Spring is officially here! It's the time of year that we often spring clean our houses and gardens and clear away the clutter. However, what about our minds and emotions? Aren't they also due for a good clear out?
Here are a few ways you can clear the clutter from your mind and reduce your stress levels at the same time.
Forgive and Forget
Are you holding onto anger or upset from a past relationship? Maybe you just cannot forgive someone for something they said or did. Have you ever thought about who you are hurting most, though? Holding onto resentment can leave us feeling stressed. Anger is a very negative emotion and effects our bodies in all sorts of ways, leading to headaches, digestion problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, skin problems, even heart attacks and strokes. So, maybe it is time you let it go for your own sake.
Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean that you are condoning the other person's behaviour, you are just looking after yourself by not carrying that pain around any longer. So, make a list of those that have hurt you and be the better person. Decide today on ways you can show forgiveness and start clearing out that negativity.
Let Go of Worry
Make a list of all that negative clutter. What is worrying you? What is making you anxious? Split that list into two; things you can change and things you can't. If you have no control over it, there is no point in worrying. Have faith that things will turn out for the best, whatever that might be. Be comfortable with the unknown and let life take its course. Burn or shred that list of worries that cannot be controlled and LET IT GO! Take a look at this blog post and identify any of these cognitive distortions you may be guilty of.
Now look at the list of things that you could do something about. Prioritise it and start working your way through it, crossing them off one by one. Even if you just tackle one a day, you will feel as though you are taking control and getting those anxieties out of your mind. Now that it is on paper, put it to one side as you don't need to carry it around with you day after day.
It is also worth spending some time each day relaxing, both physically and mentally.
Focus on Future Goals
What were your resolutions in January? Have you managed to stick to them? If not, don't worry. Spring is a time of regrowth and renewal and a great time to start again. Tomorrow is a new day; a new start.
Spend some time relaxing and visualising yourself achieving all those things that you planned for the future, whatever that might be. It could be health-related, such as giving up smoking. If so, see yourself as the non-smoker you want to become and set that goal firmly in your mind. Maybe you want to lose weight? If so, visualise yourself as the slimmer version of you, wearing the clothes that you dream of wearing. How will you move? How will you feel?
Perhaps your goal is work-related? Are you starting your own business or hoping for that great promotion? See it in your mind and act as though it will happen. See yourself in December of this year and write a page on the person you will be by then as though you are actually living that life already. Where are you? How did you get here? What steps did you take to achieve your dream? Do the same for a year's time or maybe 5 years. Whatever your goal, see yourself achieving it and do this daily as a great meditation exercise.
Come and Work With Me
If you are suffering from stress and would like to change that mindset and learn better ways to relax, please book your free consultation to discuss your needs and discover how I can help. I offer a six-week Hypno-coaching package that includes hypnotherapy, audios, tasks to help you relax and catch-up sessions between appointments.
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