Written by: Rania Badreldin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It can seem far-fetched, unattainable or complicated to thrive during tough or challenging times. It is, however, possible.
Here are my tried and tested top tips:
1. Check in with your thoughts
Our thoughts have more impact on our day-to-day life than we may realize; thus, our ability to choose one thought over another is the key to thriving.
As you go through your day, notice your thoughts. Accept them all, yet at the same time, choose very carefully which ones you will entertain and give life to because they can move you forward positively and which ones you will let go of because they do not serve you.
Write down your more positive and empowering thoughts and hang them on a wall or have them as your mobile or desktop wallpaper as a constant reminder.
2. Check in with your emotions
Directly linked to our thoughts, our emotions impact our ability to thrive. Take charge of your emotional state by noticing your feelings, what triggered those feelings and what you can do to feel better. Putting aside a few minutes to do some slow deep breathing can do wonders! Do it as often as you like.
3. Choose purposeful actions toward something you want
Pick a goal, any goal. It could be related to work, a hobby, or a relationship. Or it could be a health and fitness, personal development or spiritual goal. Or it could be something else. What do you want? Pick one thing and do something about it. Take a tiny step in the right direction, unattached to the outcome.
4. Choose what you are focusing on
It's easy to notice when things that aren't going well. It's easy to get caught up in what might go wrong. It's easy to focus on what we don't have and can't control. But it's wise to focus on what we already have right now, what we can control and what can go well. So when things get blurry, shift your focus to what is good and possible.
5. Spend time in nature
Get out there! Connecting to nature connects us to ourselves and helps us recognize that we are a significant part of something greater. Take a silent walk to observe and appreciate the trees or flowers, stare at the stars on a quiet night or at the clouds on a peaceful morning, sip your favorite drink as you sit facing a splendid view, take off your shoes and ground yourself, enjoy a cool breeze, or take a refreshing dip in the lake, sea or ocean on a sunny day. The ideas are numerous. Pick something, however small, even if it just ends up being a walk around the block.
6. Connect positively with someone
We are social beings. Granted, some of us are more social than others, and people's ideas of socializing differ, but we all benefit from connecting with others. Have a meaningful conversation with someone, laugh with someone, ask for help, do an act of kindness for someone, apologize to someone where an apology is due, or volunteer to help others. Remember that you are not alone. When we connect positively with one another, we enrich each others' lives.
7. Build positive habits
When it comes to how we move or nourish our bodies, the quality of our sleep, how we use technology and many other lifestyle choices, we often have negative habits that can hinder our ability to thrive. Gradually replace any negative habits you may have with more positive ones. Introduce one small change and incorporate it into your daily routine. For example, consider going lower tech, incorporating healthier food items into your day, creating a sleep routine that promotes better sleep and moving your body in a way you enjoy.
8. Improve your surroundings
Like it or not, most of us are affected by our surroundings, so it serves us to improve them! Pick one thing you can do to improve your surroundings. It can be simple. You might rearrange your furniture, buy a plant, paint a wall, buy a scented candle, create a new music playlist, or declutter. A little goes a long way!
9. Do something new
It helps to shake things up and bring some novelty into your life. Do something that you haven't done before! It can be anything. There is so much good stuff out there. You can do something at home, online, or out of the house. It can be an individual or group activity. The ideas are countless; a computer course (or any other course that interests you), rowing, rock climbing, an art class, gardening, reading, calligraphy, playing a musical instrument, dancing, yoga, and so on!
10. Reduce the outside noise
We are surrounded by news, marketing messages, other people's opinions, and projected fears. These can affect us negatively if we let them, especially when times are tough or challenging.
While you may need to be aware of what's happening around you in order to pivot or plan, you also need to be mindful and focus on what is important to you and what you CAN do given the circumstances.
Consider doing a purge to quiet things down. Carefully choose what you watch or listen to. Choose the conversations you engage in, how often and with who. Cleanse your social media, apps, and emails. Remove notifications you don't need and unfollow accounts that don't serve you. Do whatever you need to do to reduce the noise enough to better tune in to yourself.
Finally, remember that tough times don't last forever and that we are often far more resilient and resourceful than we think!
Check out this related Brainz article that I think you’ll love: click here.
Rania Badreldin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Rania Badreldin is a happiness consultant, transformational speaker, writer and NLP & Hypnosis master practitioner on a mission to help people across the globe truly master happiness and success. A pioneer in women and children's wellbeing, her career in publishing and development spans over 28 years. She is a two-time TEDx speaker and has served as a mentor, speaker and moderator on entrepreneurship, leadership, happiness, wellbeing, mindset, parenting and education on countless occasions. Rania is a mother of 3 and grandmother who loves to spend time with her family and enjoys nature, music, quiet time and goofing off. An Egyptian national, she considers herself a citizen of the world and lover of humanity.
