With so much stress every day trying to please everybody by getting everything done, it is vital to take the time to look after your mind. Looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body although it’s not something we often think of doing.

Kymberley Carter-Paige is a ‘Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapist’, professional speaker and author. She specialises in helping people to change the neuropathways in their brain, to help make them happier and to remove blockages that prevent them from living the life they dream of.

She has shared with us 10 things we can do to help maintain a healthy mind.

1. As with the body, try to maintain a healthy diet- fresh fruit and vegetables, unprocessed foods.
2. Get outside and exercise. This doesn’t have to be hard out running or jogging, just a brisk walk, rain or shine. No excuse if it’s raining, you won’t melt, just put on a raincoat and go for it – you can always warm up with a shower afterwards. This is ideal if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
3. Take the time out to get out of your head and into the open. Stress is the biggest killer and more so for your brain cells. For those of you who haven’t heard of mindfulness it is the ability to get out of your negative thinking and into the reality of NOW. Enjoy that cup of coffee, the walk in the park, notice the smile on your friend’s face, the soft fabric you are wearing, anything that is TRUE right now.
4. Connections, connections, connections. The latest research is showing this is key to treating and avoiding depression. We have an innate need to belong, to be in a tribe, to have a meaning and a purpose in life. Get involved in the community and meet new people.
5. Drink plenty of water. In order for the brain to function properly it needs to be hydrated.
6. Negative self-talk – STOP it! Picture yourself as the beautiful little boy or little girl you were born to be and every time you say anything to yourself, picture him or her. You wouldn’t say those horrible things to a beautiful child so don’t say them to yourself, they’re not helpful.
7. Take time out to meditate. 5 to 10 minutes per day is all it takes to take back control of your thoughts and your mind and it has proven health benefits to your brain and your life. YouTube is a great place to find free short meditation videos so you can teach yourself easily.
8. Reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressive despite the fact you may have told yourself it helps you to relax. It actually has the opposite effect, making your sleep less effective and your mood more indifferent than happy.
9. Get plenty of sleep. As adults we require 8 to 9 hours sleep per night, if you have trouble sleeping, exercise prior to going to bed, don’t eat too late, have a warm bath, spa or shower and listen to a sleep hypnosis recording, to allow your mind to fully relax.
10. Find a hobby that taxes your brain e.g. sudoku, crosswords, join a local card game or quiz night. If you don’t use it you lose it.

Remember you only have now, so enjoy it.