Simple Life Hacks for ‘World Wellbeing Week’ with Psychotherapist Margaret Ward-Martin

Psychotherapist and Counsellor Margaret Ward-Martin<https://www.thegraceproject.co.uk/ has over 30 years of experience; here she presents 13 life hacks aimed at enhancing well-being during World Wellbeing Week (24th-30th June).

Key suggestions include learning to say “no,” distancing oneself from gossip, practicing patience, engaging in digital detoxes, and prioritizing honest living.

It emphasizes the importance of personal boundaries, self-awareness, and continuous learning, while also highlighting the benefits of physical movement and maintaining good relationships for overall health.

1.  Learn to say “no”. When you are asked to do something or go somewhere – take a beat – and ask yourself – is this REALLY something I want? If not, exercise your right to say no.

2.  Distance yourself from gossip and those who gossip. One way or another, they will drag you down.

3.  Avoid emotional contagion. Listen and remain neutral when those around you melt down. Do nothing. You are not obliged to fan the flames.

4.  Get yourself a great playlist.

5.  Pay attention to your surroundings. Notice people (their words, expressions, how they act around you, etc.), sounds, smells. See what happens.

6.  Digital detox for an hour/day – whatever you can manage. See what happens.

7.  Take charge of your breathing. Set your own pace. If someone around you is shallow breathing, take time to deep breathe. You don’t need to mirror them.

8.  Practice patience – starting with yourself. Notice what frustrates you. You might learn something.

9.  Let go of the win. You may be arguing a point or dismiss how someone is feeling or experiencing and win the debate, but you risk losing the relationship. You do not need to be right. This can happen in families and in the workplace – wearing people down will cost you dearly eventually. Just stop.

10. Learn and upskill whenever you can. There will always be someone who can teach you something. Be active in learning new things. Be curious.

11. Get out and about. Movement is medicine and (as long as you don’t have a specific reason), moving is better than not moving. Nature is great and buildings tell stories. Just get out.

12. Live an honest life. Contorting to please everyone else is exhausting. Be honest about what you want out of your life and stay true to your passion. If you can make a living out of it – so much the better.

13. Get the basics right. Sleep, eat, and laugh. Keep hydrated. Surround yourself with good, good people. Your inner circle will get you through tough times.

BACP Counsellor and Psychotherapist Margaret Ward-Martin holds over 30 years of experience in the mental health industry as a teacher, coach, and therapist with a special interest in narcissistic abuse and coercive control survival, addiction, and early childhood trauma.

She founded The Grace Project<https://www.thegraceproject.co.uk/ in 2021 to raise awareness about emotional and psychological abuse in the world in which we live. Margaret continues to advocate for better access to mental health services and for greater understanding and destigmatization of diagnosis.