Gay London Life | Dec '23 & Jan '24 Issues - Magazine - Page 67
Health & Wellbeing
Photo: @Macleodimages @CraidMacleod
Stress
and the City
Gay London Life’s Fitness and Wellbeing Coach,
Taofique Folarin, shares some ways for Londoners
to look after their mental health in 2024
London is a bustling metropolis that
emotional regulation, allowing us to
can be exhilarating, but its fast-
navigate the challenges of city life
paced nature also presents mental
more effectively.
health challenges, such as increased
anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense
Art and Expression
of social isolation. The LGBTQ+
Creativity can be a powerful means
population in urban areas often
of self-expression and stress relief.
encounter additional stressors that
Taking part in artistic pursuits —
stem from our identity, acceptance,
whether that be visual arts, writing, or
and discrimination.
performance — allows us to explore
For some of us, the winter months
and communicate our emotions.
may intensify the struggle with mental
Artistic expression can be a therapeutic
health. Seasonal affective disorder
outlet, contributing to a more balanced
(SAD) is a prevalent challenge,
and resilient mental state.
particularly in a part of the world
in which sunlight can be scarce
Community Connection
and limited daylight hours during
It’s essential to develop a strong
January can exacerbate feelings of
sense of community to enhance our
depression and fatigue.
mental well-being and overall quality
This week, I wanted to explore
of life. Support groups, social events,
innovative mindfulness techniques
and online platforms play a crucial
tailored specifically to us, so without
role in fostering connections and
further ado, here are some tools to
promoting a sense of belonging and
help combat the seasonal blues and
mutual understanding.
foster resilience for 2024.
Sharing experiences, challenges,
and triumphs in a safe and non-
Stress Reduction
through Exercise
judgmental environment provides
Living in the city can be stressful,
others. By connecting with other people,
but there are ways to cope. One
we can feel less isolated and more
effective method is to engage in
confident in taking control of our lives.
physical activity on a regular basis.
us with the opportunity to learn from
There are various organisations
This could involve going to the gym,
in London providing active support
practicing yoga, or participating in
to promote mental wellness within
outdoor activities. Exercise has been
the LGBTQ+ community, including
shown to stimulate the release of
MindOut, London Friend, and
endorphins, which are natural mood
Stonewall Housing.
boosters. This, in turn, can help to
alleviate stress and promote a more
Nature Retreats
positive outlook.
Recognising the healing power of
nature, I encourage getting out of
Meditation and
Breathwork
the city and away from urban chaos.
Encouraging individuals to take a few
a day trip to a nearby park, spending
moments each day for mindfulness,
time in nature provides us with a
meditation and intentional
refreshing break and an opportunity
breathwork can significantly reduce
to reconnect with ourselves.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or
stress levels. This practice creates
a space for self-reflection and
@TaofiqueFolarin
Happy New Year readers. I hope you all had a fabulous
festive period and I wish you a sensational 2024
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