3 minute read
You Must Keep Your Mind & Emotions Healthy Too
Don’t Stay Down in the Dumps
When we talk about health, we almost always talk about our physical health. It is just as important for us to keep our minds healthy as well. In her best-selling book, “The Instant Mood Fix,” Dr. Olivia Remes1 reminds us of the importance of good mental health and provides tips on how we can bring ourselves back to a peaceful state of mind. We could be going through tough times dealing with stress, anxiousness, motivation, loneliness or just plain feeling overwhelmed by life. The first step is to realize that you’re not alone. During these trying times, millions of people all over the world are looking for answers to daily challenges or even just a little positive news to brighten the day. Dr. Remes reminds us that, “no matter where you are in life, there are tried and tested solutions to help you.” There is always hope for better things and you can make small, simple changes that can quickly turn your frame of mind around so that you have a more positive outlook. Changing your mindset and your life does not have to be a long, drawn-out ordeal.
At TriVita, we often talk about our immune system and how it helps protect our body from viruses and disease, and how sometimes we need to take vitamins and supplements to help out our immune system. Well, we have a psychological “immune system” as well and we also need to help that immune system. Dr. Remes has several suggestions to help improve our state of mind if it is in a bad place: Make decisions based on what YOU want in life, not somebody else’s version of what your life should look like. Be willing to settle for “good enough” instead of always striving to be the best. Sometimes good enough is good enough. You don’t need more material things to be happy. If Dr. Olivia Remes, Author of The Instant Mood Fix you’re feeling overwhelmed, get rid of the mental clutter and focus on something that will make you feel like you’re moving forward in a positive direction. It helps to clear your mind so that you can get a better, more realistic picture of what is happening. You may learn that it’s not as bad as you anticipated. You might also want to
lower your bar of expectations for yourself and remind yourself that you don’t always have to be on the top step of the ladder of life.
There is a real thing called “post-traumatic growth.” Going through tough times really does make us stronger. Try to think of three benefits that have come from your current situation. There is always something positive you can pull out of any situation. This will help you bounce back faster and more energized. Focus on what you’ve learned and overcome in the midst of the unpleasantness. Think of the glass as half-full. When you do things that are positive, uplifting and that make you happy, you can move past what was bringing you down. Look for the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s there. It can also help to write things down on a piece of paper or in a journal so you can step back, look at what you’re feeling, understand it better and maybe arrive at a happier, more satisfying place. You will also learn more about yourself in the process.
The way you view God has an impact on your life. Do you believe God is on your side or do you wonder why He let you down? Will you work with Him to get through this or do you blame God for your troubles and put it all in His hands? Is there tension in your relationship with God? Your view of God has a large influence on your well-being. God is on your support team. He wants you to get to a better place, but you must help yourself as well.
Recognize that happiness is peace of mind. There is power in the way you think. There is power in you. There is power in God. Use it all to give yourself a happier life.
