Spring into action

IT’S TIME TO TAKE UP HEALTHIER HABITS, SAYS SARA KEENAN

- SARA KEENAN

AFTER a long winter, spring is a renewed opportunity to focus on healthy habits. So whether it’s prioritising your wellbeing, opening a savings account or simply spending more time with loved ones here are some ideas to adopt this season.

SPEAK TO YOURSELF KINDLY

Positive affirmations and inner dialogue have been shown to have a positive effect on how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

“Developing compassionate self talk is really important,” says clinical psychologist Dr Catherine Wikholm. “Many of us are much harsher and critical to ourselves than we would be to a close friend.

“The first step is noticing when a tendency to be self- critical, overly harsh or negative to yourself kicks in. Use the technique daily of asking yourself if you would speak to anyone else in that way and then change what you're saying.”

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR