Twas the season for engagements! I recently hit the milestone of becoming engaged and I was SO excited! “Let the wedding planning begin!” I celebrated. However, I suddenly became stressed and eloping was beginning to sound great. I was getting bogged down in all the details; how many guests, what venue, which caterer? I was struggling to see the excitement of being engaged and preparing for marriage.
Now that the holiday season is over, we return to our regularly scheduled lives. The hustle and bustle of our typical days takes over. We manage the responsibilities of work, school, family and add to this the focus on our New Year’s resolutions. So how do we see the positive through everything on our to-do lists?
Here are some suggestions that might help:
Slow down - When our lives start moving at a quicker pace we begin to feel overwhelmed. By slowing down we can begin to untangle our mind to help us process things more clearly and make it easier for us to find the positive.
Gratitude - Beginning our day with gratitude can increase our positive attitude throughout the day. Make a gratitude list and share it with your coworkers! Try to find the positive when things don’t go as planned. When we shift our attitude to gratitude, we find that our perspective turns to abundance and joy rather than fear and anxiety.
Challenge your negative thoughts - Ask yourself if your negative thought is helpful? If not, change your thought to a more helpful and positive thought. The way we think effects the way we feel which effects our behavior. Transform your internal critic into your cheer squad!
Self-Care - Taking time for yourself can help foster a positive attitude. Exercising release endorphins which helps fight stress and increases happiness. Get adequate sleep! Take a lunch break away from your desk. Choose someone special to spend time with.
Get professional help - Know when it is time to get professional help. When life is stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, reach out to a mental health professional. Counseling can help with problem solving, challenging negative thinking patterns, setting healthy goals, and building self-confidence.
I will be accountable to use these steps throughout the various stages in my life to keep a positive outlook. I will continue to spread positivity in my life and I invite you to do the same this New Year!
If you would like help to see the positive, reach out to Methodist Healthcare EAP at 901-683-5658 to talk with a counselor. Sessions are free and confidential. Let this new year lead to a new you!
Alice Hiatt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has experience working with clients with anxiety, depression and crisis situations. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. Alice is a native Memphian who began her career in Memphis at Youth Villages working with children who have severe emotional and behavioral problems. She has worked as a mobile crisis specialist working with clients experiencing mental health crises.