We all need a mental detox from time to time. Getting caught in a seemingly endless cycle of thoughts spawned from judgement (of the self or others), self-doubt, or fear are just the tip of the iceberg on the many thoughts that can drag us down.
Experiencing negative thoughts, and following where they might lead your mind, only creates space for a breeding ground of even more negativity. The smallest thought may go largely unnoticed, or seem innocuous, but when looking at your overall wellbeing and happiness, these seemingly small thoughts create patterns and cycles that can be difficult to break, and that leave you feeling less than amazing. This can happen without us even realizing it, and for some, so much time passes this way, that it feels like our new “normal.”
How do we shift our thinking from busy, cluttered, negative or low-vibe, into super high-vibe and happy? The good news is, it’s not so hard. It simply requires willingness and a bit of dedication, and here are five ways to get you started:
1. Keep a Thought Diary
Keep a Thought Diary, and set the alarm on your phone to go off three times a day for a week. When it goes off, write down what you were thinking in that moment. If it’s negative, spin it into a positive.
For example, if I were thinking: “This song on the radio is terrible,” I could reframe it to: “How wonderful it is that these musicians I am hearing have followed their dreams and are creating music they enjoy!” (and I could still change the radio station).
The smaller thoughts you have do matter, because the thoughts with the highest charge and the greatest frequency will greatly influence where you land in the future.
2. Exercise
Releasing endorphins will help you to feel happier almost immediately. Do 20 jumping jacks, a few Vinyasas or go for a run. Get yourself moving and change the chemistry in your brain.
3.Take a Gratitude Break
Have an attitude of gratitude! Even when you are feeling your most ungrateful, sit down and write three things that you are grateful for in that moment. Cultivating gratitude on a daily basis, and even more often, will shift your attitude and transport you from a place of lack to one of abundance. The results here are nothing short of miraculous.
4. Flip Upside down
Literally flip yourself upside down. Inversions in yoga help us to shift our perspective (and help burn up toxins in the digestive system!). Handstands, headstands or even throwing your legs up the wall for 10 – 15 minutes will reverse the direction of blood flow and give you a boost of energy, helping you to see a situation from a new angle.
5. Mantra / Affirmation
Choose a mantra or affirmation to turn to when you notice negative thoughts creeping in. One as simple as, “I am peace” can help you realign with your best YOU in only a moment! (If one moment isn’t long enough, continue to repeat your mantra until you start to believe it).
About the author: Ashley is an inspired, compassionate and supportive yoga and meditation instructor who loves guiding students to reach the next level of their practice. Ashley is elated to share her experience and expertise with those looking to elevate their overall state of being, deepen their practice and live with a heightened state of awareness, compassion and openness.
Join Ashley for a Detox Flow & Meditation Workshop ~ Saturday, Oct 22, 2-4pm
Bookings: www.kulayoga.com.au/workshops
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Kula Yoga has a beautiful hot yoga studio on Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne. Kula offers ‘Hot Yoga’ classes for detoxification, dynamic poweryoga ‘Flow Yoga’ as well as a gentle ‘Light Yin Yoga’ option. Beginners through to advanced students are welcome to all classes. Kula also provides prenatal & postnatal yoga classes, and provides Melbourne workplaces with group corporate yoga programs to build employee health, fitness and wellbeing, and school yoga programs. Kula also runs an annual ‘Kula Cruise’ yoga retreat sailing from Bali to Lombok & the Gili Islands. Find out more on our website www.kulayoga.com.au. Or follow us:
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