There are things we can control and many more things we can’t control. When we try to control what we can’t control, we set ourselves up for heaps of mental anguish. There is no peace to be found when we walk down that road. Life is better when we focus on what we can control, and, place what we can’t control in God’s hands. The question we can ask ourselves: What can I do to address this problem? Do your best, let the rest go.
anxiety
Optimism Works ~ Optimism Protects Against Anxiety & Depression
Optimism is Good Medicine
Optimism affects how people react to stressful life events. Specifically, people who are more optimistic are at less risk for anxiety and depression after something stressful happens to them. Apparently, the kind of optimism that reduces the risk of depression is different than the kind that protects against anxiety. Specifically, having positive expectations for the future is what counteracts depression while a having a sense of being invulnerable is what lowers anxiety.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Where are You Living?
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
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Today’s Health Tip ~ Breathing to Better Health
Something as simple as taking a few deep breaths can transform your body and state of mind. Yet science shows it does. Deep breathing sends a message to your brain that has a calming effect. It can lower your heart rate and breathing rate, decrease your blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and help you feel less stressed overall – all essential for your health and well-being.
A Breathing Exercise to Try
Here’s an easy way to get started in just five minutes. If possible, try it out right now.
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- To begin, sit in a chair in a comfortable position. Place your hands on your lap, with your back straight and your feet on the floor. You can also lie down on a couch or bed. Close your eyes if you wish.
- Tune in to how you’re feeling. Are you relaxed or stressed? Is your mind calm or full of racing thoughts? Is your breath slow and full or fast and shallow? Is your body at ease or are your muscles tense?
- Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose to the count of 1…2…3.
- Now breathe out slowly through your mouth to the count of 1…2…3…4.
- Repeat this four times.
- Feel the release in your body and mind as you breathe in, and feel all the tightness leave as you breathe out. Like an ocean wave, let your breath gently carry any thoughts or tension away.
- When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes and bring your attention back to the room around you.
After doing this exercise, tune into yourself again. Do you notice any shift in how your mind and body feel?
Today’s Power Thought
A fear is not real. We manufacture fears in our mind. Don’t let your fears prevent you from becoming what you are destined to become.
A Better Life ~ Where are You Heading?
Life is now and in front of us. It is not behind us. It’s impossible to go back, the only direction is forward. When we focus on going forward we can co-create the future we want with those traveling with us. Not like we used to be. But, how will we be what we want to be?
A Better Life ~ You Are Good
In a dramatic moment in a recent TV drama, a character makes the right decision after period of struggle. Another character comes up to him and says, “I knew you’d make the right decision because you are good and I was counting on it.” When we look at those closest to us as good, they catch our thoughts at a cellular level understanding how we feel about them and their lives change. They know they are good.
A Better Life ~ Getting to Know Each Other
Want to better know the people or person you live with? Sit together at dinner. No TV. No smart phone. No interruptions. Engage in conversation and seek everyone’s opinion. Allow dinner to become an open forum of discussion with the goal of getting to know each other more deeply. You’ll get better with practice.
A Better Life ~ The Narrow Path
It’s great that we see things differently. It’s great that we have different perspectives. It’s great that we disagree on what we should do. Life would be boring if we all saw things the same way and never disagreed. The wise ones know how to enter a dialogue and discover the narrow path between differences. Look for the narrow path and you’ll never be disappointed.
A Better Life ~ Positive
The relationship you are in isn’t fixed. You and your partner have the incredible power to make your relationship anything you imagine. Together, you can construct something unique and special. You can create something long lasting that will testify to the love and commitment you share with each other. What are you you waiting for? When you get together with your partner ask, “What would our relationship be like if everything was possible?”
