By Heather Jenkins
Stress is a response to needs going unmet. Changing your thoughts and focusing on the things you can change in your life is a wonderful place to begin.
How do I feel today? What am I thankful for right now?
Positive thoughts boost your mood, energy and generate even more positivity and happiness in your life. Your thoughts dictate how you live your life and how others perceive you. It takes practice, but soon enough your mind will naturally gravitate toward positive thoughts. Practice cultivating a happy outlook with these tips.
Let go of:
Your ego
It’s nice to be right, but it’s nicer to be happy and kind to yourself and others.
Limiting beliefs
Replace beliefs that aren’t serving you anymore with uplifting, supportive thoughts. Do not let others’ perception of your reality take away from what you want and deserve in this life.
Resisting change
If you want different results, do things differently. Make small changes consistently and they’ll add up to transform your life. Change is scary but staying in the same place you are now will not help you grow and learn; don’t resist it.
Negative self-talk
Stress triggers many areas in the body and mind, which takes a toll on your health. When you hear negative self-talk, replace it with a positive comment to be kinder to yourself.
Comparison
While it’s easy to want what others have, comparing yourself is like discarding everything you’ve worked so hard for at this very moment. Learn to distinguish between admiration and comparative self-judgment.
Hold on to:
Gratitude
Even when you think you don’t have it all, focus on what you have right now. Keep a gratitude journal and write down 10 things you’re grateful for each day. Starting your day with a grateful heart will change everything.
Your purpose
Even if things are not going the way you planned or you’re not where you think you should be, stand tall and smile. Understanding why you are here and your purpose is one of the greatest gifts of all. It will take work but will absolutely be worth it.
Positive people
People who are on a positive frequency will keep you grounded, inspired and connected to your greater purpose. They will support you and listen when you need someone there when life happens.
Self-care routine
Take time to read, meditate or simply make quiet time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish, it is necessary for your overall health and well-being. You deserve it!
Give love and receive it in return
Do something kind for someone and notice how it impacts your mood and energy. Give from the goodness of your heart and expect nothing in return. Say “I love you” and “thank you” more often.
The writer is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, owner of Calming Connection & Wellness and CalmConnectWell Self Care Gifts. She is also a member of Made in ALX where her self care gifts are available.
