The Mountains in My Mind

I find it fascinating how with every experience we have, our perspective on things changes. In my early 20's the biggest challenges in my mind were focused around acceptance. Generally whether others around me would accept me, and if they didn't - would I have to deal with confrontation. Fear of confrontation was always my biggest cause of anxiety. But now I think back to these concerns, I think they were merely hills than mountains... maybe like the South Downs near to my childhood stomping ground. Shaping my personality and building character, but didnt stop me in my tracks and require a serious amount of investment in time and energy.

At some point past my mid 20's I suddenly starting dealing with very grown up challenges. And somehow they felt like much larger challenges, more like climbing Snowdon or Ben Nevis... and some challenges feel more like dealing with the intense preparation for Kilimanjaro. Challenges like anxiety manifesting from traumatic post operative experiences, or dealing with major life changes (like relationship breakdowns, moving home, dealing with debts, having a child, changing jobs, getting a new boss etc) things that we all deal with at some point. Some may see them more as milestones, I prefer to think of the more positive events as milestones and the challenges as the mountains that are in between me and the next achievement.

So when it comes to the physical mountain, I am realistic that whilst Kilimanjaro will be amazing the journey is likely to be considerably challenging both physically and mentally. I am focusing on the end result that I am seeking - the sense of achievement of both raising so much money for a worthwhile cause (Mind), but also the personal achievement completing a challenge I previously thought was beyond my grasp. Because I believe if I keep focusing on that, I can achieve anything and I can deal with the pain, all because I know I have a purpose.

Many say that climbing a mountain is less about the physical ability and more about your mental strength, and based upon the above I guess you would say I am very much of this belief. You'd be right. I promise I am not underestimating the physical toll this will take on me and I am training plenty. But I am also ensuring I start training mentally to climb this mountain as I believe that is just as important.

How can you train yourself for mental strength (I hear you cry)… well... because we are all so unique I dont believe that there is a 'on size fits all' approach. Just like some diets work for one person and not for another, I am a great believer in trying things for yourself and seeing what works for you. Especially when it comes to your mental wellbeing, because there isnt really any guide to tell you what is working and what isnt. No one else is able to see what thoughts are going on in your mind. Clearly for something there are measurements you could track like mindset on a daily basis or activity and energy levels. But for the most part it is down to you to work out what works best.

Here are three things for now that I will be focusing on...

- Reflections time - I am quite a reflective person naturally, it comes quite easily to me. But I have previously been challenging with ensuring I have time and space to do this. So in the run up to Kilimanjaro I am going to focus on keeping a 'reflections' diary.

- Sleep rituals - There are lots of studies out there that link good quality sleep with strong mental health. Good quality sleep generally requires strong discipline around sleep habits. I have previously been really bad at ensuring I allow enough time to get adequate sleep. Therefore I am going to be targeting myself to get 6-8 hours of sleep every day. I am going to setting my bedtime an hour earlier, to allow an 'unwind' process. My unwind process consists of my daylight alarm clock (sunset mode), Hypnotherapy MP4 on my headphones, and a lavender warming eye mask. Nothing relaxes me like the smell of lavender! My alarm will be set in the morning from my daylight alarm clock, which wakes me up using light and bird song. Sounds quirky but I promise it puts me in a much more positive mood for the day!

- Positive Affirmations - I have to admit I am a sucker for a positive affirmation or meme. I am part of a lovely private community on a social media site who are focused only on sharing positive content. I find this incredibly uplifting for my mood. Also in surrounding myself with positive language, I start using more positive language and having more confidence in my abilities.

I am hoping that on focusing on these things it will help me build my mental strength (which I believe is a talent that can be learnt)… I will report back soon with how I have found it!