threads of advice pt. 1
this is Julia, who runs her own blog, lifebyjulia!
hi everyone. today, we have a super special post, by someone who has been so supportive throughout my whole blogging journey…Julia! i thought it would be a great idea to start this new chain of posts, known as “threads of advice,” where people share their own stories or lessons learned, to offer a new perspective to positivU. so, here is Julia’s advice!
I started my blog, Lifebyjulia.com, and social media accounts to spread positive messages and help others live their best lives. I am passionate about teaching people how to live intentionally by bringing joy and positivity into their everyday lives. This is just as much for me as it is for anyone else. Creating this content helps me immensely with my own mindset. I will come right out and say that I have struggled with negative thoughts.
Through my mental health and wellbeing journey, I have learned the importance of placing more emphasis on my mindset and of thinking positive thoughts. Writing these blog posts gives me the reminder I need to take control of my thoughts.
On that note, this post shares strategies you can use to take charge of your mindset. Use these tools anytime you want to get out of your head, such as:
When you have negative thoughts
When you feel stuck in an anxious spiral
When you just feel down
How to Get Out of Your Head - Tips for Taking Control of Your Mindset
Accept and Embrace Your Circumstances
We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can control the way we react to them.
For example, I have anxiety. The more I fight back against anxious thoughts and feelings, the more stressed I get, causing a negative cycle.
The more I understand and accept my anxiety, the more I am able to work with myself and identify coping strategies that help me manage these symptoms.
Meditate
There are very good reasons why so many people recommend meditation!
I have had an on-again-off-again relationship with meditation. I’ve recently rediscovered how helpful this tool is, not only for clearing my mind, but also for helping with focus.
Meditation DOES NOT mean sitting in silence for hours.
Meditation DOES NOT mean having no thoughts.
This article debunks some other common meditation myths.
I need to drive these points home, because these false beliefs can deter people from practicing meditation.
Meditation is about learning to sit with your thoughts and emotions, which promotes feelings of calmness and peace long-term.
Anytime you feel overwhelmed or like you have too much going on (externally and/or internally), please take some time to do a short guided meditation.
Go Outside
Going outside is like hitting a refresh button. I know I feel my mood lift when I go outside, especially on a nice day. Spending time outside offers so many positive benefits, from reduced stress and anxiety to improved mood. Since most of us spend so much time indoors, it is important to remember to take breaks to go outside, even if it is just for a few minutes at a time.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is such a great way to interrupt negative thought patterns. Learning to appreciate life’s sweet moments brings more positivity into all aspects of life. One simple way to do this is to keep a gratitude journal and write down some things you are grateful for every day. Just pick a time of day to sit with your journal (pen and paper or app work based on your preference), reflect on your day, and note a few things you feel grateful for. This is a practice I do every night before bed, and it helps me appreciate life’s sweet moments.
Listen to Positive Affirmations
Focusing on positive thoughts brings positive results. In addition to practicing gratitude, maintaining a positive mindset by thinking positive thoughts helps you feel better overall. If you struggle with negative thoughts and low self-esteem, you might find it difficult to speak kindly to yourself. Listening to guided positive affirmations helps bridge that gap. Just search “positive affirmations” on YouTube.
Connect With Others
Connecting with others helps you remember that there is a whole world going on outside of whatever is happening in your mind. Spending time with people I care about makes me feel so happy and excited about life. I recommend you try seeking connection as a way to get out of your head.
Give Yourself Mindset Check-in Reminders
I set my watch to give me mindfulness notifications throughout the day. Those notifications are my cue to pause and notice what is going on in my mind, as well as what is going on around me. The Headspace app also gives me notifications throughout the day with positive messages. I like that, because it reminds me to keep a positive mindset.
You can also try using apps to prompt you to examine your thoughts. Another idea is setting alarms to go off throughout the day. Whenever the alarm goes off, notice what you are thinking, and if your mindset aligns with your goals. If it does not, intentionally focus on something else.
I hope these tips help you! Use these practices anytime you want to get out of your head and switch gears to a more calm, centered, positive mental state. Make sure to stay connected by checking out my blog and social media accounts for more tips and guides to help you live your best life!
it’s eliza again! i hope you enjoyed reading Julia’s advice on mindset. be sure to check out her amazingly, well-written content as well. supporting each other is so important in growing and learning together. have a lovely saturday and see you soon…let’s talk pt. 5 incoming :)
love,
eliza
