As humans, don’t we all want less stress, and more enjoyment in life, not to mention migraine free days, and overall health? According to Buddhist scripture, “Our life is the creation of our mind,” and it’s philosophy established a way of training the mind to attain stillness, and over the long haul, enlightenment.
So, building a positive relationship with one’s mind seems essential to living life on our own terms.
The following are mind habits that may lessen distraction and stress, and add creativity and peace in helping to build and maintain the life you want…….
* Linger on the positive. Savor those little moments during the day that give you pleasure, such as a call from a friend, or hearing a song that you love. Author Rick Hanson, author of the book “Hardwiring Happiness” says lingering on the positive improves the encoding of passing mental states into lasting neural traits. “We’re trying to get the good stuff into us. And that means turning our passing positive experiences into lasting emotional memories.”
* Unplug and recharge. An over reliance on technology has been linked with increased stress levels, reduced focus, and poor sleep quality. Even when we’re “supposed” to be relaxing, like on vacation, many people choose to stay overly connected. It’s been said that a “digital detox” is like a reboot for your brain, and your soul.
* Build daily rituals. Habit can be one of the most effective ways to make positive changes in your life. Positive behaviors that may have been difficult in the past can become spontaneous. The Energy Project CEO Tony Schwartz says, “Build highly specific behaviors that you do at precise times over and over again until you don’t have to use energy to get yourself to do them anymore – until they becomes as automatic as brushing your teeth at night.”
* Read, read, read. Think of reading as your “apple a day.” Reading a book can lower stress levels, keep your brain sharp and help you sleep better.
* Let it be. What’s one of the most toxic things you can do to your mind? Sweating the small stuff. Worrying about things that are beyond our control has shown to be a contributing factor in the development of depression.
Arianna Huffington suggests dropping an unfinished project that may be bothering you. ”One of my favorite sayings is 100% is a breeze, 99% is a bitch”…. That doesn’t mean ignoring my other needs, but it means when I’m in it, I’m really in it. And that means often saying no to good things, to things that you might want to do, but get in the way of sleep, or get in the way of being with your children, or whatever it is that’s also very important to you. Just have a conversation with yourself and say these projects are done, over, and then you have energy for the things you’re really going to commit yourself to.” Huffposthealth 11/8/13