“It is your mind that creates this world” - Buddha
4 strategies to keep a positive mindset when things don’t feel they are going your way
I woke up this morning to a message explaining that something I had been hoping for was not going to work out. I could feel my well of positivity seeping out of me like a nail punctured tire. Pressing forward when adversity hits can make us feel intimidated, exposed and uncomfortably challenged. It can be so tempting to allow those moments of disappointment to completely derail us. Whether it is to do with diet, living a healthy and active lifestyle, engaging more with family and friends or progressing in your career we all feel these feelings at some point.
What can we do to make sure these the little setbacks in our journey don’t leave us stuck on the side of the road, paralyzed with anger, fear and disappointment as we watch life pass us by?
Here are four strategies I use to help keep things in perspective and to remind myself that great things lay ahead if I am open to them.
1. Talk positively to yourself - You are listening!
Negative self-talk creates a poisonous feedback loop. If you have a bad day of eating, did not get that job you wanted or feel isolated from your friends, you only make matters worse by starting with the self deprecating irrational reasoning - “I have no self control” “Im a loser” “ I’m not clever enough” - the list goes on. Change your inner dialogue. If you had a day eating more than you had planned squash the negative self talk. Move forward by planning healthy activities and to be kind to yourself.
2. Examine and learn from the situation
Objectively look at the situation and how you might be able to approach it differently next time. Did you skip lunch and arrive home with such low blood sugar you stuffed yourself full of cookies or ice cream? This could mean carrying nuts, fruit and a healthy protein bar with you so that you have something to eat on those days when lunch is not possible. View understanding and learning from your setbacks as an empowering activity that will have you better prepared in future.
3. Explore some forms of meditation
Meditation is a great way to center the mind and put things in perspective. When you are dealing with setbacks anxiety can get in the way of rational, logical thinking. Meditation can help you reflect on your situation without judgement.
4. Schedule uplifting activities
Plan some of your favorite activities or learn something completely new. Activities that stimulate the brain and help release the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin will help keep you emotionally balanced.
I would love to hear how others deal with setbacks. Please comment below!