‘Take back the small moments and replenish your mind'
Making the most of every waking moment is an intrinsic part of the expert advice Dr Julie Smith shares in her bestselling books and online, and it's a theme that is also at the heart of Anita Rani's new podcast, Bright Ideas with Anita Rani, in partnership with EE.
Dr Smith, a clinical psychologist-turned-online educator with over 7 million subscribers, as well as author of the instant bestseller Open When, has spent years honing her expertise when it comes to mental wellbeing. One of her tips for cultivating everyday moments of joy is that happiness can be as simple as being outside in nature or playing board games with family: 'Ritual helps you slow down for a minute, as does just focusing on enjoying it,' she says.
This is especially important when the urge to doomscroll through a feed full of negativity can drag us down. She tells Anita that we need to realise our limitations and reclaim the control that has over our lives: 'There's a lot we can't control but we can learn to tolerate what we can't change. You could absorb negativity non-stop but instead aim to turn suffering and uncertainty into something that matters.'
She also provides Anita with some essential life hacks that can fill each day with quick wins. 'The Calm app helps everyone practise mindfulness, as do my videos,' she says 'Therapy isn't rocket science and living curiously means you're always learning. Take back those small micro moments during the day… and replenish your mind.'
For all of Dr Smith's tips, life hacks, insights and stories, catch the latest episode of Bright Ideas with Anita Rani on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays.
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