeing. I am sure you will think of many, many more I could have chosen.

Thank you for reading, have a wonderful week.

Love Emma xx