1 – Practice reframing your thoughts and take a different perspective on situations. For example, a driver cuts in front of you and you feel angry. Consider that the driver has an emergency – perhaps a sick child - and is in a desperate hurry to collect his child from school. [Feels better, doesn't it?]
2 – Slowly drink a glass of water in the mornings and while drinking think to yourself "This is magical and health inducing water. It is washing away impurities and filling me with health and vitality…" [It tasted different, didn't it?]
3 – Lift your mood while you are alone and driving or at home. Listen to one of your favourite up-beat songs loudly and sing along OR say to yourself repeatedly "I like myself! I like myself! I like myself!" [You couldn't help smiling, could you?]
4 – Start a simple exercise routine (aerobics, shadow boxing, yoga, tai chi…), preferably in the mornings, and while doing your routine repeat positive words and expressions such as: "Health!" "I feel good!" "Vitality!" "The Universe is my friend!" "Energy!" "Inspiration!" "Confidence!" etc. etc. [You will feel much more alive and ready for a fantastic day!]
5 – Feed your soul by reading a short passage from a Holy Book such as the Bible, Quran, Buddhist or Baha'i Scriptures OR if you are not religious, read something you find inspirational and uplifting. [Do this every day and you will feel the difference within 7 days.]
6 – Think of a nice thing to do or to say to someone. This could be as simple as a compliment to a work colleague such as "That's a great tie." or "You look happy today!" [This is a win/win. Other people will feel good and you will feel good too. Just try it for a few days.]
7 – Do something uplifting in the morning in place of watching the news. This will have a dramatic effect on your mood and your outlook on life as you will be starving yourself of your usual morning/evening stimulus of bad news. [Let's be realistic. Is there ever any good news on the TV? This will obviously make you feel more positive and optimistic as your focus of attention will gradually be drawn towards the many, many good things life has to offer.]
8 – Find time just for yourself. Everyone needs some "me" time. There are many ways to do this and I will list a few to get your creative imagination working: 1: Take a short stroll alone at lunch time. 2: Go to bed 15 minutes before your spouse. 3: Get up a little earlier. 4: Pull over in your car for 15 minutes and listen to some soothing music or just sit quietly. [Do this and everyone around you will benefit as you will be happier and less stressed.]
9 – At the end of the day sit quietly and think of (or better still write down) 10 good things about your day. This might be a challenge for the first day or two, but by the third day you will amaze yourself how easy it is to pick out the good things in your day. [Do this for just one week and I promise that you will notice more and more great things about life.]
Do let me know how you get on with these simple tips. Thank you!
Anthony Fleming
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