Today’s complex world can clog up your brain with fear, worry, stress, and anxiety that limit your ability to experience a meaningful life. Too many hours in your day can evolve around an endless loop of negative thoughts that rob you of your emotional and physical health. To clear your mind of these overwhelming feelings, find and spend quality time in your good place. Make this your go-to practice for whenever your mind needs some rest from the mounting pressures of daily living.
How do you find your good place?
Your good place is an activity or circumstance of your choosing that leaves you with a sense of balance and tranquility. It offers you momentary relief from your troubles and transforms negative energy into positive. There are no adverse side effects associated with your good place, so activities that include overeating or substance abuse are out of the question. You are in control of your good place and how you tailor it to your lifestyle.
To experience your good place, start with the following…
(1) Choose to be kind to yourself, especially during stressful times.
(2) Identify activities that relax and make you feel at peace.
(3) Set aside time throughout the day to engage in those activities that can seamlessly give you a sense of calm and well-being.
(4) Use mindfulness* as the power source for your good place.
(5) Change up your good place activities from day to day to keep it alive for you.
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and feelings without the presence of judgement.
Our recommendation for good place options includes…
Think Less, Breathe More
Whenever your woes begin to hijack your thoughts, snap back by taking long, deep breaths. Concentrate on inhaling good energy and exhaling the bad to achieve a more relaxed state of mind.
Rejuvenate with Music
As a way to rejuvenate your spirits, listen to the type of music that releases the tension in your body and fills your mind with pleasing thoughts.
Take In the Fresh Air
There is nothing like taking a walk in the fresh air and sunshine to get your blood pumping and to free your mind of negativity.
Be One with Nature
Spend time in nature to experience its splendor and tranquility. To maximize its benefits, sit in a quiet setting by yourself and absorb the beautiful sights and sounds around you.
Remember the Positive
Draw upon your memories to think back on a time that was especially pleasurable to you. Visual the scenario in terms of the sights, sounds, and smells to relive this moment to its fullest.
Trigger your Creativity
Engage in a hobby that brings out your creativity and focuses your mind on something that is meaningful, fun, and stimulating to you.
Focus on Mindfulness
Practice some form of yoga, meditation, or Pilates as a positive way to balance and renew your thoughts.
Find your Inner Peace
If you have a religious affiliation or belief in a higher power, use prayer to find your inner peace.
Spark your Optimism
Start and end your day with positive affirmations or statements that encourage and uplift your spirits.
Stress Relieve with Exercise
Make it a point to carve out 15 to 30 minutes each day for exercise. Experience the sensation of your body as your stress and tensions drift away.
Make Room for Laughter
Humor is a potent stress reducer. Read books, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and spend time with people who make you laugh…a lot.
Add to the list:
The list of good place options belongs to you, so add on the personal strategies you use now and any additional ones that offer you gratification without being detrimental to your well-being. Keep your list vibrant and use it frequently to find serenity and joy during turbulent times.
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Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan has dedicated over 28 years of service to higher education and has achieved an impressive academic background, including a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, a M.A. in Latin American Studies, and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. After retiring from her role as Dean of Online Education and Learning Resources at Saddleback College, she moved to Idaho where she currently works as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University, writes for local magazines, consults in higher education, and collaborates with LEARN (Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network). In 2017, she set forth on a new venture as the founding director and author for Smart Strategies for Successful Living –– a website created to promote quality aging and inspire adults of all ages to live and age well. As an educator, Patricia is driven by her passion to inspire others to reach their fullest potential.
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