Most people are given a few tools to help them deal with life. Years ago my toolbox was quite small and old-fashioned.
Life-altering challenges happened to me and I realized that I didn’t know how to deal with so many emotions and hard things. I had only been using the basics in my toolbox- run fast the other way and keep going as fast as I can! I looked around and realized I needed to start adding to my toolbox. These are a few things that have been very useful…
Music– One of my favorite tools that can switch my mindset in seconds. I have a variety of songs- ones that make me happy, excited, and mindful and ones I put on when I am writing. Scientists can now prove that certain areas in the brain are activated by music and is a tool for emotional health. Some music releases dopamine- a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Music played in stores influences shopping behaviors- a 38% increase in sales when slow music is played. Fast music in restaurants led to people eating more quickly which provided a faster turnaround, while slow-tempo music while eating led to customers spending 40% more on alcohol. Music creates a space for learning languages and enhances cognitive abilities. A huge 77% of businesses said playing music at work increased a positive atmosphere which in turn helps employees work faster and concentrate better. The brain processes negative music on the right side of the brain (appreciates art and the body’s inner workings) and positive music is processed on the left (logic and math). Clearly, music affects the body in completely different ways.
Exercise– What a great way to increase your energy. I know it is really hard to get up and move when you don’t feel like you have any energy to do so, but even a walk around the block can help immensely. Exercise has so many benefits. It clears my head, helps lower stress levels, I sleep sounder, my body functions better, and it motivates me to eat smarter. If I am regularly walking or riding my spin bike somehow I think, “I don’t want to eat that Oreo because it will take me 15 minutes to work it off.” And I normally don’t think that way 🙂
Nutrition-I am sure you are like me and I can’t think clearly or physically do things at my full potential if I am not eating well. Life is full of so many choices and one of the biggest ones I am faced with every couple of hours is eating. I can eat a muffin that is full of carbs for fast energy (that doesn’t last very long and makes me fat) or I can eat celery and peanut butter for long-acting energy. I can run through McDonald’s which is cheap and convenient, but I also have to think of the health benefits which aren’t very beneficial. Consider each choice as good gasoline for your body or one that is going to leave you on the side of the road in a few minutes.
Meditation-I learned meditation by doing it for just a few minutes at the end of yoga class. It’s funny because I would usually get up and leave during that time. I figured out later it was because I didn’t want to sit there and think or try not to think. I was in a place in my life where deep inside I wasn’t happy- even though I smiled and was positive. After years, seriously like 5 years of this 3-5 times a week, I let go. It was life-changing but didn’t realize it at the time. I started listening to my inner spirit and started voicing my opinions. This started a process that changed my life in all dimensions. Meditation has proven itself to me over and over now that when you are quiet- even for just 5 minutes a day- you will be able to hear what is right. It will probably not be at the time you are meditating but throughout the day. Clear thoughts or promptings come to me. Now what I am practicing every day is acting on those thoughts! (Sometimes this is harder than I could have imagined!)
STOP-I have a weakness in that I run as fast as I can in any direction when faced with an emotional problem. I used to think this way I never had to deal with it. After years of running, I have learned that I have to STOP and let myself feel this emotion. It’s painful but running from it is painful for a very long time, sitting with it and feeling it hurts but then I focus on the real issue. I let myself go deeper and deeper and try to see where the deep dark pain is really coming from. Then I can deal with the pain or the beliefs. Many times the belief has been wrong all along.
Thoughts- What we concentrate on is what we get more of. Try to focus on what you are grateful for and the good things in your life and then more of those things will come into your life. It really works.
Books– My favorite books are listed below. They have helped me learn the who, what, where, why, and how in my life the last few years personally and in running a small business. I always have a book with me- so when I am waiting for carpool or at soccer practice I can learn and grow and in my crazy mind I’m not wasting time 🙂 The audiobooks are awesome as well- so when I am driving or on my spin bike I am getting two things done at once!
