There’s no shortage of reasons to feel stressed. The pandemic continues, the economy fluctuates, politics are tense, and we worry about our health and the well-being of those we love.
While we spend our days wringing our hands and pacing the floors, we are quite literally fretting our lives away. Our time, energy, and focus are limited and therefore precious. How much of our limited personal resources do we spend agonizing about things we can’t control?
Your energy and mood follow what you’re focused on. If you spend your time watching the news, following opinion-based arguments on social media, or any other distracting, stress-inducing activity, you’ll have that much less energy to devote to activities that make you feel good.
Staying internally positive will bring you joy despite stressful circumstances.
Be deliberate about focusing on subjects and activities you enjoy. Spend your precious time reconnecting with old friends. Reach out and call loved ones on the phone. Skip the emails and write a good old-fashioned letter to someone you care about. Think about how you could cheer someone else up.
Engage your mind and body in ways that lift your spirits. Put on your favorite music and dance around your kitchen. Take out the fancy silverware and china for a gorgeous table setting — even if it’s only for yourself. Take a walk outside and notice every little bit of nature. Take note of the many beautiful, natural wonders around your home.
Consider where you might plant spring bulbs next year. Contemplate the shape of the clouds in the sky. Allow yourself to dream a little bigger. Start collecting photos of places you’d like to visit once travel is an option again.
In other words, look for the positive in everything and dwell on it. Lead yourself to thoughts and actions that you know will make you feel good.
You are not on this earth to suffer a life filled with fear, worries, and stress. You were meant for joy. Believe it. Live it. Look for it in simple pleasures.
Life is far too short to spend it with our minds and stomachs tied up in knots. You are at the helm of your ship! You choose to sail the rough and stressful waters, or look for smoother routes.
Stop all the worrying. Restart all the living with positive thoughts and intentional focus, one day and one breath at a time.
