I would like to begin by saying this post is not a one-size-fits-all recipe for happiness. It contains tips for improving/maintaining your mental health. If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll know that I've had my own struggles, and gradually I've developed a specific self-care routine I know helps. More recently I have had the privilege of helping others through similar struggles. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me to test my own self-care tools on other pe

Forest therapy, tree meditation and similar outdoor wellbeing-enhancing activities are increasing in popularity across the world. There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that being in nature makes us feel good. I have always loved being outside. Growing up in the Aberdeenshire countryside there was a wealth of wild green spaces in which my siblings and I would roam. We created imaginary worlds in the twisted canopies of trees, played hide and seek among the bales of a nei

The idea of self-care is a profound one. Unfortunately, the phrase is used so often that the meaning has become lost. Let me tell you how I've learnt to take care of myself. Build a life you love. I am well aware that most people aren't in a position to suddenly leave their full time job to pursue a career of meditation and pyjama wearing (the pyjamas aren't mandatory I just like to work comfy). I recognise my privilege. I have always been in the fortunate position that I hav

When I was 15 I started seeing a psychologist for anxiety which predominately manifested in eating disordered behaviour. Anyone who's attended a workshop or a course with me will be not be surprised by the 'anxiety' part of that admission, but the eating disorder part I don't tend to talk to many people about. The psychologist explored with me in the first session about why I thought I was there. I said I was unhappy because I wanted to lose weight and I didn't seem to be abl

From the perspective of a mental health nurse. Trigger warning: the content of this post may be upsetting to some. Over the years I have heard many concerning opinions about suicide, and I want to give you the inside story. I can't speak on behalf of other mental health professionals, but this is the truth as I see it. Sometimes death by suicide should be viewed in the same light as death by cancer. Bear with me. Depression/cancer is diagnosed after a lengthy and insidious ba

Today I chose to do as little as possible . . . Why? The short answer is because I felt like it. The long answer is, because I know the value in listening to myself (mind and body) and respecting my limitations. I also know the value of silence and reflection. So today I woke up and decided to do as little work as possible. I spent time quietly in my home with Bunty (world's worst puppy), I went for a walk and I did some laundry. Doesn't sound like anything special right?? We

And why it's making you miserable. This post also includes a list of my imperfections and the worst photos of me you'll see on the internet. If this doesn't appeal to you, look away now. Perfection is something I think most of us foolishly strive for. I'm going to tell you why this fruitless task is probably the least helpful thing you are doing for yourself. We do not expect perfection from anyone else. If you think about some of the people in your life; your colleagues, par

At the age of 27 I moved home to live with my mum and my sister, read below to find out why it's the best thing I did for my mental health. In October 2018 my mum and sister bought a house and moved in together. My sister is 31 and my mum is 66. Sounds pretty weird, doesn't it?? I thought so too. I made fun of them A LOT. I know what you're thinking - "but Agnes, you teach mindfulness and wellbeing . . . surely you don't make fun of people?" The answer is yes. Yes, I do. I th

I'm going to use this platform to (over) share about my personal and professional highs and lows, and everything to do with mental health. “It's Valentine's Day 2019 and I'm more single (and broke) then ever.” Just a brief disclaimer before I start . . . I am no writer. It has taken me a long time to start this blog. I'm pretty dyslexic and the thought of putting my thoughts onto my laptop absolutely terrifies me! But oddly, I enjoy it at the same time. So, in advance, forgiv