“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill.
For many years it has been said that positive stories don’t sell newspapers. A brief amount of time spent browsing the papers or watching a news channel can be a negative and draining experience. There are many stories reported that contain lots of conflict, suffering, tragedy and negativity.
The reports can have an adverse impact on our mood and energy levels. As a result, it can be a challenge to remain upbeat and to have a positive mindset after you have read or heard the stories.
We exercise, take vitamins and health supplements to maintain good physical health. Therefore, I believe that we need to take conscious steps to develop and sustain a positive mindset and attitude. This can include taking vitamins for the mind to inspire, nurture and nourish it to keep it in a tip top state.
On occasions life will throw us some curve balls. We may be given obstacles and adversity to overcome. When this happens, we are more likely to meet and conquer these challenges if we have a positive mindset.
Whilst we can’t control outside events, the good news is that we have total control over our response to such events. This will determine the outcome of the situation. With this in mind, it’s vital that we accept and take total responsibility for the attitude we choose to adopt in life and present to the world.
A practical way we can do this is to regularly take some vitamins for the mind. Here are a few suggestions for the various mind vitamins that are available to you:
- Live in the present, defer worrying
Put off worrying until you have a reason to worry. We can all spend lots of time locked in our heads imagining all sorts of scenarios that never actually happen. Research suggests that that 70% of what we worry about never happens, 25% is trivia and 5% is out of our control. .
- Be self –disciplined
Setting clear goals and taking action each day towards achieving them helps to raise our esteem and confidence levels. Having healthy daily routines and rituals mean that we make the best use of our time. This discipline and structure provides us with the freedom to enjoy life and make the most of our leisure time. Accomplishing goals improves our mood and reduces anxiety.
- Show gratitude. Appreciate all that you have in life
Take a few minutes each day to write down 3 things that you are grateful for. This helps to develop an abundance mindset rather than one of scarcity and lack. Make a conscious effort to show your appreciation to people who support you and make your life easier. Like attracts like, this simple act will attract even more things to be grateful for into your life and help you feel good.
- Practice self-care – make good health a priority
If you have good health you have everything. It helps you to keep good energy levels and a positive frame of mind. Good health truly is your wealth. Thirty minutes aerobic exercise helps to reduce body tension. Good sleep helps the body to heal and repair. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Count the calories and watch what you eat.
- Hang out with positive people
If you have ever spent time with people who complain constantly and who don’t like other people much, you will know what a draining experience it can be. People who give the impression that nothing is right in their world drain the life out of you. Be discerning about the company that you keep. Socialise with people that think positively, genuinely care about you and make you laugh.
- Remember to laugh
Nothing increases your mood and energy levels more than a good belly laugh. The news coverage can contain lots of negative and sad stories. Life is busy and demanding and we can all get a bit serious from time to time. Regularly watch or read things that make you laugh. Consider taking a break from watching news bulletins or reading newspapers for a period.
- Keep a journal
If you do find that your mood dips or you are having a challenging time, one of the best ways to lift your mood and externalise your feelings is to write in a journal. There’s no need to edit the words that you write, just note down whatever is on your mind and let your pen flow on the page. Writing in this way brings clarity, calmness, a sense of balance and perspective.
- Maintain your boundaries – say no when you need to without feeling guilty
We all have a limit to the amount of time and energy available to us. Whilst it’s a great feeling to please others, we must ensure that we honour our own needs. Saying yes, when we actually want to say no does nothing for our self-esteem and can have a negative impact on our mood. Guard against over committing your time and spreading yourself too thin.
This week why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what mind vitamins you need to take in order to develop and sustain a positive mindset.
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk
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