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 …

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 …

Welcome to June! June is the sixth month of the year and is most likely named after the goddess Juno. As the goddess of marriage, it became popular to marry in June, a trend that continues today, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Relationships and relationship satisfaction therefore will be our first theme this month. What can you do to ensure a happy ongoing relationship with your partner? On the 21st of this month summer solstice takes place in the northern hemisphere. It is the day with the longest daylight and …

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 …

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. …

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 …

When doing catch-up emails to friends and family reflect on the good things in your life as well as the people who supported you through a trying time and let this be the focus of your email. It’ll give you a boost as you realize the good in your life and will hopefully lift your reader also.

Try to be loyal to your friends and family and support them as needed. Sometimes this is about putting their needs before your own. People want to be supported and your loyal actions will be appreciated. It may help to recall times when people have displayed their loyalty towards you. Remember how it felt to have someone in your corner?