Don’t you feel like it’s hard to stay positive and occupy your minds when you’re facing difficult times? I want to share with you 5 ways that help me stay positive when dealing with the fast-pitches life throws at you. Staying positive will help you achieve a contented neuro-wellbeing and contribute to the development of yourself. In no particular order, let’s dive in!
#1: Journaling
Journaling, writing down your feelings, it’s a great way to stay positive when life hits you hard. It allows you to give your head a break from those crazy thoughts. Our brains are much like carriers; we sometimes hold onto events or things that happened, and when we don’t release them, we come to a point where we feel like our heads are going to explode. Grab a piece of paper or a blank journal, and write down what you feel, what’s bothering you. You can even purchase a guided journal if you’re having trouble getting started.
#2: Sensory activities
Have you ever gone to the beach and just played in the sand? Maybe you like slime or playdough, or a squishy toy. Occupying your hands with something to apply pressure to can physically relieve the tension that clouds up in our minds. Practice awareness when you feel it in your hands. Someone once told me they used to play a game wherever they went, use your five senses and say in your mind what is happening. It could look something like this:
“The hot sand makes my hands and feet feel warm.”
“The fresh breeze blows a soft tune that sounds harmonious.”
“The beautiful colored birds fly bravely in the sky.”
“The smell of salty sea water makes me feel calm.”
“The taste of the ice cream makes me want it to last forever.”
Sensory activities are a great way to distract and engage your mind.
#3: Walking or spending time outdoors
Sometimes we can’t always force ourselves to get out as much as we’d like to, but taking a brisk walk, or even sitting out on the porch or a balcony, can really make a difference. The breath of fresh air is necessary for our brains to function properly. Walking can help improve your sleep cycle if that’s compromised by anxiety or a cloudy mind. Spend some time outdoors, take small steps. Maybe 1 minute today, maybe 1 minute for a week, take your time!
#4: Read
Reading for me is so fun, and a great way to occupy my mind and get lost in a good book. If reading is something you’re trying to build on, also take your time with it. Read one sentence a day, it’ll turn into one page a day, then maybe a chapter or a few. Find a genre you like, engage your mind, literally picture yourself right there in the book. Try Audiobooks; you can even rest and play the audiobook in the background. Read something positive, like affirmations, self-help books, etc. Try reading!
#5: Listen to Podcasts
Listen to podcasts, motivational speakers, people you admire or like, anything that has a positive effect on your mind. I love listening to podcasts where people tell stories of their lives and connect them to the message. Listen to podcasts when you are getting your workout in, when you go on a walk, when you go to the gym, when you clean your house or your space. Find a person online whose messages you admire. You’ll find it makes life a lot more bearable!
These are 5 of my favorite ways to engage my mind when I’m having trouble focusing on the positive. It’s important for our neuro-well-being to take care of and validate our emotions. Building your character up and making small improvements every day will definitely contribute to the developing self! Until next time,
-R.J.
Neuro-Wellbeing & The Developing Self 
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