It's almost spring! A time of birth, of renewal, and awakening! Here are six strategies to help you bounce (or 'spring') into spring!
Be Positive
Begin each day with a minute of mindfulness. As soon as your alarm goes off, lay quietly for a minute...to 'arrive' in your body (try a body scan to 'wake up' all of your parts), and to set your intention for the day. You will naturally be in a positive mindset if you look toward what you want to create that day. Also, remind yourself of at least one thing you love about being YOU! Waking up feeling good about yourself will help to energize you for the rest of the day!
Own Your Story
No matter what has happened to you in your life, remember that you own the story. You decide how an event will impact your life and the people who experience you. Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves were ones given to us by influential people in our lives. Sometimes those stories serve us. Sometimes they do not. Choose stories that add strength, vitality and energy to you. Focus on times of growth and positivity - even if they stem out of times of struggle. What you'll soon notice is that the new story IS reality.
Underscore Appreciation
What you appreciate, grows. When you let others know what you appreciate, you tend to get more of it. When you focus on what you are grateful for in your life, your overall sense of happiness increases. Grow what's good. Notice how much more 'good' comes back to you. Take the time every evening to write down three things (big or small) for which you are grateful!
Nourish Your Body (Mind, Soul)
You've heard the expression 'garbage in, garbage out'. That is true for what you choose to put in your body, just as it is true for what you allow to take up residence in your mind. Take the time to nourish yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Choose nutritious food that gives you energy, set up a routine of daily exercise and movement, and surround yourself with people who feed your soul.
Connect Often
Schedule times to connect with important people in your life. I've just done this with a friend of mine. We scheduled one time each month for the next six months that we plan to get together to connect. We realize that if we do not do this, the months slip by. Matthew Lieberman's research demonstrates clearly the importance of social connection to our well-being, our happiness, our very survival.
Engage Fully
Jump in and participate fully in life! If you are at work, choose to add to the experience of your co-workers and your customers. If you are with family, show an interest in them by asking questions about what is going on in their lives. Connect with those friends you lost touch with and plan your next big adventure together. Engaging is a choice; and you'll feel better at the end of the day if you are an active participant rather than a passive bystander.
So, BOUNCE into Spring! And as you do, connect with us and share what strategies have worked for you!
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