Love Yourself

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for coming back to this afternoon's blog. During this period of continued uncertainty we are living in, it is becoming increasingly easier to feel down about everything. We can start to feel useless that we can't do anything to help this global pandemic. We might feel under increasing pressure from work to get our jobs done with limited time and resources. And for some of us, the boredom of no work at all or self isolation continues. I believe that it is in these challenging times that we must learn to love ourselves and truly appreciate what we are worth. It is too easy for us to be negative about ourselves. I know I always see the bad in myself and need others to point out my strengths (guys anything you love about me feel free to leave in the comments below). To help us to do this, I have compiled a list of ways that we can see our best selves.

I have previously mentioned keeping a diary or a journal, but have a note book for writing down what we are grateful for - a gratitude journal (it took me hours to come up with that name). Don't just write down things such as "I am amazing" or "I am the best". Be specific with your entries. There are a number of studies that have shown that we link gratitude to positive emotions, overall healthy well-being and life satisfaction. Ensure you write in your gratitude journal as often as you can (every day if you are able to). Keep that train of positivity rolling along the tracks. Don't ever let negativity push the train off the rails.

The next thing on my list is something that myself, and I'm sure many of you, will do every day. That is listen to music we like. Research has shown that music activates the region of the brain that releases dopamine (a feel-good chemical). This in turn helps us to relax our body and our mind. Obviously don't play sad, depressing songs when you're already in a depressed state. Despite how much you might love the song, All Too Well by Taylor Swift just ain't helping. You need happy, upbeat songs you can sing along and dance to. Something along the Mr Brightside alley normally works.

Now, something that all of us can do, and should do, every single day of our lives - share positivity. This can be as simple as sending one positive text message or email a day, or a thank you note if you receive a gift from someone. Several studies (I'm on the science train today folks) have proven that there are links that acts of kindness can boost self happiness, reduce stress and depression and can even add years onto our life. What an easy way to live longer. I don't think scientists have found a medicine yet for eternal life (self promo time - if you haven't read 'Who Wants To Live Forever' read it after this). All you have to do is be kind to each other.

As I mentioned in the introduction, it is very easy to see the negative points about ourselves before the good. How often do we ever challenge this? Next time you view something in a bad way, as yourself "Is there another more positive way I could view this?" Most the time the answer will be yes. We just need to take the time to find out what that other way is. Hundreds of previous studies have shown hat being able to think positively and optimistically is good for your general health and well-being.

The fifth method on the list it took me weeks to prepare (actually it took me around five minutes) is the easiest one of them all - smile. Like really, how difficult is it to crack a smile and show them pearly whites? Not only will you look happier to people walking past, but you will also feel happier inside. When we smile, feedback is sent to the brain from facial muscles which can then impact our development of emotions in a positive way. So next time you're out in public, don't wait until you see a cute kid, smile all the time.

If we find ourselves in a situation where we are bored then think about what you enjoy doing and what you are passionate about. Do something that excites you and gets that smile back on your face. Volunteer for a charitable cause that you support or enrol onto a new course to learn a new skill. People who feel that their life has a sense of meaning will often be healthier, happier, live longer and have a greater sense of meaning and satisfaction.

For my last roll of the dice (to be honest if all else has failed is there really any hope), meditate. I'm not saying let meditation take over your life - just five or ten minutes a day has been shown to decrease stress levels, improve our overall mood and encourage our brain to get more rest when we are asleep. People who meditate often are generally calmer, have greater levels of self-awareness and have better focus (if any scientific studies I have mentioned in this are false, I'm sure my science friend will correct me as always).

You never have to let bad news and negativity ruin your day. You always have a choice to make about where you focus your attention and how you choose to respond to any situation. Try to incorporate these tips into your day-to-day life and hopefully you will see the positives start to outweigh the negatives. If I can assist in any way, feel free to ask a question in the comments. Just remember though I am not a life coach.

Please come back Friday.

Connor

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