December is the twelfth and final month of the year and comes from the word decem, meaning ten as it was originally the tenth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. Given that it is the last month of the year, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get you ready for next year. It’s a chance to set some goals. These can come in the form of New Year’s resolutions if you like. I hope you achieved those resolutions you set yourself for this year. …

October is the tenth month of the year and is from the word octo, meaning eight as it was originally the eighth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. World Mental Health Day takes place this month, its aim being to promote good mental wellbeing and to highlight important issues that need addressing. To support this, I will offer you ideas to keep your own mental health in check. In Australia Stress Less Day is this month and offers us all an opportunity to remember the importance of …

September is the ninth month of the year, yet is named after the word septem, meaning seven as it was originally the seventh month of the year in the Roman calendar. This month a new season begins, whether it is spring in the southern hemisphere or autumn for the north.
This month we will consider the impact your thoughts have on your life. This is in recognition of Albert Ellis who was born on the 27th September. Albert Ellis was a psychologist who devised Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, and his work …

May is the fifth month of the year and is named after the goddess Maia.
For a month of happiness, we will draw from three events happening in May: World Laughter Day, International No Diet Day and a little known celebration observed in the US, Visit Your Relatives Day. If we take advantage of these events this month, we can make a difference to our overall happiness and wellbeing.
The benefits of laughter
Stress is no laughing matter. When we are stressed, the hormone cortisol enters the bloodstream. If left unmanaged (i.e. you …

March is the third month of the year and is named after the god Mars. This month marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and the start of autumn in the southern hemisphere. Make sure to note the changes in the season, no matter where you are in the world. March is International Listening Awareness Month. Since good communication promotes happier relationships, we will consider the art of listening. Brain Awareness Week also takes place this month and as such we will consider the benefits of learning to …

Some people feel more guilt than others. There’s nothing wrong with feeling guilty when you really have something to feel guilty about – in fact I’d be worried if you didn’t feel guilt in these circumstances. The guilt I am concerned with here is when a person experiences this emotion seemingly automatically, whether it is warranted or not. For instance guilt about a decision made that does not suit absolutely everybody. Then there’s the guilt about changing, or not changing at all.  Or feeling guilty about bettering yourself for fear …

Have you ever felt lonely? It doesn’t feel so good does it? You feel separated from others both physically and mentally. Because you do not have to be alone to feel lonely. You can be surrounded by others, yet anything they say or do does not matter. It’s like they’ve ceased to exist. If your loneliness continues for just a little while you can end up feeling helpless, isolated and despairing. It is easy to start to believe that you will always feel this way, believing you have no control …

If you ever suffer from episodes of depression, at the time you wonder how you will ever feel better again. Sometimes this mood just runs its course. However, there a few things you can do to help you recover sooner and get back to your happier self. Many of the tips that follow are also preventative, meaning you can implement them at any time. As such they may help you avoid suffering from the blues in the first place.
1 Do the opposite of what you want. You want to do …

Have you challenged yourself lately? Whether it is mentally, or physically, setting then going for a challenge can be very energising. You have something new to focus on that engages you for the duration of the challenge. Set a deadline for your challenge and make sure to schedule time for it so you don’t let it drift.

In facing challenges now and in the future, it can be a good move to look to your past. How have you succeeded previously? What actions did you take to guarantee success? Did you receive support in any way? How can the past inspire you to ensure you meet your goals, and overcome potential setbacks?