Do you ever feel like you’re in over your head and at any moment you’re going to burst? You’re not alone. As humans, we overthink, overanalyze and dramatize. Lucky for us, we also have the power to take a deep breath, sit back and turn our lives around. It’s not easy to stop our negative thoughts from flooding through, especially during hard times, but it’s also not impossible. Here are the top 10 ways you can stop your personal insanity:
1. Meditation
The practice of meditation has been around for centuries, and for good reason. When you feel like you have 50 different thoughts running through your head every 60 seconds: Meditate. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and repeat a simple mantra. Keep it short and sweet, especially when you’re feeling stressed. For example, you can repeat ‘relax’ or ‘breathe’, or even just start counting. You’re literally training your mind to sustain single-pointed concentration, which helps you prioritize your thoughts… and life.
2. Move Your Body
Whether you like vigorous exercise or something more low-key, your body craves movement. It’s easy to practice at home; these 4 yoga poses to help you relax are easily accessible for anyone. Exercise with strong breath control and a little bit of sweat helps you release tension while embracing positivity and self-worth.
3. Be Honest With Yourself
Be true to yourself. This sounds obvious and simple, doesn’t it? It’s one of the hardest things to do. We’re always influenced by the people and media around us; it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos. At the end of the day, always come back to what you want to do and don’t be scared to veer away from the crowd. It's ok to become a little selfish, you're the one that lives with your decisions, after all.
4. Clear Your Clutter
Are your magazines stacking up and trinkets suddenly taking over your countertops? Having clutter around the house can bring clutter into your life. Clearing and refreshing your space is a great way to start fresh; here are 6 simple ways you can renovate your kitchen space that are inexpensive space savers and re-vamps. Try to keep things off the floor and your draws from overflowing, this simple strategy can really shift into your life.
5. Nourishment
You are what you eat! Honestly… the saying is true. When you eat foods that not only fulfill your hunger but nourish your body, it makes you feel good physically and mentally. Having a fresh juice rather than can of soda gives a feeling of accomplishment, like you have control over your diet and your life.
6. Set Goals
We all work hard, but sometimes we forget about our end goals. So you have a decent job with decent pay and a daily routine… for what? It’s important to set long-term goals for yourself (and it’s ok if they change). Working toward something helps keep you from going crazy at your 9-5, knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Think: a big trip, nicer car, promotion, whatever would make you happy! We work to live, not live to work.
7. Make To-Do Lists
This is a big one. The way the work force is nowadays, it’s no wonder why we’re all going insane! One of the best ways to deal with this is keeping a serious to-do list. Prioritize what’s important, cross off what gets done and circle what doesn’t. Be strategic and smart with your time, it can be your saving grace when you start to become overwhelmed.
8. Keep Positive Relationships Close
It’s important to keep your [positive] relationships with your family and friends close. As much meditation and exercise you do, you’re still going to need to vent about your problems. We all do, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes we just need to burst into tears and start screaming, embrace your shadow. But, do this with someone who won’t judge or criticize you, just simply be there.
9. Take Vacation
Everyone knows that proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It’s thought that a 10-day vacation can help you come back a better spouse, parent, employee and person in general. It’s important to go somewhere and clear your head from all of the insanity, then start fresh, new and motivated. Working everyday for months on end can really dull you down and frankly, you become uninspired. Inspiration and motivation are what keeps us going; sometimes you just need to hit the refresh button with your toes in the sand on a tropical island, am I right?
10. Make Time For Yourself
YOU time is the BEST time. Yes, exercise and meditation is you time, but I’m talking more… at-home spa, reading, getting a massage, taking a walk. Feel pampered! Feel good! Do something that will make you happy and relaxed, practice self-love.
Sam Negrin is an avid yogi (and RYT) in Los Angeles. She is also the Content Manager of LEAFtv – a fresh, easy to consume, how-to concept covering all things living, eating and fashion.The post The Top 10 Ways To Stop Your Personal Insanity appeared first on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement.