We're all very aware that for our body's well being we need to consume at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day; so we cram as much spinach and spirulina as possible into that cold-pressed juice, grab an apple with our morning latte and if we're really good dose up on supplements. This vitamin and all-round goodness intake is vital for keeping our bodies happy and healthy - but what about our minds?
With a recent (and much needed) boom in all things wellbeing from brilliant apps like Headspace encouraging us to take time to reconnect with ourselves, books helping us 'Find our Element' and TED talks inspiring and motivating us, people are finally starting to recognise mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical. So it's about time we started taking the same measures to ensure we're keep our minds happy and healthy too.
In the middle of a field at Secret Garden Party this summer I stumbled upon a Mindapple tree. When you approach a Mindapple tree you're given an apple shaped card and asked to fill in the 5 things that make you happy before hanging it up on the tree alongside thousands of others. As simple as it sounds, it actually wasn't as easy as it should have been and it made me stop and think: I've got the fruit and veg on lockdown so what things should I be doing every day to make sure my mind and wellbeing is on track too? What are my 5-a-day for my mind?
This list now hangs above my bed and everyday I remember my 5 things and find a way to incorporate them in to my day.
To treat myself to my favourite coffee.
To smile, laugh and always stay positive.
To have real, genuine conversations with real, genuine people.
To cram in time for yoga, meditation or just to breathe - but breathe for real, yogic style.
To get outside and find a tiny spot of sunshine to sit in for 5 minutes. Yes, even in London.
It's probably about time to ask yourself the same question. What are those small touches you can make sure you're doing in your day to day life that make you feel happier, calmer, more connected and to keep your mind healthy and dosed up?
Vitamins are all well and good but there's also a lot to be said for the fact that a happy mind makes a healthy body.
