“Who’s the Boss?” 7 Ways to Take Control of Your Mind

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MH900284969At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and time management have nothing to do with one another. But many of us who are natural born clutters develop negative thinking patterns because we become exasperated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative attitude then makes it more difficult to control our feelings and move forward.

Practicing positive thinking allows you to focus on your accomplishments, which increases happiness and improves motivation. This, allows you to spend more time getting things done, and less time feeling stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:

1. Take Good Care of Yourself

It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Commit to doing something good every day. Start with a single effort, maybe it’s eating just one healthy meal if you keep that up then it will be 2 healthy meals until you choose to eat healthy all the time. Sometime failure comes from trying to make a 360 degree change in one day.

2. Be Unceasingly Grateful

Daily Stressors won’t seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself about the things that are right in life. Take just one minutes every day to stop and appreciate the good things will makes an enormous difference.

3. Avoid Absolutes

Have you ever caught yourself saying (or thinking) to family or friends “You’re ALWAYS late!” or criticized a good friend by saying “You NEVER call me?” Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

4. Disconnect From Negative Thoughts

Unfortunately, most of us have had the wrong kind of programming most of our life. Year after year, word by word, our life scripts were etched. We begin to believe what we’ve been told by others and most of it negative. Now here’s the good news your thoughts can’t hold any influence over you if you don’t judge them as true. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, disconnect from it. Don’t argue with it don’t judge it as bad just notice and let it go.

5. Practice You’ve Got That Lovin feeling – Give a Hug

You don’t have to be a genius to know the value of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant stress buster. Giving a hug serves to benefits, first you get instant stress relief, second you make somebody else feel mighty good!

6. Get Out and Get social

By increasing social activity, you reduce loneliness, and keep your mind on things other than yourself and your challenges. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

7. Volunteer Give a Hand To Get a Hand

Everyone feels good after helping somebody else. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

We all want to be more productive. But that can be pretty tuff when you don’t control how you spend your time. One of the biggest time wasters is the inactivity that occurs when you feel stressed and ruminate on all the negative things that may come into your day. Positive thinking is more than just a good thing to do, it’s emotionally healthy and can make you financially wealthy.

Filed Under: positive thinking, Time management Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Journaling Your Way To A Clear Mind

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meditation-with-computer-in-wheat-fieldWhen we are thinking and feeling (vibrating) in accordance with what we desire, the actions come from a place of inspiration and it is always the right action to take. The results in your life naturally flow into manifestation.

Keeping a journal can be a healthy outlet for letting go of the tedious clutter of thoughts and freeing yourself to be more fore
giving, compassionate  productive and less burdened by the overwhelm of life.  Take a little time to write down your thoughts in the morning.  This exercise will help you clear out the disorder and confusion in your mind and free up you creative juices.  To help you get started, consider the following questions as suggestions for getting you off on the right foot.

  • Write whatever comes to mind
  • Don’t worry about punctuation, grammar, or spelling
  • Simply be in the moment with your random thoughts and feelings.  And if you can’t think about anything to write then write that and repeat it as many times as you need to until you recognize another random thought.
  • What are you thinking, feeling, dreaming, imagining or hop for?

Writing enables you to access parts of your deeper self.  When you transcribe your thoughts and feelings on paper, you are opening a gateway in your mind for healing.

By working with your feelings, thoughts, and intentions, you can become a master creator.

Commit to Journaling for 2 weeks and let me know how it goes!

Filed Under: Life Stress, Linda Hampton RN, positive thinking, stress management, Stress Management Tips Tagged With: , ,

Eliminate Time Clutter – Create A Not To Do List

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MH900104872 If you’re busy and overwhelmed like most people you’ll likely have some sort of to-do list going. It could be in the form of a notebook, a computer, mobile device or even heaven forbid a piece of paper. But some days looking at the list just makes me feel crazy. There is so many things to do that sometimes I get the feeling the list has “legs” of its own like a centipede.

In others words the list seems to keep growing and growing without my help. In my experience at some point the list becomes an alligator…one that bites.

So how do you get control of your to-do list?

How about creating a not to do list instead? Because we’ve either heard and use these terms so often a great deal of our thinking comes from, No I won’t, don’t know how, cant get it done, part of our brain. I sometimes use this same concept with my list. Here’s how it goes.

Take this article for instance. Most people would write on their to-do list get an article written by a specific date. Instead I might put on my not to-do list something like:

Not to waste time doing things that is not going to be of value to my clients. That forces me to focus on what I need to do first which is to add value. Because quite frankly, saying to myself write an article is not always an effective motivating factor for me. But when I think about giving value that can have an affect that motivates me to take appropriate action. In this case the action I take will provide the most value for my clients.

Let me give you another example. Maybe I need to clean the bathroom and let’s face, it that’s one of my least favorite jobs (maybe it’s your least favorite too). I change that thought to “not to have my bathroom unprepared for company.”

Here’s the deal. Our mind if a funny thing. It’s so use to the negative, it can be difficult to continuously focus on something positive. In fact, it would take an extraordinary the effort to focus on something positive all the time. And this of course causes stress

So here are some ideas of what to put on your not-to-do list:

  • I am not going to get distracted from the most important thing I can do today (whatever that thing is). If I think about not getting distracted that automatically makes me think about the things I need to focus on.
  • I am Not going to get confuse and buy into the idea that activity equals productivity. Instead do something that you know will move you closer toward your goals
  • I won’t going to attend events including teleseminars or teleclasses that I not willing to take the actions directed by the trainer. Instead carefully select the events you plan to attend.
  • I won’t confuse eating fewer meals with losing weight. Instead accept it’s all about the actual food choices you make when you eat.
  • I won’t look at and respond to each email when it arrives. Instead select a time of day such at 9 am 12 noon and 4:30 pm and spend only 15 – 30 minutes reviewing and responding to email.
  • I am not going to work through lunch. Instead plan your lunch and take a break away from your work.
  • I can’t work non-stop for hours on end without a breather. Instead I use a 30 minute hour glass to time my activities, then I take a break. One quick stress busting activity is to simply take a deep breath. When your body is under stress, breathing becomes shallow. You might even notice you hold your breath. Taking a deep breath releases tension instantly. Oxygen immediately starts to flow to the cells. Energy is free to move throughout your body. Taking a deep breath after 30 minutes of deep focused work just might make you work a little bit smarter.
  • I am not going to give up on my goal even when I feel tired. Instead remember why you had the goal in the first place.

This simple way of thinking helps you stop and think about what you’re doing that might be getting in the way of reaching your objectives. It also relieves you of the constant burden of trying to think positive all the time.

So what are you going to put on your not to do list?

Filed Under: goals, positive thinking, stress free living, Time management Tagged With: , , , , ,

How Stressful Thinking Impacts You

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MH900424422Most of us experience tension daily, often it’s hour by hour or worse minute to minute. How we cope with stress and worry determines whether we move forward or allow it to hold us back. Habitual negative thinking is often frenzied, inaccurate, and undependable, yet you can go through your entire life with negative thoughts that cause unproductive behavior and a more difficult life. Most people dealing with stress especially chronic stress assume that there’s no getting around it, and its just the way life has to be. But this is certainly not the case!

Silencing the habitually negative mind is easier than you might imagine and it all starts with a single positive thought.

How Your Negative Mind Effects Your Positive Aspirations

A negative mind not only regulates the way you approach life, it also has a tremendous impact on your physical body, and with your mind body connection working against homeostasis rather then in flow, resulting in a negative impact on your health. When you switch off negative thoughts and turn on positive thinking, you have the power to move toward a healthier more productive and creative you. With a little time and effort, you can transform your thought processes from negative to postive.  It’s really quite simple actually, because it all begins with just a few simple words.

The Power of A Few Words …

When you see a list of affirmations, you see absolutely nothing more than a list of words with optimistic expressions that do not appear to apply to you or embody your current way of thinking. If you take a closer look at each affirmation, you may find that many embrace the way you wished you could feel and think.

When you see words that speak to you and how you’d like to feel, hold onto them. You can use them to get rid of a unwelcome idea you wish to eliminate. Fundamentally, with practice, you will be replacing your negative thinking pattern with a positive thinking. This is exactly what positive affirmations are all about!

But let me caution you here. In order for your affirmations to be effective they have to meet the following criteria:

Affirmations have to be in your own voice. They need to be phrased and spoken the way you speak.

Your affirmations should be phrased and said in the same way that you would say them to a friend. After all, your mind is your friend. In fact, it’s one of your best friends.

Words are a powerful way to evoke emotions both positive and negative. Use affirmation that speaks to you on a deep level and keep them in the forefront of your mind by repeating these words often. By doing this you create room for your new thoughts to germinate and grow until these thoughts become a reality. Again the trick is to use words that are meaningful to you and say them in the same way you normally speak.

If at some point, as we all do, you may become overwhelmed with negative thinking, if that happens simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths until your emotions become a little bit more under control. Then use your affirmations to interrupt your thinking pattern.

One final thought… the past is a closed door you can choose to keep going back into that unfilled and stressful room or you can choose another door. So let’s set a few ground rules:

Ground Rules Eliminate Negative thinking

  1. You must start by being honest with yourself and make a sincere commitment to make changes
  2. You must develop a deep passion to get rid of stressful thinking
  3. You must be willing to embrace new strategies and give yourself permission to be creative
  4. Give yourself a break when your old patterns re-appear as they undoubtedly will. Don’t beat yourself up just begin again.

Does this sound as well great to be true? There are many people who, like you, believe this technique is well… just too easy so it can’t possibly work.. The only way to know for certain is to try it. What do you have to lose? No one has to know your using affirmation it’s personal and private. After all it’s all in your mind.. It’s easy convenient and you can take them wherever you go.

Filed Under: positive thinking, self improvement, stress Tagged With: , , , , ,

Simple Ways to Conquer Loneliness

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Feeling close to family as well as friends is actually one of the greatest joys in life. If you want to feel more linked and strengthen the relationships, attempt these practical steps for banishing loneliness.

Advantages of Becoming More Connected

  1. Deepen your happiness. Over the years, numerous studies have confirmed that our partnerships influence our happiness more than anything we can buy. Every person wants to feel loved and appreciated.
  2. Improve your health. Social connections also protect physical health and wellness. Statistically, the opportunities of expiring in the next year are cut in half just by joining a group, according to Dr. Robert D. Putnam who wrote the handbook on “Bowling Alone.”
  3. Accomplish more. You’re notably more effective when you join forces with others. Families rely on teamwork and the support systems produce you more resilient during tough times.

Change Your Thinking

  1. Learn to be brave. It’s actually natural to worry about being rejected, yet you’ll enjoy life more if you take risks. Take a different co-worker out to lunch or call up a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while.
  2. Focus on others. Mingling is notably easier when you concentrate on how you can assist others. If you have a tendency to be self-conscious or speak to yourself unkindly, distract yourself by giving others your complete attention.
  3. Talk with the physician. If you suffer from depression or community phobias, you might require some added guidance. The physician can advise you on impressive treatments available today.

Take Action

  1. Start with little steps. Guarantee the victory by beginning where you feel comfortable. Little ones as well as dogs normally love every extra attention they can acquire. There’s lots of places that welcome volunteers.
  2. Limit your screen time. Turn off the TV and web so you can invest more time talking with people face to face.  Get into a habit of taking a walk after dinner.
  3. Think in terms of closeness. One or two close friendships can certainly be actually worth more than hundreds of Facebook buddies you barely know. Measure the support network by its closeness.
  4. Ask for what you need. If you feel distant from your loved one, try letting them know what you need to feel closer. Your partner might possibly be willing to mention, “I love you” more often when they know that it’s important to you.
  5. Join a club. Engagement with your community can certainly bring more meaning to the life. Sharing an interest with others also makes it easier to get to know others.  Sign up for a pottery class or join the summer college course.
  6. Cultivate your spiritual side. Church services are actually a significant part of many individual’s lives. For others, spiritual connections might possibly arise via getting back to nature or listening to chamber song.
  7. Become more approachable. While you are actually working up the courage with chat to different people, you can seek for ways to make it easier for them to get to know you.
  8. Discover the right balance for you. Solitude is different from loneliness. You might value having some regular quiet time to spark the imagination or practice meditation.

By making the effort to get to out to others, you can diminish the own loneliness and provide a source of friendship to every person around you. It’s easy to feel isolated in a world where we invest so much time online and where families typically live far apart. Nonetheless, to make a friend you need to first get to out and develop into one.

Filed Under: positive thinking, Self help, self improvement Tagged With: ,

Self-Reflection – I can overcome any challenge on my journey to victory.

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On my journey to victory, I can overcome any challenge that is set before me like a mountain standing in my way. Armed with courage I push myself to climb as far as it takes to get to the other side. I press on because victory awaits me at the top, but only if I persevere.

Determination is what makes me an invincible force throughout the journey. Regardless of what I see around me, above me, or even below me, I am determined to finish what I have started because it is my promise to myself.

I put on the gloves of persistence in order to firmly grip the side of the mountain so I can stay the course. One step at a time, I press on in my walk no matter what tries to get in my way. Even when inclement weather slows my pace, I continue to press on. Life is not about how fast I travel, but about enjoying the journey to my destiny.

I am strong and courageous enough to confront challenges head on. My passion drives me forward in spite of challenges. I am confident that my abilities are greater than whatever trials I my face. I know that I can overcome challenges with grace and poise when I walk with self-assurance.

Today, I choose not to simply face challenges, but to embrace them as opportunities to soar.  I am climbing higher than ever before, certain that I will reach the top where I will give a shout of victory.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. What is the force that drives me?
  2. How can challenges make me stronger?
  3. Why must I push myself to persevere?
Filed Under: positive thinking, Self help, self improvement Tagged With: ,

Habits Can Turn Your Dreams Into a Reality

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Ever since we were children, we’ve had dreams. The sad thing is, over the years we convinced ourselves that our dreams could never come true. Because we assumed that they were mere fantasies, we didn’t even try to make them come true.

Believe it or not, your dreams can be reality! However, you won’t get anywhere by simply making a wish. You have to take specific actions to increase your chances of living that life you always dreamed of.

These are some simple techniques that can help you get started:

1. You must possess passion and desire. These two elements are crucial for living your dream. Interestingly enough, you really can’t have one without the other. You must yearn to have something in your life so much (desire) and for the right reasons (passion).

• A good example to illustrate the difference would be if you always wanted to be a professional singer. You know that you have the talent and all you want in life is to sing on a professional stage some day (desire). Your focus isn’t the money, fame, or prestige; you just have a true love for singing. It’s all you think about all-day, every day (passion).

2. Patience. Patience isn’t easy, but in most case, our dreams don’t come true overnight. You need to work hard to achieve your full potential. Though it may take longer than you hoped, once you’re living your dream, you’ll realize that practicing patience was worth the rewards.

• Just remember to remain positive, focus on your dreams, and keep taking action to make those dreams a reality. After all, patience is a virtue!

3. Sacrifice. Achieving your dreams will require self-sacrifice. This is usually where most people can gauge how serious they are about turning their dreams into reality. Whether it is giving up your TV time to work toward your goals, or spending extra hours at work to further your career, you have to be willing to sacrifice something.

• If you’re truly passionate about your dreams, this shouldn’t be too difficult. If you do find sacrifice extremely difficult, it may be that you don’t possess enough desire, passion, willpower, or self-discipline to see your dreams through.

4. Confidence. If you truly want to make your dreams real, you have to believe they can happen. You must possess an intense confidence in yourself and your talents; otherwise, your dreams will remain dreams forever.

• Sometimes your confidence may waiver, but as long as you can focus on your ultimate goal – and you can actually see yourself achieving this goal – you’re heading in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Achieving Your Dreams

No one can steal your dreams away from you except you. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, biggest obstacle, and harshest critic. But that’s not what you need! You need to remember that, by taking action and implementing these simple tips and suggestions, your dreams can come true.

Keep your focus on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; it will happen if you only believe it can!

Filed Under: positive thinking, Self help Tagged With: , ,
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