If you're like me, September brings a cascade of negative thoughts. I dread the cold weather, the long dark hours, and although it's been a couple of decades since I went to school, I still have anxiety over the start of the academic year. (If you read my memoir, Hungry for Life, you'll understand why.) But I am glad that I know this about myself, because negative thinking must be recognized before it can be changed. And since September 13th is Positive Thinking Day, there's no better time to make a shift.
Studies have found that positive thinking has significant physical, mental, and psychological health benefits, including lower levels of pain and distress, faster recovery from injuries and illnesses, reduced rates of depression, improved cardiovascular health, higher energy levels, better coping skills, better stress management, and even longer life span.
This is not to say that positive thinking is a magic pill that will take away all your problems. Rather, it helps to make problems seem more manageable. When life gets tough, positive thinking can help us approach hardships more productively and with less stress.
Sounds good, right? But how do you start thinking positively?
Start small by identifying one area in your life that you typically think negatively about and see if you can introduce a positive thought or approach.
Things I love about September 2022:
Sources: healthline.com, mayoclinic.org
If you have stomach pain, acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, gas, or bloating, this self-massage is for you. Stomach problems are often caused or exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Follow along as we calm the nervous system down to a state of "rest and digest," gently massage the belly, promote movement through the small and large intestines, and use breath and sound to soften and relax our abdominal muscles. Not only will your stomach feel better, but your whole body will be relaxed and calm.
Sienna had a glorious three weeks off from school. She did a lot of swimming, going to playgrounds, building with LEGOs, reading and acting out Harry Potter, drawing, visiting her cousins, staying with her grandparents, having playdates with friends, eating ice cream, and making plenty of videos!
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