Focus on what you can control It's easy to be swept up in feelings of sadness, frustration and outrage at others' words and actions - especially during a lengthy global health crisis. For the sake of your mental health, a more productive choice is to invest your time...

Examine your old beliefs Unhelpful beliefs about ourselves can significantly dent our mental health, life outcomes and relationships with other people. When such thoughts arise, acknowledge them and put them aside. Like any new practice, it takes time and effort to...

Before you react, STOP The next time something (or someone) tests your patience, remember to STOP: S - Stop what you're doing or saying T - Take a couple of slow, deep breaths, focusing on the exhale O - Observe your thoughts and emotions; acknowledge them as present...

Listen to your body (and mind) The Olympics have been a reminder that even elite athletes have their limits. And sometimes the best course of action is to take a break. Even if it's just for a few minutes, stepping away from a tense discussion, an overwhelming...

Choose kindness It is easy to become attached to being 'right', especially in stressful circumstances. Yet choosing to speak kindly and give other people the benefit of the doubt is one of the easiest ways to connect and diffuse tension. You never know the positive...

Don't paint over the cracks The return of lockdowns has also meant an uptick in uncertainty and anxiety for many, especially young people. It's healthy and important to acknowledge the disappointment of holidays, paid work and other opportunities being missed. To...

Knowledge is power Knowledge, whether it comes from formal education or life experience, is something that can never be taken away. It accumulates and expands over a lifetime to become a rich source of personal growth and satisfaction. Being open to new ideas and...