The Best Gifts for Mental Wellbeing: Stories and Practices
31/03/2026 at 10:00 am | Posted in Wellbeing, Wellbeing notes | Leave a commentTags: friendship, group therapy, happiness, life skills, selfcare, wellbeing
In a local discussion group recently, we swapped notes about some favourite wellbeing practices. We began with a question: ‘What was a notable wellbeing gift that you once received?’ I loved the way everyone shared meaningful stories. Some of the gifts were unexpected treats, such as a bouquet of flowers, a couple of tickets to Bath Spa, and a voucher for a special garden centre. In other answers, the gifts cost nothing at all, but were full of kindness and love. These included handwritten messages, and practical or moral support at times that we needed it.
One of the subjects that came up quite a lot was mental health, and all the challenges around that. We shared our experiences of depression, anxiety and burn-out – how easy it can be to slide down the mental health slope, and how challenging it can be to help ourselves out of it. Several mentioned the value of setting achievable tasks. “It gives structure to my day,” was one comment. “We all need a purpose, don’t we?” was another.
One member took us through a quick routine of chair stretches – fun to do, and a valuable reminder that simple movement can enhance mental as well as physical wellbeing. Finally, we talked about things we were looking forward to: sunshine, friends and travel all featured here.
We finished with a question that I would like to share with you: how will you look after your wellbeing today?
Wellbeing notes: Why get-togethers are so good for us
02/05/2025 at 12:35 pm | Posted in Wellbeing notes | Leave a commentTags: coffee shop life, conversation, friendship, life skills, mental wellbeing, social skills, wellbeing
I was meeting three old friends in a local, independent coffee shop. It was one of those mellow afternoons that seem drenched in sunshine and fun. Over cups of tea and latte, we were putting the world to rights. One of us, I forget who, said, “Look at us, four heads bobbing round a table.” And we shared one of those belly-filling laughs that leave you feeling simply good about life.
It had taken us ages to find a day that suited everyone. For the longest time we settled for group chats online. And those did help… but that coffee shop get-together was better. There were moments, between the fun, when one or another of us shared a difficult situation. We unburdened, and that felt good. We listened, and that felt life-affirming.
After our get-together I started appreciating other social moments in life that maybe I had taken for granted. These were mainly simple things, like a chat with a colleague or a customer. But what I noticed was that these ephemeral exchanges could pack in a huge range of emotions, from a recent dire experience that could fairly be described as ‘pants’, to the sharing of a moment of sheer happiness. They were mini doses of everyday therapy.
It’s common sense that regular doses of talking and listening would be good for us. But what happens if we’ve become a bit isolated? I like the advice of Age UK, which can apply to any time of life: ‘If you have lost connections, take small steps to start rebuilding.’ So if by any chance you’ve been wondering, please take this as your invitation to join that club or social group, to follow your interests and enjoy the chats that will undoubtedly follow.
Wellbeing notes: Farewell, lovely meditations
01/12/2022 at 8:19 am | Posted in Uncategorized | 3 CommentsTags: friendship, Guidance, life skills, meditation, Mind body spirit, Spirituality, wellbeing
For the past 14 years I’ve hosted weekly meditation groups. They’ve brought me masses of pleasure, as I hope they have for countless attendees. But we’re not built to do the same thing all our lives, and this month the doors will close for the last time on our peaceful meetings. To mark the moment, I thought I’d include some memories here, with thanks to all the fabulous souls who participated…
Meditation is not always quiet. The biggest secret about our sessions were that they were a 50/50 mix of chat and silence. The chat always had a theme – and sometimes that theme required a little noise. So let’s hear it for Trevor on the accordion and Kerstie on the Native American flute, not to mention the noisy swarm of bees that once perched on the wild cherry tree outside.
Meditators came from far and wide. We shared quiet times with guests from all over the world. Our youngest meditator was a very new baby. Our furriest attendee was a cat. Our most surprised visitor was the courier who tried to deliver to a room full of people sitting with their eyes closed – at least we weren’t chanting!
Those who meditate are creative – maybe the practice of stilling the mind helps ideas to flow. We have shared paintings, pottery, screen-printing, poetry, glasswork, and many other beautiful creations.
Meditation doesn’t have to take place in one room. During the pandemic, we went online. Other years we enjoyed the local countryside, including sacred Avebury, and neighbouring Somerset. The truth, as we discovered, is that peace, calm and kindness can flourish wherever we choose. And along the way, enduring friendships are made.
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Suzanne Askham 