This week we’re chatting with Eloise Skinner, an author and psychotherapist specialising in existential therapy. Her newest book, But Are You Alive? explores what it means to find depth and meaning in everyday life.

Hey, Eloise! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

Create a personal practice of looking for meaning and purpose in everyday life. This can be done through a simple exercise called the ‘meaning tracker’: essentially a journaling exercise that enables you to observe and reflect on sources of meaning in your life.

Why is this your One Good Thing?

As a therapist specialising in existential psychotherapy, I am passionate about helping others to find meaning and purpose in everyday life. I strongly believe (supported by research) that finding a sense of meaning in life is a fundamental and significant source of wellbeing.

Interesting. How do we make a meaning tracker?

Take a sheet of paper and write the following headings: People, Places, Objects, Experiences and Hopes. Under each category, write as much as you can (taking as much time as you need or whatever time you have available). Write down everything that comes to mind, as quickly or as slowly as you like, and feel free to write in any format: drawings, bullet points, diagrams… whatever works best.

For example, under People, you could include your meaningful relationships (or any other community/colleague relationships that feel meaningful to you). Under Places, you could include all the places that make you feel most alive: from your past, present or even perhaps places from a desired future. Under Objects, list out meaningful objects in your life (jewellery, photos, keepsakes, etc.). Under Experiences, list out meaningful moments and times you can recall. Under Hopes, add all your hopes, dreams, desires and ambitions for a meaningful future.

One Good Thing: how creating a ‘meaning tracker’ could make you happier