The A-Z Of Wellbeing – X

It’s that time again when I look at the A-Z of Wellbeing. This month, it’s a little tricky as we look at the letter X! However, I hope you enjoy the words I have chosen and I have taken some liberties, which i hope you can understand why.

X

Xoxo – yes ok I’m far reaching with this one. But it stands for hugs and kisses. Maybe you sign off a message or email with this. But hugs are important to our wellbeing. We enjoy and need human touch. It’s always great to get a hug from your partner in the morning or when you get home from work. A reassuring hug or a comfort hug or a hug that you have been waiting weeks for. As for the kisses, they are great to get too and are even better when paired with a hug.

X marks the spot – when we were kids we loved a treasure map, whether it was a hunt for something our parents or friends had hidden or we had carefully drawn it ourself to pretend we were pirates looking for treasure. Anyway how does this relate to wellbeing you may ask, well where is your favourite place to be? If you had to draw a map of your world, what would X represent? Would it be the place you like to go for a walk or to catch up with friends? What about your cosy wee snug in your house. It could also represent your secret haven. The place you go to get away from everything and possibly everyone. We all need a space to escape to and relax in. Sometimes silence or being alone is what we need. Life can be so demanding sometimes, so find your X and enjoy.

Xplore – We will all have mental health challenges at some point in our life, and whatever they are we will have to explore what we can do to help. This can be a challenge itself, there are so many things we can do or try or take to help us and it can be hard to know where to start. I would always recommend starting with your doctor. I know it sounds obvious but it might not be to some. They can diagnose you to ensure you embark on the right path of treatment for you. This may or may not include pills. Don’t be afraid if it does, sometimes a course of medicine will give you the results you are looking for. Other times, they may recommend counselling and/or meditation or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or a range of things to help ease your symptoms. It can take time to find what is right and what works for you. So don’t be worried about trying a few things before settling on a plan of action. A combination of treatment may work best for you.

Xocolatophobia – What on earth is this you may be asking. Well this is the fear of chocolate! I know, imagine being afraid of chocolate!! However, fears are real and we have to accept that everyone is afraid of something and to them it is terrifying to be in a situation where they are exposed to their fear. For me, it is spiders, for others heights, or water, or clowns, or snakes, the list is endless. If you find yourself faced with your fear, it is very difficult not to panic. But try to take a deep breath and before you scream or shout or run, ask someone close by to help you. Explain to them what you need and how they can help you.

Xylophone – Well you surely didn’t think I could possibly miss out xylophone! This for anyone who doesn’t know is a wooden instrument. It plays a lovely tune and was good for someone like me at primary school who had no musical talent but could at least hit a wooden plank in time! Music of any kind is great to listen to and if you can play a musical instrument then fantastic. Perhaps you play in a band or in an orchestra. Or maybe you, like most people love popping on your favourite tune and dancing around the kitchen to it. Songs can help us process our emotions, I mean who hasn’t belted out a love song in the midst of a breakup or sang Sweet Caroline when happy and tipsy!! Songs can help us through so much in our life, they are there for comfort, joy, excitement, sadness, love and everything in between. Never underestimate the power of a great song to uplift you and get you through your day.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my X words in relation to wellbeing. I would love to hear your thoughts or perhaps you have some other words I’ve not mentioned.

Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a lovely week.

Take care, look after you.

Love Emma xx