Blurt Self Careathon Day 5

Outside

I see this as two ways to get outside. One was is to physically get outside into the fresh air and the other is to get out of your own head. When we struggle with our mental health, we often get stuck inside our head and it can be difficult to get out of it.

Some days I just have to get out of the house. On these days, I find myself going for a walk in town, sometimes I have my lunch out in a local cafe as well as running some errands in town. Other days I arrange a walk with a friend and her two young children. We end up spending a few hours out of the house, walking around a local park, feeding the ducks, splashing in any rain puddles, watching her eldest play on the climbing frames and pushing them both on the swing.

Bliss. I always come home feeling content. We usually manage to meet up every month or so.

It's important to say yes to some social engagements as well, even if you don't manage to stay long, getting out and being with friends is important. It's something I've struggled with over the last ten years and at one point I was saying no to all the invitations I was getting. But, your true friends, the ones that understand what you're going through, will keep asking you to join in with things. So as difficult as it is, do try and say yes and follow through with a few invitations. You will feel a bit better after you've been and over time, it will get easier to go to more.