“Happiness is an inside job.” ~William Ward
Last Friday, while shoveling snow after yet another storm, my lower back started “talking to me”. So, I took to the couch to rest and heal, before a full spasm or real injury set in.
Lying flat on my back for hours, I watched my mood plummet.
I was mad at myself for not being more careful. Annoyed that snow was still falling from the sky when I longed for spring and warmth. Frustrated that I couldn’t go skiing over the weekend, as planned. And worried about how I’d teach yoga if my back took a turn for the worst. I sulked and complained and wallowed in negativity.
Feeling and expressing negative emotions is normal, even healthy. But getting stuck in the muck is not. Life delivers hurdles and challenges to each of us. It’s also full of beauty and joy.
Our task is to cultivate emotional agility; the awareness to notice our current state and bounce back.
Emotional agility takes practice but gets easier when you learn strategies that help shift and lift your mood. For you, that might include swinging a tennis rack or listening to music. Maybe it’s planting flowers or organizing your closet. Maybe it’s going for a walk with your dog or sitting in silence. Regardless, cultivating tools to elevate your state is worth it. Your life and the lives you touch will benefit from your effort.
I have a boatload of “mood-shifting” strategies that I turn to when I’ve stewed in negativity for too long…like this past weekend.
So, I thought I’d share my favorites with you…just in case you need them. 🙂
7 Ways to Elevate Your State
- Move your body. Whether practicing yoga, dancing or going for a walk, get your limbs moving and your energy and endorphins (happy chemicals) flowing. I could add a gazillion statistics here to support the mood-elevating benefits of exercise…but I won’t. Just know…the science is there.
- Take a time-out. Listen to music, take a bath, light a candle, or make a cuppa tea or coffee. Simply changing your environment can bring levity.
- Take deep breaths. Your breath is a tool that’s always available and absolutely free. Why not use it? Simply inhale & exhale slowly and feel the shift.
- Get outside. Mama nature is quite powerful. Step outside and turn your face to the sky to gain perspective. A little fresh air can go a looong way toward lifting your mood, no matter what the weather.
- Journal. Move your thoughts out of your head and onto paper to explore what is triggering your “heavy” feeling. Is it work, family, your physical health, or something else you can identify?
- Practice gratitude. Focusing on the good in your life, things you’re grateful for, can shift your perspective and improve your mood. This weekend, practicing gratitude was quite humbling. Quickly, I recognized how much my body has shown up for me over the years. A little “tweakiness” from time to time should be expected. geez.
- Connect with someone. I talk about this a lot! Connection is important. To lift your mood, reach out to a friend or family member, or even strike up a conversation with a stranger. Connecting with others is essential for our well-being. You might be surprised at how much a simple interaction can brighten your day.
The next time you find yourself stuck in the “grumpies” or feeling down, try a few of these “mood-boosting” strategies.
And let me know if you have tools that aren’t on this list. The road ahead is long and windy. I welcome adding new tools to my tool bag for the journey.
As an additional tool, I’ve added a yoga practice to STUDIO TEN, my online yoga studio, that’s specifically designed to elevate your state. Join me and step off the mat and back into life feeling brighter.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if there are new ways that I can support your thriving. I’m here!
love,
Tener
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