Tag: mind

Mindfulness Monday…

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The Happiness Project…..

Day 1.

Today is the first day of my mini happiness adventure, and an optimistic attitude is the first tool you need to tackle change. So today let me introduce you to Mindfulness, the ancient practice of focusing a non judgmental awareness on the present moment is a great place to start.

Mindfulness is a great mind exercises that allow you to be able to identify, permit and reduce any painful, fearful and difficult thoughts, sensations  and feelings. Trying to shift these personal experiences, feelings and thoughts to that of a positive mind-set, try asking yourself what-if questions, such as,

“What if life is working on my behalf?”

“What if this is a blessing in disguise?”.

“What if I believe things are going to get better?”

“What if this crisis is the best wake-up call I ever got?”Looking at change this way will make it seem less scary because you’re focusing your mind on positive outcome. Mindfulness gives you back some sense of mastery over your thoughts and feelings. Rather than having the sense that you are being pushed around by the universe or your feelings and thoughts you can learn to be able to have some control over them. So seeing the positive in what seems like a negative will you can actually rewire your mind to think more optimistically.

Mindfulness can…

Increases Positive Emotions .

Decreases Depression.

Decreases Anxiety .

Decreases Stress.

Today, go to a cafe, sit at the beach or go somewhere you love and feel good to be at, and write down things that have upset you, hurt you, any difficult situations or people and really reflect, look at things from an outside point of view, non emotional and non bias view and write ONE or more positive “What If’s”.

So for me, last year i seemed to meet really great guys, but it never worked out, i thought i was not good enough or why can’t i every find love and be happy?”

” What if he wasn’t the man for me, and the universe was making me, emotionally free and single, so that the right man to come into my life, and i will be drama and stress-free and happy” .

So today i really looked back on the relationships… And as much as i hated to admit it, as much as they where great guys… they were not the great guy for me..

Today i will also use mindfulness in little bumps in my day ( hopefully I don’t ) but  instead of getting mad, or upset i will stop myself, take 3 deep breaths , affirm to myself ” its going to be ok, you have survived a lot worse, smile this will all pass quickly”

Good luck today,

By Andy Jackman xx

Things Happy people do.

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Things happy people do in the morning

They wake up early.

Waking when the sun rises gives you the opportunity to be more productive and to be more organised, it also reduces stress levels. When you start the day by running around at the last minute trying to get ready it sets a bad vibe and tone for your day ahead.

They express gratitude.

Before your feet hit the ground in the mornings, be thankful, be thankful you are alive and that you have another day to spend on this magnificent planet, be thankful for the air you breathe be thankful you have a body that works. And remember not everyone got to wake up as blessed as you and with such  blessings that we often take for granted. Happy people wake up with a grateful mindset, each and every morning. “Each morning I write in a journal dedicated to being grateful, I write 10 things I am grateful for and how they make me feel, such as I’m grateful for my home and the safety and comfort it provides me, I am grateful that I have a job that pays me more than enough, I am grateful that  I can pay my bills on time, I am grateful that my body is pain free and healthy today, I am grateful for my family and their health and wellbeing.”  As you can see there is many things to be grateful for.

They exercise.

Exercise boosts happiness, by promoting happy chemicals to be released from the brain such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals are known to buffer the effects of stress and can relieve symptoms of depression. Exercise also keeps our waist lines in check and helps reduce the chances of chronic health diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In today’s busy lifestyle most people work late and have less time to exercise after work, so the best time is in the morning when you have the energy and the motivation.  “I ride my bike to work because it creates a stress-free time and the only time I really get to exercise and enjoy it in my day, working long hours as a nurse I make the effort and get up early, instead of tramming it to work I ride my bike or walk, its great I can listen to an audiobook or my favourite music. I actually get my best ideas on my bike.”

They have breakfast.

Happy healthy people know that this is one of the most important meals of the day.  It kick starts your metabolism and provides you with all the essential energy, nutrients and minerals you are going to need for the day. The key is to plan a good breakfast the night before. You will be able to get some of the things ready so you can save time when you are under pressure during your morning schedule.

They Set daily goals.

Happy people write a list of goals that want to achieve for the day, they also   prioritize what they have to get done, it’s important to get the most difficult task done first as you have fresh train of thought. It’s also a rewarding feeling be able to tick listed tasks off.

Start fresh.

Each morning happy people forgive themselves and others for any mistakes and wrong doings in the past. Happy people move forward and choose to be happy, holding onto grudges and anger only lowers your vibrations and attracts more negative thinking and emotions.

Meditation.

Meditate or start your day with positive affirmations , by doing as simple of five minutes in the morning can change your thinking and help re program your mind to be more positive. Changing your mind set to happy thoughts help raise your vibrations, raising your vibrations helps you to manifest and creative more positive experience in your life.

They are organised.

Organising yourself the night before for the next day can reduce stress in the morning and reduce the chances of you running late. Your morning routine can set your mood for the day so you should ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. This also frees up time for you in sit and enjoy that morning cup of coffee.

See if you could just for one week change up your morning routine , notice how you appreciate the smalls things, and how your day has a different flow to it, and if some of the things listed are to impossible, just  adapt it to fit you .Even if you can adopt even a few of the changes you will notice how easier life becomes and much more happy you feel.

By Andy Jackman x