It’s time for my weekly round-up of tips for better mental health! Each week I share a handful of things I’ve come across that I find interesting, intriguing and inspirational, plus I tell you about anything interesting that’s coming up on my weekly podcast, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, or just generally in terms of my work. So… let’s talk!
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Hello Talkers! 👋🗣😃
Earlier today I found myself pleasantly delighted when Love Shack, by the B-52s, began playing in my car (I had my music on shuffle; it didn’t just randomly start playing out of nowhere).
As Cindy (the blonde one) and I both shouted, “Tin roof… rusted!” I found myself instantly transported back to 1989, when my then-13 year old self saw this track on Video Hits for the first time (an Australian TV institution, sadly missed) and I was inspired – and a bit in awe – by the creativity and sheer exuberance of what is still one of my favourite video clips of the late 80s (including a cameo by a then-unknown RuPaul, in full drag and already an obvious star).
Aside from music making the people come together (and the bourgeoisie… thanks Madonna!), music can also play an enormous role in your mood and your overall mental health; after singing along (loudly and off-key) to Love Shack this morning, I’ve been humming it all day long and feeling positive (and every now and then I’ll declare, “Funky little shack!” out of nowhere, which makes me smile and my cat look at me like I’ve lost the plot).
Music, in its many forms, has an incredible ability to resonate with our emotions. It’s not just about the lyrics or the melody, but the emotion that seeps through every note, connecting with us on a profound level. Whether it’s a comforting ballad on a rainy day, an upbeat tune that gets our feet tapping, or instrumental sounds that transport us to another realm, music offers an escape, a therapy, and a friend.
Now, onto my actionable tip of the week: Create your own ‘Mental Health Playlist’. Fill it with songs that uplift you, soothe you, energise you, or simply make you feel understood. Whenever you’re feeling out of sorts or just in need of a pick-me-up, hit play. And if you’re open to it, why not share your playlist with a friend? You might introduce them to a song that strikes a chord with them too!
Remember, while words often articulate our thoughts, it’s music that articulates our emotions. In the tapestry of life, let’s never underestimate the thread of music weaving its magic through our days.
Until our next talk, have a fantastic week!
Jeremy 😃
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😊 My Favourite Inspiring Posts Recently:
💯 My absolute favourite thing this week:
Some great examples of how to reframe things to build your realistic optimism.
💬 My favourite quote this week:
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Unknown
😁 My favourite posts from my channels this week:
🤗 My Latest Podcast Episode:
🎥 My Latest Video:
Thanks for reading and have a fantastic week. Talk to you next time! JG 🙂
Did you read this from a link or have it forwarded to you? Join my mailing list to have it sent to your inbox each Thursday, along with the new episode of Let’s Talk About Mental Health every Sunday.
© 2023 Jeremy Godwin
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This is Andrea……..Love me some Love Shack. It’s currently on my Walk your Ass Off playlist. I love music…( my husband thinks I have a problem)
But I have discovered that one artist is a huge trigger in my life with his music. Lewis Capoldi gets me where it hurts. I go straight to my past and get strange urges to make an ass out of my stupid oself…..then I have to listen to CLOSURE again on spotify. Thankyou for your help in my life. Andrea
Hi Andrea! Love that Love Shack is in that playlist 😂 And a music obsession doesn’t sound like a problem to me! Thanks for the lovely words, glad you find it helpful 🙂
There is always something In each episode that relates to me. I have my favorites that I find myself going back to , and when I listen a second or third time (on my way to work)… I generally catch something that I may have missed the time before. I realized recently that I really do need to go back to counseling . I have a “thing” that keeps me from moving forward. After over 26 years… I desire closure, but your Closure episode made me cry a little. It made me think . The past is sometimes hard to shake but thankfully, I have been able to look at the whole picture and have constrained from making bad choices. Your episode helped me.
Thankyou.
Thanks so much Andrea, that makes me happy to hear that you take so much out of each episode. Sounds like counselling would be a good choice to help you work through things and find your own closure. 🙂