Take Care of the Future You Can’t See

Take care of the future you can’t see with The 4 Ps Framework.

The 4 Ps Framework helps you understand that what you today to take care of your mental health helps with your future. Positive mental health doesn’t just happen!

Prioritize.

Plan.

Practice.

Prosper.

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Prioritize your mental health.

Plan health-promoting activities.

Practice them often.

Prosper, even during difficult times.

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Here are 3 ways to take care of your future mental health that also feel good today!

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Cultivate your relationships

1. Even the closest relationships fade over time when not nurtured. We need to be intentional about maintaining relationships for our future mental health. Email or call an old friend. Text an old photo of the two of you!
2. Don’t let your negative thoughts interfere with reaching out, such as thinking that too much time has passed. Utilize the “surprise factor” – your old friends will love to hear from you!

Time spent cultivating relationships feels good, and helps you to have meaningful relationships in the future.

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Gratitude

1. In the morning – when you first wake up and are still in bed.
2. At bedtime

Both times shut down “worry thoughts” that so easily spiral out of control. In the morning, a gratitude practice elevates mood and have a better day. At bedtime, it relaxes your muscles and facilitate more restful sleep. When you do this on a regular basis, you will also become more present in your life and find more things to be grateful for!

Practicing gratitude helps to develop a positive mindset for more joy in your future!

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Walking

1. Walking is just as powerful as taking an antidepressant for moderate depression
2. Walk with others – forms social connections
3. Walk and think about a problem – more likely to come up with a creative solution
4. Walk in nature – “The Trifecta of Walking in Nature” – awe, water, trees.

Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life – Dacher Keltner

Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do – Wallace J. Nichols

Forest Bathing – Qing Li

Walking feels good while you’re doing it and decreases frequency and duration of future episodes of depression.

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Which of these ways are you already doing?

Which of these ways would you like to learn more about? Send me a message – happy to share additional resources – books, articles, podcasts, etc!

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In Gratitude,

Peggy

Want more simple ideas? Check out these 35 ways in my book – take care of your future mental health, and feel good while you’re doing it!

Feeling Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times