I have always been a ‘happy go lucky’ person throughout my life until I had my daughter 11 years ago and unfortunately suffered with post natal depression which led onto longer term depression.
I was in a very bad way for many years and ended up on anti depressants and was addicted to sleeping tablets. My weight ballooned and I was very unhappy.
Fast forward to now and luckily things are very different for me!
It has taken a lot of hard work but I am off all medication and lead a very happy and content life.
There were three main things that helped me change my life and take care of myself:
- Diet and exercise
- Reading/listening/writing (self help)
- Self care
At first I just started walking. This had a huge impact on my mental health. Getting outside in daylight, moving my body whilst listening to music felt amazing! I soon started couch to 5k and my love of running began. I totally got the “runners high” and got a little bit addicted to that feeling after a run ! I then joined a local gym and started weight training for the first time. The running and weight training transformed my body and I am happier with my physique these days.

I also changed my diet (I lost 3 stone). I cut out a lot of processed food and began calorie counting. This also had a huge impact on my mental health – I now realise if you eat rubbish – you feel rubbish!
- Reading/listening/writing
Every evening I would read some kind of self help book and start to write down all my feelings. Getting them out of my head and onto paper really helped. I also started to write daily gratitude lists and this really makes you appreciate even the smallest things in life. I also listened to lots of podcasts on positivity and self care etc.
- Self care
Although I see the 2 items above as ‘self care’ I also did the following:
- Removed myself from stressful/negative situations
- as an introvert I allowed myself plenty of alone time to re-charge
- Occasionally treated myself to beauty treatments at a salon
- Spend quality time with family
I now understand that happiness comes from within and no one is responsible for your happiness but you.
I now have the ‘tools’ I need to keep myself on track and know what I need to do to get myself back to my ‘happy place’.
Now I am in that happier place I want to share my story and help others. I have recently set up a private Facebook Positivity group (called LOA/Positivity Community) for like minded positive, happy people!
As they say… “take one step at a time”.
Good luck with your 3 steps!

Andrea is a mum from Walderslade who loves running, finding new self care ideas and helping others keep positive.
Wow congratulations Andrea…you are an inspiration x🧚♀️💕💕
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Well done Andrea and thank you for sharing. One day I’ll be brave enough to share my story but for now I’ll continue you to take inspiration from you. Thank you for your daily prompts encouraging us to take the good out if each day x
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