Yahoo, spring is upon us! Nature is awakening and sharing its wonderful gifts; beautiful budding flowers, lush green grass, and trees turning into masterpieces through the laced canape of leaves. The cherry on top is the extra hour of sunlight that just warms our souls. It almost makes winter tolerable knowing that this is what we can look forward to each spring.
Traditionally, spring is also associated with significant household cleaning. The concept of spring cleaning comes from when homes were heated by fireplaces, and efforts were made to prevent heat from escaping. The coming of spring and warm weather was an opportunity to air the house and clean it of soot and all the grime accumulated over the winter months.
As our homes and lifestyles have changed, so too have our cleaning habits. With central heating now more the norm, and the fact many of us spend more time outside the home, we don’t spend winters hibernating in quite the same way. No longer do homes accumulate months of dust, soot, and stale air. So, the need for the big spring clean may not feel so great.
Spring Forward And Clear Negative Thought Patterns
With that said, spring can be a time when you clear the clutter of your mind and rid yourself of negative thought patterns. Here are just a few suggestions.
1. Overwrite The Negative
Catch yourself thinking negatively and then quickly think of positive thoughts. Keep making a positive thought feel stronger. The mind can not accept two opposing thoughts.
2. Be Mindful Of The Words That You Speak
Be mindful of the words that you speak that make you feel disempowered. For example, proclaiming that I can’t, I’m stupid, I’m not capable, I’m poor, I wish, I hope…. do not improve your mindset. Move into a more empowered way of speaking. Get into the habit of using I am statements such as; I can do that, I’m capable, I’m lovable, I’m worthy.
3. Move Into A State of Gratitude
Instead of focusing of what is not working in your life focus on what you have to be grateful for. Prior to going to bed each night, think of a few things that you have to be grateful for. You can also keep a gratitude log and jot down what you are grateful for. Studies indicate that adopting this behavior can increase your level of happiness.
4. Taking In The Good
Practice taking in the good throughout the day. It will be different for everyone. Savor a delicious meal, enjoy a good time with a friend, and notice how you feel when you walk the beach. Really be mindful of how you are feeling in that particular moment. Stay with it for a few extra seconds to intensify it. This will help train your mind to store positive memories and assist in the production of dopamine which is a feel-good hormone.
5. Meditating
Meditation can increase your levels of feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin. Studies also indicate its ability to aid in your capacity for happiness and reduce your propensity towards negativity.
6. Breath Work
When you begin feeling overwhelmed and a negative cloud begins to hover over you simply breathe. That’s right, just take three deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth with each breath.
You can strengthen your breathwork by using this stress-inoculating statement. ” I breathe in peace and tranquility and let go of worry, fear, and angst”.
Incorporating these powerful techniques into your lifestyle can help you clear the clutter of your mind so that you can begin to live a limitless life. Spring into a new positive way of being!
If you need more assistance in this process, I would be more than willing to assist you. Simply click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.