How can I give advice about living a healthy lifestyle when I struggle and make mistakes and am far from a role model.

One thing that I have learnt from more than 55 years of living with a mental health label is that friends, family, and strangers are often prepared to offer you advice. Some may be trained, but many will have anecdotal evidence read from a magazine, book, the internet or heard on a podcast or radio.

All the information is very confusing and more so since the internet.

I only have lived experience and that is what I can offer but we are all different. I hope people will reply with what works for them and what does living a healthy lifestyle mean. I can share how human I am and things that work for me and things that have not worked. Meditation works for many but not for me.

I have written about my 4Hs that have helped me, Honesty, Health, Humour, and Hope.

Honesty is about being honest with myself and others. I spent decades in denial that I had bipolar and I was ashamed. Health means looking after my total health both physically and mentally. Often I eat too much chocolate and sugary comfort food. Humour means being able to see the funny and lighter side of my life. Not always appropriate but if I watch UK Panel shows I can laugh and be distracted from my problems.

Hope - this can be hard. After my house and beloved book and gift shop was destroyed over 6 years ago. I found it hard to be hopeful. I spent time with my 19 month grandchild, and we sat on a step just inside the balcony. My son called her my therapy child and she was. I started to dance with scarves and smile again.

I know this sounds simplistic. You will have words that may help you.

There is so much advice about living a healthier life .We all know about a healthy diet, being active, regular check-ups, having social connections, sleeping well, doing things we enjoy, to name a few. We know that is the easy part but doing them regularly can be hard.

What helps you have a healthy lifestyle? I would be honoured if you want to share ideas that help you.

Finally writing my blog for Moodscope has given me confidence when I have had little. Moodscopers are so kind and generous and helped me through a very tough time in my life.

Moodscope is part of my healthy lifestyle.

Leah 

A Moodscope member