“Think positive!” is a phrase a lot of people say. But it’s hard to do that under all the stress and anxiety that comes with our everyday life. There are just too many things to worry about – jobs, money, health, relationships and family.
Did you know that simply drinking more water can have a positive effect on reducing stress levels? Dehydration can certainly add to our stress, and every organ in our body needs fluids to function properly. Being well hydrated helps to lower the levels of stress hormone cortisol, thus decreasing stress’s overall effects on our system.
Getting more water intake might not solve all the problems leading to your stressed state, but it can help your body and mind to feel more regulated as you work past them. It can also help reduce headaches caused by stress, further easing your mind from more troubles!
Accept That Some Things Happen as a Part of Life
The simplest way to keep negative thoughts at bay is to stop fighting them acknowledge the feeling and choose the next best feeling you can find.
Thoughts only have as much power as you give them. My actual negative thoughts did not matter, only the fact that I believed them.
Once you can accept the fact that negative thoughts do not control your life, you can move on.
Meditate and Seek out Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about reality. It is about focusing on the moment that is right in front of you. Forget about memories from the past or the endless possibilities of the future.
You might have a thousand different worries and thoughts in your mind right now. Our daily lives are very complex these days It is hard to find the time to step back and take a break.
If you can somehow manage that time, then mindfulness and meditation will help you keep negative thoughts at bay.
Live a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
People who live healthy, active lifestyles are generally happier. They are not as affected by negative thoughts.
The simple explanation is that when you are active, you are focused on what you are doing in the now. If you are working out or playing an active sport, you will be focused on the moment rather than future worries. Being healthy means you feel better about yourself.
When I felt down one of the things, I did was start working out regularly. It was hard to find the motivation at first, but eventually, things got better.
When we exercise, our bodies produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is basically what makes us feel happy or satisfied. When your body is producing dopamine, you can keep negative thoughts at bay more easily.
Hang Around People Who Uplift You
There are some people who are overly critical of others. If you hang around them, they could destroy your confidence and make you feel worse about yourself.
On the other hand, staying around positive people who encourage you to do your best has the opposite effect. Positive reinforcement can build up your confidence and dispel doubts. If you are having negative thoughts, friends and family can uplift you.
Remember, you don’t have to fight the negativity alone. Your friends, family and loved ones can be right there helping you keep negative thoughts from occurring just reach out to them.
Seek Out Positive Communities
There are communities out there that are focused on a positive outlook on life. Whether it’s by sharing news of positive and uplifting things, or by simple sharing uplifting intentions.
Other Ideas:
To start your day – Do not open your email first thing, or else you may start worrying and stressing immediately. Do not check the news first thing, because it sensationalizes various bad things in order to get views. Don’t go on social media, since it can be toxic and rewards envy and outrage more than positivity.
Thanks Connie,
Hope your day is stress-free. Stay tuned to next weeks tips.