First Psychology blog

Embracing the changing seasons is a powerful way to enhance our wellbeing. Each season brings its own unique energy, challenges, and opportunities for growth. By aligning ourselves with these natural rhythms, we can cultivate a deeper sense of balance, mindfulness, and joy in our lives. Here’s how you can embrace each season and harness its benefits for your wellbeing. Spring: renewal and growth As nature awakens from its winter slumber, we can embrace this season of new beginnings. The longer days and warmer weather invite us to spend more time outdoors, reconnecting with nature and soaking up the rejuvenating energy of the sun. Tips for embracing spring Get active outdoors. Take advantage of the mild weather to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or gardening. Physical activity in nature boosts mood and energy levels. Spring cleaning. Use this time to declutter your living space. A clean, organised environment can reduce stress and create a sense of calm. Set new goals...

When navigating the stress and challenges of day-to-day life, it’s important to carve out a space that is solely dedicated to your own peace of mind, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Often referred to as a personal sanctuary, this is a place where you can retreat to, unwind, and reconnect with yourself. Creating a personal sanctuary is not just about decorating a room in your house, it's about making an environment that promotes your wellbeing, both physically and mentally.  What is a personal sanctuary? The concept of a personal sanctuary dates back centuries, rooted in the idea of sacred spaces and retreats for meditation and introspection. In everyday life, whether at home or at work, where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and demands, having a personal sanctuary is so important for our wellbeing. This is a place where you can escape the chaos of the outside world and focus on self-care and self-reflection. Tips for creating your personal sanctuary 1. When it comes ...

Owing to the demanding nature of modern life, families often face numerous pressures that can take a toll on the mental wellbeing of family members. Balancing work, parenting, finances and other commitments can sometimes create an environment of stress and tension. But by promoting open communication, spending quality time together, sharing responsibilities, setting realistic expectations and focusing on self-care, we can provide a supportive environment within our family where we can thrive. With the right strategies in place, we can begin to relieve family pressures. Open communication One of the most effective ways of alleviating family pressures is by establishing and encouraging open communication at home. Sharing thoughts, concerns and emotions can create a supportive environment where our family members are more likely to empathise and provide assistance when needed. According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association , families that engage in frequent and q...

Imagine yourself sat beside a log-burning fire on a cold night, cuddling your dog, wearing your favourite pair of fluffy socks, and wrapped in a blanket, while drinking a warm beverage. This image captures what is implied by the Danish concept of 'Hygge'. What is Hygge? Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish culture, developed to combat the difficult feelings and decline of wellbeing commonly experienced through the long, dark winter months. Pronounced as “h-oo-g-a,” this Danish concept, when translated reads as 'coziness' and is defined as the coziness that facilitates a person to feel comfortable, content and promotes good wellbeing. The framework of hygge requires allocating time away from your fast-paced life to be in a positive, present environment which encourages relaxation and the enjoyment of more peaceful pleasures in life. The essential components of this framework are togetherness, presence, relaxation, comfort, and indulgence. The details of where, wh...

Living in an ever-evolving digital age means we can access information, and people, almost immediately, anytime, anywhere. But is this always a good thing? According to an article in  The Independent , adults in the UK will spend the equivalent of 22 years, 1 month, and 4 days of their lives online. So, if you’re concerned about the impact of spending so much time online, how can you avoid becoming part of this worrying statistic? Digital pressure Digital pressure can take many guises. You may feel compelled to post images of your perfect day out, of family events, or even just of a new outfit. You could also feel pressured to interrupt what you’re doing to answer messages or react to your friends’ social media posts. If any of this resonates with you, it’s time to think about taking a break and becoming unavailable as it may be taking a toll on your mental wellbeing. In fact, according to some studies , increased usage of devices can disturb sleep and in turn increase the risk of ...

Being a carer for someone who suffers from a mental or physical illness comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Although care giving is generally an act of love and can be extremely rewarding, it can, over time, have a negative impact on your own wellbeing if you don’t take care of yourself. Juggling a full-time job with caring can be physically and mentally exhausting. It can also put a strain on your personal relationships. Caregiving can be a cause of financial concern as you might have to contribute to any costs, especially when it’s a close family member. You neglect your own wellbeing as you have less time to spend doing the things you enjoy.  Because you are spending the majority of your time thinking about others, it becomes difficult to make self care a priority. Over time, this can cause stress and anxiety which can result in total burnout or symptoms of depression. But before we can take care of others, it’s vital to ensure you are looking after yourself first. You...