It`s 2019 and we focus on change and how to become a better version of ourselves. We talk about physical activity and what we should eat to have a healthy lifestyle. Do you think about how important it is to also have «healthy» thoughts and a positive mindset?
Everyday we think between 25 000 and 50 000 thoughts and most of them are negative. This means that we have many thoughts that we, most likely, are not aware of.
Is your focus directed towards what is missing in your life, what you should have done or what might happen? Or is your focus directed towards what you are grateful for, being present in this moment and how to solve challenges?
Having a positive mind and focus on gratitude can improve your level of wellbeing. Research has also shown that positive emotions can be taught.
We would like for all of you to become aware of the power you have by choosing your thoughts, and that you can create a more positive life for yourself. We want to focus on how to build what is good instead of focus on the things that could go wrong.
In the weeks to come we will post different exercises on how to become more aware and in contact with this part of your self.
Here is a small exercise to help you become more aware of positive thoughts and feelings.
Sit down in a room where you can relax and where you can be alone for 5 minutes.
Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth.
(If you feel it is hard to take a deep breath, you can lay down on your back. Put your hands on your belly and feel how it is raising when you breath in and sinking when you breathe out).
When you open your eyes, write down 10 things that you are grateful for right now and why you are grateful for them. Write down what first comes to your mind.
When you are done we want you to read through the list and really feel how each of these feel inside; how the feeling of gratitude spread in your body for each thing you are grateful for. This is your gratitude-list.
Take some time to read through this list every morning. Either if you choose to get up 5 minutes earlier, read the list on the bus or at the breakfast table. Be present and really feel the gratitude in your body.
You can also use this list if you feel down or you have low energy during the day.
We would love to hear your feedback on how you experience this exercise!
We wish you a beautiful day filled with positive thoughts! :)