January is a tough month. We have just had Blue Monday which is considered the most depressing day of the year. So, I thought it would be really useful to host a giveaway to win two books from Pen & Sword to help with mental health. It’s amazing how much more positive you can feel with some good advice. Self-help books can work wonders lifting your mood and making you feel better about yourself.

365 Ways To Feel Better (£14.99)

This book by Eve Menezes Cunningham had lots of really useful advice to help you feel better. I won’t lie 2021 was a tough one for me and I wish I had been sent this book sooner to give me some coping strategies to lift my spirits. I have mentioned how I was feeling more optimistic for a fresh start in the new year and this book certainly helped me overcome some issues. It’s a very supportive book, lots of ideas and no judgement. It reminds you its okay to feel the way you do.

Writing

Suggestions like writing a letter about anything taking up your valuable head-space then burn the letter to get rid of negative trapped energy. Sad memories decrease serotonin production – which is what makes us feel happy. Another tip I quite liked was to write what was bothering you on toilet paper – then simply flush it away! I wish I had done these things earlier. The risk otherwise is what you write down can be shared and analysed by other people who have no business knowing your inner thoughts and feelings. These ideas let you express yourself but in a safe way.

Throw A Stone

Why not throw a stone into the sea to release what is holding you back! The sea can take away that energy.

Try Chanting

I even gave chanting a go on the advice of the book. Chanting “om” can reduce your heart rate and improve lung capacity at a time you are in emotional turmoil.

Be Grateful

Start to appreciate what you do have in your life, write a list of five things your grateful for. A sense of graciousness can help you feel better if you are stressed.

I have just picked out a few of the ideas I liked but with 365 ways which cover everything from crystals to cards and yoga positions to try your in good hands.

How To Deal With Your Self-Destruct Button (£14.99)

This book by Adam Shaw was an interesting read, it covered topics such as luck, motivation and energy.

I liked knowing that even a fake smile releases serotonin as your brain doesn’t know the difference. So, if you’re feeling sad fake it until you feel better in terms of your mental health. The book emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your health and not taking it for granted. If you know what you need to change in your life, but you don’t do it this can cause conflict. This will add to your frustration and feeling of guilt. Necessity can cause misery too. This especially applies to our working lives when we feel we have to work to provide for our family.

When you are stressed your body is flooded with adrenaline and cortisol, that means you struggle to sleep because the blood is sent to your muscles and brain. You need to learn to burn it off otherwise you could have a breakdown and become depressed. Stressed people can make bad choices.

I really liked the suggestion the author made to visualize a lake with a large magnet taking any negative energy away from you. Then you can replace any gaps you are left with white energy from a ball of light.

If you would like a chance to win these two books to help with mental health, please fill in the form below by the 21^st of February.

Win Two Books To Help With Mental Health