It all starts in the mind...

Health and wellbeing blogger, Lesley Greenwood writes about the benefits of thinking positively

We all know that having a positive mindset is crucial in achieving life’s goals at any age, but how do we achieve and maintain that positive attitude?

We all have days when we feel a little lethargic - not quite as full of energy as we would like and feel a little down, when family problems, health problems, and life just sometimes gets in the way. But keeping a healthy mind and body and staying positive helps combat these negative thoughts.  By giving yourself time daily to put YOURSELF first and do something that is relaxing, positive and good for your mind and body is imperative.

Continuous self care, even if it’s for 20 minutes a day builds strength and equips you to deal with life’s problems. Meditation, a long hot bath, a walk in the countryside, a hobby where you can totally escape from the real world are all good starting points to help achieve this. Everyone is different in where they get joy, satisfaction and happiness. It’s the little things that make the big things happen, daily practicing self care can lead to enormous benefits long term. We don’t always put ourselves first, we have so many conflicting pulls on our time and energy, but you can't pour from an empty jug!  Making yourself a priority is not selfish, it's not less important than giving your time to anyone else.

Time is the most precious thing we have especially as we age, and giving yourself time to age well and keep happy and healthy is the best gift you can give to yourself and your family. So set a little time aside each day and watch those minutes build into hours, days and weeks of healthy happy times. You’ll be amazed how you feel. It's little steps, building blocks that lead to great achievements and setting small goals along the way can inspire confidence within us all. So set yourself a small goal, note how you feel and use that added vigour and confidence to set another.

I went to night school 12 years ago to learn how to use a computer; I couldn’t even switch it on! I never knew then that would lead to a Degree in Health Psychology and then a master of Clinical sciences age 54! As well as my first Marathon age 52! So start on your journey one step at a time. No matter how small or short that journey is, the key is to start!!  Believe in yourself and see where it takes you, you will be amazed!

Lesley Greenwood BSc(hons) Health Psych MSc Clinical Science You can follow me on Twitter @Lesleyanngreen Her professional psychology page link below -: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/412570