Over lockdown mk2, I've been sending out a daily wellbeing email to to keep an upbeat focus. Positive psychology (which includes reframing thinking, mindfulness and other practical tools) creates a healthy buffer to the dips of life's roller coaster so here are 10 of those tips in case you need a boost this week.

1. When in doubt, generate thoughts of gratitude (a person, a thing, an experience, a memory)

It is difficult to hold feelings of anger, fear or negativity as well as gratitude - at the same time. Therefore, while it is important to accept any negative feelings, and to address them, thinking about something in your life that you appreciate will help restore the emotional balance in order to address problems more effectively

2. Remember that you are awesome, and you’ve got this

If you’re reading this, maybe you just needed to be reminded, and here it is, you are enough. And to keep you in this upbeat frame of mind, here’s a question – what is a lovely thing someone has said about you? They didn’t need to say that you know – they did it because you’re great.

3. Say something kind to yourself about yourself

I’ve had a “love hate” relationship with my body, but even now I remember to thank it for allowing me to push it so hard!! And the more I respect it, the more I find we’re getting on! Maybe you’re going to praise your brain, your kindness, your ability to wake up at 5am – or maybe it’s that you’re having a good hair day – when you begin to recognise your worth, others will too.

4. Know that you can change your emotional state

Yes, sometimes we need a bit of help (such as upbeat music), but try the following questions and see how you go:

- How do I want to feel?

- What can I do that will make me feel that way now?

(then do it)…sometimes I just make myself smile…hold a (sanitised) pencil horizontally between your teeth if you need to…or think of me doing that!!

5. Things will come in time

When you plant a seed, you don’t say things like “I’ll give you 10 minutes and you’d better grow”, so although you might want something, treat that desire like a seed – plant it, do all the things to nurture it, and be patient. (…and don’t forget, sometimes, you might grow more than you thought!!)

6. Recognise the value of what you have!!

When you start to see the value of things, you realise that you have more than you thought. I sometimes run from impulse purchase to impulse purchase – but now I take the time to really appreciate and make the most of what I have, and generally feel much richer than I ever have before!! (Try my 21 day #ilovemylife challenge!! Despite longing for things (people, possessions, pets, job, house...) once we have them, unless we work to appreciate them, they can lose value for us. This challenge is about getting you to recognise the abundance you already have, even while you're on your route for more. Every day take 1 photo of something or someone in your life right now that you love, and you will realise you are rich indeed.)

7. The decisions where “there’s not much in it” are often the easiest of all!!

Think about it…there’s a big decision to be made if you’re going to buy one house over another, BUT if you’re trying to decide between having Indian or Chinese takeout tonight and both places are great, why waste time on the choice…ask yourself instead – if (select one) were the only choice, would I be happy with that? And then go spend your time and energy on something more important!!

8. Set a positive intent for today such as: Today will be a great day!

This immediately makes you feel energised, and if you need a little help knowing you’ll be ok – think of 3 good/nice things that happened yesterday!

9. If you catch yourself enjoying a moment – take another one to savour it

We so often rush through our day, yet - how much will that extra moment take, compared with how much it will give? Stop, breathe, and if you need to remind yourself – even if I can’t control anything else right now, I can control my breathing in this moment!!

10. You can make money or you can save money!

Our financial health is something we may need to think about a bit more, so don’t forget we can both look to earn through working and investing, but also we can save – both give you that bit more breathing space should you need it.

Stay strong!

Dr Audrey Tang is a chartered psychologist and author. Listen to her podcast Retrain Your Brain here; and catch her practical masterclasses Psych Back to Basics on DisruptiveTV & Energy Top Up for resilienceFor quick tips and tools: click for SKILL PILL and Q&A videos and here for Media appearances. Twitter/IG @draudreyt