This is probably the most common question I get asked by audiences, clients, interviewers, reporters and hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The simple answer is \u2018recovery\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We need to clearly define the difference between Mental Illness and Mental Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having experienced both, it gives me real insight to what we can influence and what we cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mental Illness absolutely needs to be professionally treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mental Health \u2013 we all have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s good or bad \u2013 we all have Mental Health \u2013 just like Physical Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, consider Mental Health a muscle \u2013 something we can exercise, shape, influence and forge to become smarter, stronger and fitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do we do that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s what sports coaches call \u2018Marginal Gains\u2019 \u2013 those daily, incremental, consistent positive tweaks we can make to stack the odds in our favour and produce a big picture result over the longer game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We cannot control the uncontrollable, the pursuit of doing so will only create extra anxiety \u2013 so we need to reclaim choice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we struggle with Mental Health, the first thing we sacrifice is choice \u2013 when actually, it\u2019s the biggest tool in our armoury \u2013 how we choose<\/strong> to proactively go into each and every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, as we start to engage in those small changes, all of the things that contribute to a healthy mind \u2013 exercise, sleep, hydration, nutrition, relaxation \u2013 especially at the beginning, we end up living a life on the outskirts of our comfort zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easier to stay in a position of pain and frustration than it is to do something about it \u2013 comfort zones are not always comfortable, just easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where \u2018recovery\u2019 comes in \u2013 as we continually pursue our best selves, day after day, it takes a LOT of energy \u2013 you may be experiencing that prolonged feeling survival mode as we come to the end of 2020!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I asked you to get your calendars, your diaries out now \u2013 is there a part of your day that is exclusively ring-fenced for you to rest, recover and recharge \u2013 so you can go again strong tomorrow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n No? You are not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where do you feature in your own life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diarise just 30 mins a day that is purely for you \u2013 do something you love, something that nourishes you \u2013 recover<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n From someone who has experienced burnout and breakdown \u2013 I wish someone had told me this!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do it today, thank me later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nick Elston, Inspirational Speaker & Transformational Speaking Coach<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is probably the most common question I get asked by audiences, clients, interviewers, reporters and hosts. The simple answer is \u2018recovery\u2019. We need to clearly define the difference between Mental Illness and Mental Health. Having experienced both, it gives me real insight to what we can influence and what we cannot. Mental Illness absolutely […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1376,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n