Sometimes it helps to look at things differently.  The following are quick and easy ways to help you to do this (all suggested by one of FEAT’s service users who would prefer to remain anonymous):

Read a children’s book or poem.  Take a few minutes out from being an adult to see things through the eyes of a child.  Imagine what an amazing place the world is to someone without adult preconceptions.  (If you are a parent, do this without your children otherwise you may find yourself being pulled back into an adult role).

TV plays a big part in most of our lives and it can become a habit rather than informative or entertaining.  Try switching it off, listening to a radio station you’ve never heard before, or if you can’t do without the TV – try watching something you wouldn’t normally.  Just a few minutes of doing something different can open up new worlds!

Write things down.  Make a list of things you’ve achieved recently (be fair to yourself; if you found it difficult or would give someone else credit for it, then it has earned a place.  Don’t take yourself for granted.  Write a letter to someone who’s hurt or angered you – be honest and perhaps make things clearer in your own mind – but don’t send it – just getting the words down on paper will achieve this.  Write a story or poem about anything you like.  If you find spoken words difficult, then written ones might be easier.

Go somewhere different.  Try a different supermarket, or a new route for a regular journey.  Have you been to your local library lately?  If you like going to the pictures, how about trying a theatre or concert?  You’re not making a commitment, just allowing yourself to become aware of what else is out there.

Learn something new.  This could be as simple as reading an article on a subject you know nothing about, or finding a new word in the dictionary.  If you want to go further, there are evening classes or distance learning.  If you’ve been wanting a qualification this could be your starting point.

Go back to doing something you used to enjoy but have got out of the habit of.  This could be reading, playing or listening to music, drawing, socialising – or staying in and pampering yourself.  Arrange some time for yourself, even it’s only for a short while.

If you find any of these suggestions helpful, you might want to look into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).  CBT takes the idea of changing how you perceive things to a whole new level.  If you don’t want to, you can still congratulate yourself on having tried something new!