::Outfit:: Top, Clutch and Belt -The Limited, Pants and Shoes- F21
Giving a little (fierce) face!
No matter how positive of a person you are, some days are
better than others. One negative encounter can ruin an entire day, if you
dwell on it. And if you are dealing with a challenge that has rocked your world, it is still important
that you learn how to stop negative thoughts before they take on a life of their own.Whatever your scenario,
use these skills to keep negative thoughts from ruling you:
Anticipate the negative and be ready
with the positive.
Expect negative thoughts to cross your mind, especially when you are dealing
with stress. But choose not to ruminate on them. Rumination means
meditating on the negative - and doing it often enough can have serious mental
health consequences such as depression. Instead, meditate on the
positive. Focus on what you are grateful for. Focus on the
opportunity you have for change and improvement. These are things within
your control.
Breathe intentionally.
Proper use of deep breathing techniques -where you breathe from your
diaphragm rather than shallow breathing from your chest - reduces blood
pressure, anxiety and stress. Take one minute and focus your thoughts on
your breath. Feel it enter your nose, fill your belly and exit through
your mouth. Center yourself in this moment. Relax.
Get out and about.
Sunshine and fresh air can do wonders for your mood. Being stuck
physically - whether at work or home - can leave you stuck mentally. So
get out. Take a walk. Ride your bike. Run some errands. Stand
on the porch or patio for a few minutes and soak up the rays. Sunshine
helps your body produce vitamin D and has been shown to be a mood lifter.
Have fun.
When you are particularly challenged with
negative conversations, interactions and situations in your life, you've got to
be intentional about countering them with positive experiences. One way
to do that is have fun. What do you like to do for fun? Go do it.
What brings you joy? Incorporate more of it into your life today.
Misery Loves Company.
Surround yourself with positive people and do not get dragged down by negativity. Who always puts a smile on your face?
That's who you need to hang out with. Give them a call, stop by their
desk at work, or get together for dinner tonight. You will be too busy laughing
and enjoying good company to ruminate on the things that got you down in the first place!
Think:
Is there someone or something that always makes you upset or gets under your skin? How can you anticipate it and meet it head on with a positive attitude?
Act:
Get happy!
