Positive social circle: Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift your spirits.

If I have a criticism of the book, it’s that it contains little of the counterintuitive thinking that makes psychology not only exciting but potentially more useful than a chat with a sensible friend. I imagine young people leaving home for uni or heading out into the world of their first job will really benefit from the lessons in this book. I listened to the audiobook read by the author which helped increase the impact of her personal/professional journey and the examples given. Break tasks down: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more attainable.Professional support: Consult a mental health professional to learn personalized coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, reinforcing your commitment to your purpose.

Having said that, sometimes it’s extremely helpful to be reminded what a “sensible person” might make of any given question. Gratitude rituals: Develop gratitude rituals, such as saying grace before meals or expressing gratitude before bedtime. I liked the way that this book was set out- a different theme for each month of the year, with strategies to help with a variety of things like lack of sleep, anxiety, fears etc. Empathy and understanding: Put yourself in the shoes of others to cultivate empathy and understanding, facilitating forgiveness.Perhaps the most comforting – and discomfiting – thing about this book is that it sketches a world of pain and injustice in which it’s nonetheless possible to enjoy life. But the message we might also take away is that, while circumstances afford us at least the possibility of feeling good, we should be thankful – and not waste the opportunity. A Year to Change Your Mind was written during the pandemic and is suffused with an air of staying calm while the world is having a freakout.

Volunteer work: Participate in community service or volunteer work to foster compassion and a sense of purpose.

She alludes to the hardcore problems she confronts in her work with young people in hospital settings, not to set up an us-and-them hierarchy of suffering, but to show what we can learn from people who face serious battles with their inner and outer circumstances. Daily purpose reminders: Create visual cues or reminders of your purpose and place them in prominent locations.

Remember that change takes time, and progress may be gradual, but with dedication and consistent practice, you can improve your mental health and lead a more fulfilling life. It’s a good idea to try to do something about these things, however insignificant your efforts might feel. Cognitive reframing: Whenever you encounter a negative thought, consciously challenge and reframe it into a more positive or balanced perspective. Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lucy Maddox explains how psychological processes thread through our lives, pinpointing those issues most frequently encountered in each month, and shows us how by reflecting upon past experiences, both joyful and painful, and considering evidence-based ideas from the realm of psychology, we can learn to live a more thoughtful, positive life that better prepares us for the future.Seek professional guidance: If you're experiencing mental health challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional.