Suggestions for wellbeing in July 2025

6th July 2025

We live in challenging times and I thought that I would try something new and produce a calendar of things that you can do during the month of July to enhance your wellbeing.

For each day of the calendar I have suggested something that you might do. This is not intended to be a program, or a prescriptive list of things you have to do each day: it is just a list of suggestions of things to do which you might not otherwise think of doing. You can do them in any order or even do several on the same day!

You can download an A4 size copy of the calendar by clicking here and then clicking download.

In the calendar I refer to Physiological Sigh Breathing.  This is a simple technique for dealing with stress in the moment taught by Dr Andrew Huberman.  Here is a link to a five minute video of Dr Huberman demonstrating it and explaining why it works Sigh Breathing.  I also refer to cyclic breathing.  This is simply practising physiological sigh breathing for five minutes.

Finally, I suggest self-havening.  If you have not come across self-havening before, here is a link to a video of me demonstrating it Havening.  

Unfortunately, I could not find a way of including these  links in the calendar.

Seven Ingredients to Wellbeing

The things which support well-being are largely well-established scientifically.  They fit in with the fact that we are a part of nature, and not separate from it; we are living creatures (not machines);  we are social creatures who evolved to live in communities.  Unfortunately, modern life seems to be leading us away from these truths and it is helpful to be reminded of things we can do to look after ourselves.

Good sleep and rest

If you are having trouble sleeping you are probably aware of the things you can do to improve your sleep as articles appear in newspapers and magazines on a daily basis. If you would like to try my free and oft praised  “Sleep Well” recording, please email me.

A healthy diet

This is a very big topic outside my expertise.  I will restrict my comments to: avoid ultra-processed foods; and make sure that you eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and fibre.

If you want to know more, Professor Tim Spector’s books are packed with information.

Exercise

The human body thrives on movement and exercise. I am not talking about marathon running or jogging, but about any kind of exercise: walking; yoga; dancing; pilates; singing; tai chi; swimming; dancing along to pop music on the radio!

Movement is also good for the mind. Mind and body are one system: what affects one affects the other.

An Attitude of Gratitude  

The benefits of noticing and being grateful for or appreciative of the good things around us have been shown many times by research.

Having spiritual or religious beliefs

You may be surprised by this one, but the research is clear.  People who have religious or spiritual beliefs tend to be happier and healthier, both mentally and physically, and more resilient than those who are not.

Oxford’s Handbook for Religion and Healthexamined 3,300 studies that address the relationship between health and well-being, and a religious of spiritual disposition.  They found that people who have religious or spiritual beliefs: 

• Are markedly better at dealing with adversity whether that be war, natural disaster, disease, bereavement or approaching death;
• They enjoy greater wellbeing;
• They have a greater sense of meaning in life, greater levels of hope, self-esteem, altruism, forgiveness and gratitude;
• They have greater protection against depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide.

Make of this what you will: I am not advocating that you take up a religion or spirituality to increase your wellbeing, but it is for this reason that I have included  in the calendar things which are associated with spirituality – meditation (such as mindfulness or breathing techniques) and taking the opportunity to experience awe.

Awe is the kind of feeling you might get when you see a wonderful panoramic view or an extraordinary sunset, or when you are in the presence of great art or music. These experiences have certain features in common: feeling small in the presence of something bigger than ourselves; a sense of connection with the world around us; a sensation that time has expanded or stood still; a feeling of relaxation or calm.

I hope that you have found this post interesting. If you have not yet had a look at the Wellbeing Calendar, please do and I hope that you will find the suggestions bring something new. You can download an A4 size copy of the calendar by clicking here and then clicking download.

Find out more…

If you are suffering from stress, anxiety or trauma and would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy, NLP and havening can help, please get in touch. I offer a free, no obligation twenty minute consultation which can take place in person, or by telephone or video call. To get in touch, just click on the button below.