Sometimes we feel down. It’s inevitable. The trick is to nourish your body and soul with a positive attitute and healing foods. This is part of my Combating the Blues Workshop but I felt everyone could benefit from the blissful advice:)
7 Steps to a Positive Mental Attitude
(Adapted from Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray)
1. Become an Optimist Not only does optimism help prevent disease, but science is discovering that it’s a vital ally in the healing process. Conversely, a pessimistic attitude can seriously erode your health. If you are pessimistic, it is only because you have gotten into the habit of thinking in a negative framework. The next steps will help condition your attitude to become more positive.
2. Become Aware of Self-Talk There is a constant dialogue that takes place in our heads. Our self- talk makes an impression on our subconscious mind. We must become aware of our negative self-talk and then consciously work to imprint positive self-talk on your subconscious mind.
3. Ask Better Questions A part of self-talk is asking questions. The quality of your life is equalt to the quality of questions you habitually ask yourself, according to motivational speaker Anthony Robbins. Tony believes that whatever question you ask your brain, your brain will answer. An individual who is depressed might ask themselves, “Why am I always so depressed?” or “Why do things always seem to go wrong with me?”. A better question to ask would perhaps be “What do I need to do in order to gain more joy and happiness in my life?” and “If I had happiness and high energy levels right now, what would it feel like?”.
These are some questions to ask yourself on a daily basis:
1. What am I most happy about in my life right now?
Why does that make me happy?
How does that make me feel?
2. What am I most grateful about my life right now?
Why does that make me grateful?
How does that make me feel?
3. What am I enjoying most about my life right now?
What about that do I enjoy?
How does that make me feel?
4. What am I committed to in my life right now?
Why am I committed to that?
How does that make me feel?
5. Who do I love?
Who loves me?
6. What must I do today to achieve my long term goeal?
4. Employ Positive Affirmations An affirmation is a statement with some positive emotion behind it. Positive affirmations can make imprints on the subconscious mind to create a healthy, positive self image. Make these a part of your daily routine by posting sticky notes as reminders on many surfaces around your home and work. Stick them on mirrors, fridge doors, and everywhere else! Always phrase your affirmations in the present tense, connect to positive feelings, and always use a positive statement, avoid the words “not” and “never”.
Here are some positive affirmations to practice:
I am blessed with an abundance of energy
Love, joy, and happiness flow through me with every heartbeat.
YES I CAN!
5. Set Positive Goals Learning To set goals in a way that results in a positive experience is another powerful method for building a positive attitude and raising self-esteem. Goals can be used to build a success cycle. Make your goal positive and realistic. Start out with setting attainable goals, like getting up at a certain time in the morning and eating more fresh vegetables and fruit with every meal. When setting goals remember: be specific, realistic, positive and use present tense. In order to reach a goal, you must feel as though you have already attained the goal.
6. Practice Positive Visualizations Another powerful tool to create health, happiness, and success. We believe that we have to be able to see our lives the way we want them to be before it happens. If you want to be in ideal health, you must picture yourself in that state. Dreams and visuals are powerful and inspirational. Research has shown visualization to have amazing results in immune health and even cancer. Be creative and let your inner child come out and play!
7. Laugh Long, Laugh Often There has been some incredible findings regarding research of laughter: enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular health, plays an active part in the body’s release of endorphins and other natural mood-elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs, and enhances immune system. Learn to laugh at yourself and not take everything too seriously. Inject humour into everything you do. Only watch comedies and listen to comedy while you drive. Play with children, they really know how to laugh and be in the moment!
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charles Chaplin
Blueberry Bliss Smoothie
This smoothie is loaded with uplifting and energizing superfoods. Maca is for energy and hormone balance. Wild blueberries are full of anti-oxidants that help improve cognitive function. E3Live Brain on is a blue-green algae that is especially beneficial for uplifting mood, focus and energy. Chia seeds also offer some omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for brain health and fibre to remove toxins from the body. Raw chocolate contains PEA, which promotes a happy, elevated feeling. The delicious flavour will make the corners of your mouth turn upwards:)
1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 banana
1 cup wild blueberries
Handful broccoli sprouts (or any other sprouts you love)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 Tbsp E3Live Brain On
1 tsp maca
1 tsp raw cacao powder
2 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp raw honey
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
Buzz all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
Makes enough for 1 smoothie
In health,
Annaliisa
