How to improve your mindset to be more mindful
BY GUEST BLOG WRITER - AMY SUSSEX
Do you ever feel like you are just going through the day to day motions and emotions but are never really truly living? Do you forget what it is like to get out of autopilot and live a more meaningful life?
“The mind lives in the past and the future; the oils bring you back to the present” Jeri McDowell
I believe that everyone is meant to feel fulfilled in their life. I believe that by taking the time and space to relax, reflect and rejuvenate we are awakened to the things we really want in life. I believe that making small changes in our day to day life and with our mindset we can shift how we feel and live each day. I know from experience that when we feel good physically and mentally we are inspired to face our fears and be courageous in following our dreams. I hope you find this helpful gives you the guidance to reduce stress and work/live to your potential!
In 2015 I started noticing things just not feeling right. I had become almost obsessed with perfectionism in my job. Trying to over please everyone in my life on a personal and professional level and forgot what I really wanted. Around that time I started having panic attacks. At the time I didn’t realize that was what was happening and thought I was having a stroke and then it would go away for a bit. I made a doctor’s appointment and he indicated it was generalized anxiety panics that I was having. I looked at him and said um nope, that’s not me, there is something seriously wrong. It took some time for me to realize oh ya there was something seriously wrong, it was my mental and emotional state which was now affecting me physically.
I started to make some life changes, who I surrounded myself around, what I watched and listened to, I started to exercise more, and use holistic therapy. I added more movement into my life, started reflecting, journaling, practicing gratitude and figuring out what the heck I really wanted to do and who I was.
I started my own business helping other women to feel empowered to make an impact in their own lives. Whether it be through the services I offer or I products I create. I started off doing it as a need in my life to help me physically, mentally and emotionally which has taken an amazing transformation of having the ability to help others too.
I’m not an expert but hoping by sharing my story, what I’ve done it will help others and inspire you to figure out what you want to do
“Mental health, however, is a state of well-being, and we all have it. Just like we each have a state of physical health, we also each have our mental health to look after. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about thriving. It’s enjoying life, having a sense of purpose, and being able to manage life’s highs and lows.” (https://cmha.ca)
In our society today I see so many people myself included at times in a constant fight or flight response. Our bodies and minds are overwhelmed, overworked and people are getting to the point of exhaustion.
Being mindful of this and using essential oils to help us return to a state of calm, by not only using the essential oil but also being mindful of our breath. With aromatherapy, we take a holistic approach in supporting or physical, mental and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy is also an inexpensive way to maintain health.
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BECOME MORE MINDFUL:
1. GRATITUDE
“Practicing gratitude invites joy into our life” Brene Brown
Gratitude makes you happier and healthier. If you invest in positive thinking you are going to have a brighter outlook of the world. Studies show that more than 1000 people ages 8-80 who practiced gratitude reported amazing benefits from it.
physical benefits- immune system, lower blood pressure, exercise more often, sleep better
physiological -alert, joy, pleasure, light, happy
Giving thanks can transform your mood, outlook and health Gratitude can calm down our nervous system and help with our fight or flight response
Ways to practice gratitude:
Waking up in the morning. The first thing I do when I open my eyes is quickly say 3 things I'm grateful for which has actually turned into an affirmation that I find it really helps me to set the tone for my day.
"I am grateful that I am happy, healthy and wealthy."
Journal at the end of the day 5 things you are grateful for.
2. PAUSE
Mindfulness – a mental state where you are focusing on awareness and the present moment. Engage in the present moment. It is equally as important to take a step back and give yourself those moments and times to pause. Otherwise, your health and things you love tend to get neglected and that wasn't the point of you starting your business.
Ways to practice
Step away from your computer screen or whatever you are doing and go outside and get some fresh air. Even spending 20 minutes walking outside helps you to connect, feel grounded and gives you a fresh perspective.
Boundaries - give yourself boundaries. For example, I’m only going to work this task for the next 30 minutes and then walk away. Countless hours perfecting and obsessing can easily happen if we don't set boundaries and timelines around what we are working on.
3. JOURNAL
Putting pen to paper is a great way to connect with your true desires. It allows us to slow down and disconnect from the outside world and distractions. It allows us to connect with our thoughts, work through and problem solve as well as reflect on experiences. I have found by writing in a journal it is a great tool to remind me of what I really want and not what I think I want or what I think other people want. There is no one to worry about but yourself when you put pen to paper.
Find time in your morning or evening to journal. Once you start you will see what a valuable practice it is.
Ways to practice:
Journal who you want to be - what would your best day look like
Write down what well well today, what you accomplished. This way you can use it as a tool to look back and see how far you've come.
Write about your fears. Tackle that imposter syndrome, perfectionism, money and any other fear that pops up throughout your day. Recognize it for what it is and that it is a fear.
4. AROMATHERAPY MEDITATION
Listen to your favourite meditation on Youtube or Spotify and add some essential oils to your practice.
Here are some great options.
Cedarwood – earthy smell – ground yourself and when experiencing mental fatigue
Geranium – fresh floral smell – restore and heal your body. Calming effects help you sort out your thoughts and hormones. Helpful when going through a highly emotional time.
Lavender – fresh floral smell – peace and serenity, aids in clearing and calming the mind and release chaos. Helpful for challenging situations
Tangerine – sweet citrus smell -provides peace and comfort, helps shift negative outlook to a positive one.
Orange- sweet citrus smell – compassion and kindness for yourself. Stay focused and think clearly, brings feels of joy and calmness
Rosemary – crisp herbal smell – brings mental clarity
Marjoram-spicy herb smell – release fears, relaxes the body, allows you to speak your truth
5. SURROUNDINGS
What is your internal and external environment like?
"Surround yourself with positive people who are going to push you towards greatness"
Our environment is our surroundings and conditions in which we operate. So how do you change your environment? ⠀
Have you looked at what you are filling your time with? Awareness is key!
Start to take note on what you are surrounding yourself with. Are you watching the news, social media and filling your mind full of fear? Are you endlessly scrolling through social media to avoid a task? Or are you listening to podcasts, reading and surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people?
Ways to practice:
Listen to podcasts. This is a great way to hear from experts and other people who are where you want to be!
Community - connect with other like minded people. We are so fortunate to live in a time where we can connect with anyone around the world. Find Facebook groups of people doing what you are doing. One doesn't exist? Why not create one and starting to inspire others and yourself.
Your Emotional Well Being is Important to me. All the feels!
This is important to me and for a very good reason. Because it is important to you. 2020 has been a year that no one ever could have expected or anticipated. This is a reminder to check in with yourself and how you are feeling.
Let’s move from autopilot to living and feeling!
Guest Blog Writer:
Amy Sussex of Revive As Wellness