Open up new channels

We hear a lot about positive psychology these days.

While the skeptic within us might be inclined to dismiss much of it as woo woo, in fact, there’s plenty of science which shows that our best chance for self-discovery occurs while our psyche is in a positive state (the right frame of mind).

Yes, we sometimes gain insight while we’re mired in negativity, but why go there if we can take an easier route.

As a health and wellness coach, I’ve learned (I’ve had many great teachers, including my clients) that one of the best ways to help someone get into a favorable state of mind, when the brain is more receptive to change, is to ask them to recall a recent experience which was enjoyable or fulfilling.

Simply recalling a positive experience will trigger many of the same neurons and accompanying emotions we felt while in that actual moment.

When we are rewarded with many of those favorable feelings, we become more receptive to creative thinking.

And as doors open and perspective shifts, so do our opportunities for change.

Want to open new channels of thinking?

Here are some ways to easily shift into a more positive mindset:

1. Dig up some mementos of a great vacation and instantly be transported back to experiences that brought you joy.
2. Think about something that’s going well these days. It could be something as mundane as getting the laundry done before heading off to work, but it serves to frame our efforts in a positive light.
3. Send someone a ‘thank you’ note. A handwritten note of appreciation (yes, a text or email could also do) never fails to bring a smile to both sender and recipient.
4. Spend a few minutes visualizing your healthiest self – eating well, being physically active, spending time in nature, etc.

In reality, the kinds of things we can do to put ourselves into a positive frame of mind are limitless. Once we are able to make that shift, it’s much easier to keep the spiral of our thoughts and actions moving in the right direction.

Walk and Talk Anyone?

Last week six of my coaching sessions were ‘walk and talk’ sessions in which each of my clients and I walked while we strategized on ways to convert their visions for better health into actions that could be done on a daily basis.

You might call it a nice two for one, since my clients get the benefit of walking and coaching, all rolled into one experience.

If you live in my neck of the woods (Northampton, MA) and want to take advantage of this double bonus, give me a call or email me and I can tell you more about how it works.

Not in my neighborhood? Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can connect via phone or skype.

If you’d like a complimentary 30 minute coaching session to find out more about how I can help you establish a new, healthy routine, send me an email ([email protected]).

I’d love to help you create a vision of health for yourself and identify some simple strategies that can generate some nice momentum in your life.