We all have days that send us into a funk.<\/p>\n
Things don\u2019t turn out the way we expect, or a ‘surprise’<\/em> comes out of left field. Ugh.<\/p>\n A short-lived funk is one thing. What we don\u2019t want is for it to take up residence and eventually send us careening down a rabbit hole. So best to have a couple of magic tools at the ready to shift the funky mindset set back into a blooming balance.<\/p>\n As humans we still experience the fight or flight response to negative emotional experiences in the same way our ancestors did. The only difference is that we\u2019re not being chased by tigers but by every day stressors. You know you\u2019ve entered fight or flight when suddenly your heartbeat increases, breathing becomes shallower, your skin prickles and your entire body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes is surging with adrenaline. Here\u2019s where breathing can help. Breathing actually lowers the fight or flight response by bringing more oxygen to the brain, allowing your body to relax and create space to deal with the overload of emotions.<\/p>\n Take three conscious breaths<\/strong>. A deep inhalation through the nose to a count of 4 and a long slow exhale through the mouth to a count of 6. Carry on for several more breaths until you feel your mind and body settling.<\/p>\n You can also try the \u2018Smiling Breath\u2019<\/strong> this is where you imagine smiling into your heart on each inhale. This one works like a charm for me. I usually feel a shift in the first minute or so and (added bonus) the corners of my mouth start turning up.<\/p>\n When we fall into a funk, we often lose perspective and make the cause of our distress e.n.o.r.m.o.u.s and all encompassing.\u00a0 Checking in with ourselves by asking the following questions, interrupts the negative thoughts.<\/p>\n What is the worst thing that could happen here?<\/p>\n What am I really afraid of?<\/p>\n What am I avoiding?<\/p>\n The answers to these questions will create a separation between you and your thoughts, the edge will come off the emotions, you\u2019ll able to think more clearly and hopefully redirect and change course.<\/p>\n Nothing changes things quicker than gratitude. No emotion (fear, anger, disappointment, frustration, jealousy) can live in the presence of gratitude. All negative emotions are automatically disempowered because gratitude is just that strong. When a funk threatens to overwhelm you take 5 minutes to write down everything you are grateful for. You will feel an immediate shift. As well as the big things look for the tiny delicious micro things that make you smile like a perfect cup of coffee, catching a beautiful sun rise or having an awesome yoga, spin, barre, or Pilates class. The list will grow and grow, and you\u2019ll have a difficult time stopping at 5 minutes. Start a gratitude journal and do this daily and you\u2019ll feel your life transform.<\/p>\n There’s Nothing Like Gratitude to get Life Back on Track<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTAKE DEEP BREATHS<\/h2>\n
ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS<\/h2>\n
GRATITUDE IS THE GAME CHANGER<\/h2>\n