Confident Minds Swindon

06/06/2023

These guys are great to follow and their monthly planners are a fab way to bring some positivity in your life on a daily basis

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day ⛅️ Join us for Joyful June and discover how to create more everyday joy https://actionforhappiness.org/joyful-june

23/05/2023

Have you got young ones currently taking their exams? Some great advice here on how to support them.

18/05/2023

So it seems my LinkedIn account has been hacked! I have reported this but in the meantime if you need me, please message me on here.

15/05/2023

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness week, with the theme being anxiety.

What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is diagnosed as "a worry or fear that is severe" We all have anxieties but for some, this becomes such an issue that it's impossible to live life fully. It can stop people going out, stop people from socialising, develop phobias and can also lead to depression.

What can we do to support someone suffering with anxiety?
Recognise the signs - these can be nervousness, stress or fatigue, headaches, muscle pains, difficulty sleeping and obsessive thoughts to name a few!
Validate their feelings – never tell someone their worries are stupid or that their being irrational. They don’t need to be told that, what they do need is to know that you are there for them, that you care and that you are always available to listen and support.
Encourage them to focus on what they can control – When someone suffers with anxiety, it can all seem too much. Encourage them to think about where they can make small changes to make life a bit easier.
Try a grounding exercise with them – help them to spot 5 things they can see, 4 things they can feel, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell, and 1 good thing about themselves.

What can we do when we experience anxiety?
Don’t avoid situations, although certain scenarios may seem too much avoiding them is not the answer. Take baby steps, think of a ladder and work your way to the top using those around you to support you. Don’t forget to congratulate yourself when you get to the top!
Exercise – try a spot of yoga, go for a walk, try a boxing class, anything that gives you something else to focus on
Keep a diary – write down when you are worrying and go back to what you were doing. Many people allow themselves 5 or 10 minutes every day to worry. Get your list out and worry then. This stops it becoming all encompassing and leaves your mind free to concentrate on what you’re doing
Be kind to yourself – there will be setbacks, don’t take this as a fail, we all have good and bad days. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone!

09/05/2023

Anyone that know me well, knows I hate social media! I believe it's responsible for so many anxieties, can cause depression / make it worse, is catastrophic to someone needing help, steals time away from those around you, makes you lose interest in what should be important and is the biggest time waster! Too often I hear "I only use it when I'm bored" or "its a good way to fill 5 minutes when I'm not doing anything" what happened to allowing ourselves to be bored? That's when a lot of the great ideas are formed!

This article makes for a good read and explains a lot of the science behind what I believe.

What's your view? Do you think social media is a good thing or are you in agreement with me?

Instagram and TikTok are two of the fastest-growing social media outlets in the U.S., offering entertainment and connection to a world-wide community with the ease of a finger swipe. Despite their growing popularity, little research has focused on the association between the specific use of Instagra...