Enhance Your Life with Nonie Carr

Celebrating International Day of Happiness in a time of global pandemic might seem odd. But in reality it can be helpful to shift our focus from the overwhelming onslaught of information about coronavirus and CoVID-19. Allowing a shift to a focus on that which is good, that which makes us laugh, or that which we're are grateful for can lighten the mood. It doesn't change what is happening, but it might make it easier to cope.

(Please note - this was live-streamed on Facebook on 20/03/2020)

There are many of us spending more time at home than at work or school. And with this comes a lack of structure. This lack of structure can negatively impact on your mental wellbeing. Adding structure back into your day by planning it can help limit a feeling of overwhelm, boredom, and limit procrastination.

(Please note - this was live-streamed on Facebook on 19/03/2020)

At this time of global pandemic there is so much confusion and panic. What do we need to do? What will happen to me if I have to self-isolate or quarantine? But I need to see my friends? But I want to go out? How do we stay mentally well at this time?   

One thing you can do is to maintain connection with your friends and family using social media and other video communication platforms.

(Please note - this was live-streamed on Facebook on 18/03/2020)

When you are in quarantine or isolation it can be hard to maintain your wellbeing. Keep in mind that psychologists do see clients via online video consultations. And research has found that this format yields similar results to seeing a psychologist face-to-face in the same room.

I am available for this type of consultation. For more information please have a look at the Enhance Life Psychology website - www.enhancelife.com.au

(Please note - this was live-streamed on Facebook on 17/03/2020)

The world seems to be all upended at the moment. It's not easy for many of us to cope; we feel overwhelmed and anxious. There are some things that can be helpful for us... one key thing that might be helpful is to limit how much information we are consuming... It might be better to stop, breathe and limit how much time we are consuming huge volumes of information. Checking in with those around us, family, friends and neighbours.  

(Please note - this was a livestream on Facebook 16/03/2020)

Equanimity is the attitude of easygoingness that we take when we meditate, practise meditation or shift our attention to a chosen focus point allowing other sensations to just be.

This attitude of equanimity is characterised by noticing, accepting and allowing intrusive, unwanted, challenging or difficult thoughts, emotions and sensations to be there while directing our attention to action, overt and covert, that is aligned to our values or purpose.

When we chose to resist or fight these challenging and unwanted thoughts, sensations and emotions the intensity of our experience can increase. Choosing instead to accept with equanimity and shift our attention to a more desired focus might actually reduce the intensity of these unwanted sensations.

If you'd like to learn more about these ideas you are welcome to contact me via www.enhancelife.com.au

Other resources include - 

Self Help for Your Nerves by Dr Caroline Weekes - This is a self-help book that was written in 1962. It was informed by personal experience, research & years of successfully helping patients who were struggling with anxiety. Her treatment protocol is described using these words: face, accept, float, let time pass.

The Woman Who Cracked the Anxiety Code: the Extraordinary Life of Dr Claire Weekes by Judith Hoare - This is the biography of Dr Claire Weekes that I mentioned in the podcast.

Jeff Warren has constructed a 30 day course on how to meditate for the Calm app. He also has a website that might be worth exploring if you'd like to learn more about meditation.

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris - this outlines how to apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy yourself

We sometimes have such busy lives and finding time to exercise within our busy schedules is a real challenge. There are a number of things that we might think about when we have decided that we want or need to include exercise in our schedule:

• Purpose - why do we actually want to include exercise in our lives?
• Feel - how do we feel when we exercise and after we exercise?
• What - what form of exercise is enjoyable for you? 
• Value - what value do we place on exercise for ourselves? What might exercise add to your life? What might it enable you to do?

And the last point is how do we actually fit it into our schedule?

If you'd like more information please feel free to contact me through my website - www.enhancelife.com.au

I talk about how you can incorporate gratitude in your day to enhance your life.

Lance was a former AFL player who played with Adelaide, Hawthorn and North Melbourne. He was delisted at the end of the 2004 season. He founded the Love Me Love You Foundation in 2013 and is the current CEO. LMLY works to educate young people about mental health, reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health and seeking help as well as supporting young people in their journey to wellness. I spoke with Lance during the 2019 Ride With Me. RWM is one of the 2 major fundraising events that supports the work LMLY does. www.lovemeloveyou.org.au

In this episode I talk about the factors that contribute to the concept that exercise can enhance your life.