Adjusting your mindset is one of the first steps in choosing joy.  Throughout my personal healing process, I discovered a variety of things that would help me shift my mindset. One thing that I found extremely helpful was meditation. After incorporating this into my daily routine, I found it much easier to redirect my focus and shift my mind to the positive side of things, ultimately leading to more joyful days and moments.

Mindful meditation is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. This practice can be performed at any time or place, you just have to figure out what works best for you and your schedule. During mindful meditation, allow yourself to become fully aware of your thoughts and emotions without being consumed with the content of your actual thoughts.

Mediation sessions do not have to be a long or inconvenient task. You can simply find different moments throughout your day to take 5 minutes to clear your mind. 

RISE AND SHINE

One of the very first things I do every morning is determine what type of day I want to have. Do I want to relax? Do I have a very busy day ahead and need to mentally prepare for it? As you’re washing your face and brushing your teeth, use it as a moment to take a deep breath and block out all thoughts from the previous day, and declare that today is a new day with a newly refreshed mind. Pause, and say it out loud, “Today is a new day!”

DEEP BREATHING

When was the last time you took 5 minutes to focus on slow, controlled breathing? This is something I incorporate at least once per day to help clear my mind and reduce stress and anxiety.  Deep breathing exercises can be performed anywhere and at any given time. I have found it most helpful when approaching a stressful situation, or at the beginning or end of each day. To practice the exercise of deep breathing, get in a comfortable, relaxed position with no distractions, and close your eyes. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, allowing your stomach to slowly expand and filling your lungs with positive energy. Hold for 3 seconds, focusing on the sensation of your body. Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds, releasing all negative energy and toxins. Repeat for 5 minutes, with the main focus being the rise and fall of each breath. If you feel your mind drifting to other things, pause, and return your attention to inhaling and exhaling. 

Before opening your eyes, take a moment to notice how your body feels, from your head down to your toes. After completing this you will feel an overwhelming sense of relaxation, and a centered mindset that will help you attack whatever task is ahead of you with a clear mind. 

Other benefits of deep breathing include elevating your mood, improving blood flow, releasing tension, calming anxiety and depression which ultimately increases your joy! 

ON THE GO 

You can add mindful meditation to almost any task you perform on a daily basis. Being mindful of our actions allows us to focus on the individual task and move with a purpose. I am a busy woman who is always on the go, but I move with intent and am mindful of every action. While I’m driving my car, working out, engaging in conversations with friends and family, or even cooking dinner, I always add an element of mindfulness to it. It could be as simple as turning on calming music or incorporating aromatherapy (two of my favs).  Once you figure out the comfortable mediation tactics that work best for you, you will quickly notice an overall change in your mental state.