1-Focus on the positive. Instead of dwelling on a negative, focus on something pleasant, for example, a beautiful sky, a taste of fresh fruit, the sighting of a bird. PAY ATTENTION TO SMALL PLEASURES
2-TAKE TIME TO SAVOR SOMETHING PLEASANT, A FRAGRANT SCENT AS FROM FLOWERS OR IN THE AIR, A DELICIOUS CUP OF COFFEE, SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY - TAKE THE TIME TO SAVOR IT!
3-We have all heard of practicing gratitude, Scientific studies have shown the efficacy of this practice. Take the time each day to list things you have to be grqteful for: For exampe, being alive to enjoy another Spring
4-Daily Mindfulness - Make the habit of catching yourself wrapped in thoughts and remind yourself to BE HERE NOW; be in the present moment
5-Positive Reappraisal - Take a situation and reframe it to see what positive can be taken from it. You trip but you catch yourself before you fall. You fall, but you are unhurt, etc. My favorite is "Everything is Teaching us"
6-Self Compassion: We are often our own worst critics. Give yourself the same compassion and understanding you would give a friend.
7-Personal strengths: Remind yourself of the things you are good at
8-Attainable Goals: Instead of setting an impossible goal like cleaning the whole house, try setting an attainable goal like cleaning one room, or clearing one desk top.
Good luck practicing these skills! I might add, writing them down in your daily journal or anywhere you might see them such as on your calendar, can help you remember them and remind you to practice them. I practice them and I must say that I feel happy most of the time. When I am not feeling well, or drifting into melancholy or worry, I use some of my own strategies: I get a Dunkin Donut latte' and take my dog for a drive to a park near the Delaware River and we sit and watch the river for awhile. Also, we sit on the porch - getting out of the house is very helpful to me.
Today, I was grateful to be able to enjoy another Spring, another St. Patrick's Day, Another Women's History Month. Had a great phone conversation with a couple of friends too.
Jo Ann wrightj45@yahoo.com (if you want to contqct me, use e-mail as the comments section of blogspot is polluted by spammers) Happy Trails to You!
No comments:
Post a Comment