Take notice
Thinking about the simple things that make us happy and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings is a great way to stay present and take care of ourselves. Spending time in green spaces can be very good for our mental and physical health.
Taking time to stop and notice can help you understand how you are feeling and what triggers different emotions in you, whether happy or sad. Knowing these feelings and their triggers can make it easier to handle challenges in life.
Really take in the world around you, like the changing colours of leaves or the sound of birds singing. These small things can help us live in the present moment.
Try to take some time for yourself. In the evening, think about your day, how it went, and maybe write down things that made you feel happy or grateful. You could also try a mindful hobby like knitting, crocheting, colouring, or journalling.
Being more aware of the world around us and our own thoughts and feelings is called “mindfulness.” You can learn more about how this helps your mental wellbeing by visiting Mindfulness - NHS.
You can also check out the Mental Health Foundation to learn more about mindfulness and its benefits. They have a guide with tips on how to look after your mental health using mindfulness.
Getting Started
There are many ways to take notice in Staffordshire. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Start noticing
Whether you’ve got lots of free time or just a few spare minutes, there’s always something you can do to pause and take notice of the world around you.
Check out the ideas below for simple ways to slow down and appreciate the little things, no matter how busy your day is.
If you have five minutes
- Practice daily gratitude by writing down three things that you are grateful for
- Take a quick photo of something that catches your eye; anything lovely, quirky, or interesting
- Look out of a window and try to notice 5 things that you hadn’t really paid attention to before
If you have about half an hour
- Get yourself out for a mindful walk and focus on the different things that you can see, hear or smell. You could even start keeping a nature journal of all the things you notice.
- Visit Forestry England to find out how birdwatching can help to boost your wellbeing. It could be a great way to get outdoors.
- Take a walk with your camera or phone and snap pictures of the things that catch your eye
If you have a little longer
- Take a look in to Forest Bathing, a simple method of being calm and quiet amongst nature
- Visit a local park, garden, or Nature Reserve. Take in your surroundings, sit quietly and observe what’s happening around you.
Disclaimer
We’ve shared some ideas you might find useful, including websites, resources and apps. These are suggestions only and not officially linked to Staffordshire County Council.