Written by: Campbell Brown

Our minds seem to be running in a never ending dialogue. Thinking about the past, thinking about the future. Work, kids, fitness, errands to run. No matter where we are, our mind will always be with us and it will always be filled with thoughts. In order to be our best, and feel our best, it is important that we fill our minds and our lives with all things positive. 

Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:

1. Self-Awareness

Self awareness is removing yourself from your own thoughts and observing them for what they are. In order to enhance self-awareness, it is important to recognize that you are not defined by your thoughts. Anxious thoughts often consume our minds but these thoughts are more often than not, not truthful. 

Now think about this question: as you have been reading this post have you been aware of the pinky toe on your left toe? Probably not. But now I’m sure your attention cannot be pulled away from this toe. Suddenly you have become aware of this toe. This practice can be used as thoughts come and go in our mind. Learn to observe these messages and understand why they have popped into your mind and what you can do to sooth or remove them from your thoughts.

By enhancing self-awareness, you will notice sensations and emotions as they arise in your body. This empowers you to become the observer of them, instead of being absorbed by them.

2. Self-Compassion

Showing self compassion is difficult to do but can be life changing. It is the highest form of self-care. Improving the way you treat yourself will begin to add up and make a positive impact on your daily life. Try not to beat yourself up over a shortcoming and recognize that you have done the best you can and will learn from each bump in the road.

Start by treating yourself to a cup of coffee alone or taking a walk at sunset. Treating yourself with kindness is important because at the end of the day, you are the most important person. You can not give to others if you do not give to yourself.

These experiences not only help you reconnect to your essential nature, but they also help you feel energized.

3. Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool that allows you to go beyond the mind’s constant chatter and discover the silence between your thoughts.

When you meditate, you begin to recognize your true nature—one that is beyond mere thoughts and emotions. You can step away from constant thinking, analyzing, and decision-making.

The best way to get started with meditation is to set aside 5 to 10 minutes each day, making meditation a part of a daily routine

This productive time of rest allows your mind and body to rejuvenate so you can experience greater clarity of mind, inner calm, and expanded awareness.

4. Surround yourself with the right people

In one study, a baby’s brain lit up in the same spot when it saw someone reach for something and then performed the same reaching action. What does that mean? What we see and observe is directly linked to our actions. The mirror neurons in our brains are what work to mirror what we see. That is why we yawn when we see our friends yawn or why TV shows add the laugh track to provoke viewers laughs. Now it makes sense!

 

So in order to gain that sort of happiness and positivity, we must surround ourselves with people who are positive, optimistic, happy, and all of the things we thrive to be. If we are constantly around negative people we will be brought down and begin to mirror their thoughts and their actions. This is why it is important to surround yourself with the things and the people that will bring the most positivity and happiness so that we may further connect and grown.

 

5. Gratitude

The more you practice gratitude, the more attuned you are to it and the more you can enjoy its psychological benefits.

One way to kickstart your grateful attitude would be to create a gratitude journal to log big and small things that have happened during the day. There are scientific studies that show how the mind changes when we begin to appreciate what we have in our life. We train the brain to think in a better and more positive way.

 

Sometimes having someone to hold you accountable helps with keeping on track. Share your goal of living a more positive life with someone and partner up to keep each other motivated. If you really want to make a serious change, a good way of doing this is by working with a Coach.  It isn’t always easy to discover and begin new and healthy behaviors and incorporate them into our everyday lives; a coach can guide you in breaking the old habits and cultivating new ones in order to live a more healthy, productive and satisfying life. Our Wellness Coaches  at Release Well-Being Center are available to you for a consultation. Learn more here.