November is the eleventh month of the year, but its name comes from novem, meaning nine as it was originally the ninth month of the year. As we approach the end of the year, we enter the holiday season. Generally this means time spent with family, as well as organising events whether large or small. So this month we will spend time ensuring you are prepared fully to deal with what can be a difficult time mentally. What follows are a number of ideas that are relevant now, but hopefully …

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 …

August is the eighth month of the year and is named after the emperor Augustus. It was originally called sextilis meaning sixth, as it was the sixth month in the old Roman calendar. Another reminder that things do change, even though such things can seem like they’ve been around forever. This month marks International Youth Day. Each year has a central theme but the underlying principle is about raising awareness of the struggles of youth as well as their achievements. Also this month we celebrate International Left Hander’s Day on …

July is the seventh month of the year and is named after Julius Caesar. This month there really is a reason to be happy as International Happiness Day is celebrated. As such I will provide you with some simple tips to help you not only celebrate this day, but to be used at any time. We also have International Joke Day this month, so hopefully this will put a smile on your face. In some parts of the world, Christmas in July is celebrated. As such, I will discuss the …

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 …

April is the fourth month of the year and may have been named after the goddess Aphrodite. Celebrated this month are World Creativity Week, World Health Day and International Dance Day.
This month I will consider how everybody can be creative and how using your creativity skills can be a great mood booster. In recognition of World Health Day, I will provide ideas to help you look after your own mental and physical health. Related to both your creativity and your health, I will encourage you to take advantage of International …

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 …

February is the second month of the year and is named after Februa the Roman purification festival. This month celebrates International Friendship Month. Friendships have been shown to be important to our happiness, health and wellbeing, so it makes sense to consider the friends in your life. It is also Random Acts of Kindness Week during this month. Research continues to gather to support the link between kindness and happiness. I also celebrate my birthday this month, and as such I will begin this discussion with a reminder that when …

January is the first month of the year and is named after Janus the god of the doorway. As such, it offers an opportunity for new beginnings. People make New Year’s Resolutions and are hopeful for the year to come.Celebrated this month are New Year’s Day, World Braille Day and Peculiar People Day in the United States. Japan celebrates Coming of Age Day and Australia celebrates Australia Day.
This month we will consider optimism and how it will help you bring about the changes you want from your New Year’s Resolutions. …