Spring is a time of renewal and growth and MAYBE a time to brush away a few cobwebs. Those hanging from the ceiling and those in other areas of our lives. Capitalize on the fresh air and increased light to jump-start your motivation and energy to get a new perspective in your home, your habits, or even your relationships. You can do some spring cleaning that may affect your mental health positively. Choose to clean out a closet. Pull out everything and only put those things back in that you have touched or used in the past 12 months (or less), Get some baskets and organize the shoes, outdoor wear, hats, etc. Donate the things you don't need. Giving to others can lift our spirits. Having an organized closet can clear your mind, and give you increased energy and motivation. Check out the Minimal Mom, our friend, Dawn Madsen for…
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As if getting a good night’s sleep isn’t tough enough for some people, recently we threw in Daylight Savings Time in the United States. It reminded me about the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. (And, there are many). Sleep helps to restore the body, improve memory and concentration, and boost mood. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. And most importantly, it helps us to live a life of positivity. Getting enough sleep is essential for living a healthy, positive life. One of the major benefits of getting a good night’s sleep is that it helps to improve your cognitive function. A good night’s sleep can help to improve your memory and concentration, as well as your ability to think clearly and make decisions. Any parent will tell you that it is easier to stay calm and not yell when you have had enough…
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Life can be overwhelming. Sometimes it is difficult to know what is the right thing to do. Sometimes it is hard to find the courage and strength to do the next thing. When you feel overwhelmed, you just want the problem to go away. Take a deep breath and repeat: “I don’t have to solve this all today, I just need to be brave, cling to hope, and do the next right thing.” You don’t have to have all the answers today. Remember the old joke about how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Feel the pressure lift off your shoulders. The entire problem does not need to be solved today. Focus on the task present - today. A series of small steps will make a big difference. Even when you know the next right thing to do, it can feel scary or uncertain.Take comfort in knowing…
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In a world where resources are increasingly scarce and things can seem out of our control, developing one’s talents can be a powerful way of making a positive impact. For starters, developing your talents can lead to a more fulfilled and meaningful life. There’s no denying that when you focus on honing your skills, you can be more productive, more creative, and more successful. It can also give you a sense of purpose and direction, allowing you to focus on something you are passionate about. BONUS: When you are focused in this way, the difficult parts of life can seem less draining. The real power of developing your talents, however, is that it can be used to create something that can benefit the world. Some people make a career out of their talents and I appreciate those people more than I can say. When I listen to my daughter play…
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Positive habits get us to our goals. The tricky part is breaking habits that aren't helping us achieve our goals and establishing positive habits that help to reach those goals. I have a hack for you. Checklists A checklist is simply a list of tasks to be completed. It is that simple, but remember - simple is not always easy. A checklist helps to stay focused and is a reminder of the objective. Almost everyone has used a checklist when they go to the grocery store. It helps you remember the items you need and can help to limit spending and eat better (if we stick to the list). The same benefits are available in any other area of life. Checklists are a simple yet powerful tool that can help us form positive habits because it forces us to stay focused on the tasks necessary to reach our goals. If you are a visual person,…
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“Knowing is half the battle.” You can’t really win half the battle. You have still lost in the end. Knowing is not doing. You can have the best, most strategic battle plan, but until you put it into action you don't even have half a chance of winning. Knowing and doing are two very different things, and often the gap between the two can be the greatest challenge when it comes to achieving success. Knowing is just the beginning – it is the first step in a process to achieve anything. Knowing is important because it gives us the information and understanding that we need to make decisions and take action. It is the foundation of any plan or goal, so it is essential that we take the time to gain knowledge and insight into the situation. Doing, on the other hand, is the implementation of that knowledge. It is…
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Do you need a habit or a goal to achieve your objective? The answer is both. At first glance habits and goals may seem similar, but there are key differences between the two that can make a big difference in how you use them to reach your objectives. Since we often talk about goals at the beginning of the year it might be useful to see how habits help us reach our goals. Habits are actions that you do regularly and often without thinking. They are usually unconscious and are the result of repeated practice over time. Habits are great for helping you maintain consistency and stay on track with your objectives. For example, if you have a goal to lose weight, forming healthy eating habits such as meal prepping and avoiding sugary snacks can help you stay on track. Goals, on the other hand, are specific objectives that you…
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We know what it means to “pay it forward” or “random acts of kindness.” What about “passing on positivity?” It is easy to do and can be done anywhere. It will make a huge impact in creating a more positive environment. Start by looking outward. Notice your environment and specifically the people in your environment. Then smile and look for good. Look for something to compliment someone else on. Or see where a word of encouragement could be appreciated. You can also make an effort to engage in positive conversations. Do this by asking a leading question. You seem to really love x, tell me more about it. What lights you up? When was the last time you laughed really hard? You can start a group to have a positive impact in your community. The possibilities are endless. You can get more generous with your time and offer to help…
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January is traditionally a time for new beginnings. Not everyone hops on the path to a new destination as they see others down the path and don't think they can ever get there. But where did those people further down the path start? Where you are! Does that change anything for you? "Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start." Nido Qubein Don't compare yourself to others. Look forward to where others are and ask questions to find out how they navigated the path. When you are tempted to give in to roadblocks remember you are on your own timeline. You don't need to travel the path at the same speed as someone else. As long as you are on the path, you will get there. You got this. And we are here if you need us. DrPaul
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Recently my computer was giving me some problems, things weren’t pulling up the way they should and I couldn’t get some of the add-ons to work. So, I did a reboot. Yep, shut the whole thing down, gave it a rest and re-booted. And wha-la, everything started working the way it should. Sometimes our brains need a reboot. It may be that our thoughts are not serving us well. It may be that we are tired. It may be that we have allowed some negative patterns to creep in. It may be that we believe what we think. Take a minute to shut down your brain. Get some rest, eat well. When you are refreshed physically, then begin to analyze your thoughts. Do you have some negative thoughts that need to be challenged? Are the ways you are thinking about people and circumstances serving you well? Might be time for…
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