Talking a good game about living in balance is one thing, but really living in balance is another matter. Our lives are set up to tip over: Working five long days a week to enjoy a one-day weekend (with Sat. or Sun. dedicated to household chores). Since many of us work to earn a living without feeling passion or purpose, are we fated to have a perpetual case of the Monday morning blues which starts on Sunday nights?
Aim for ordinary
The problem is that our society is celebrity-driven and most of us alternate between two states of mind: feeling like an unimportant person and an ordinary person. An ordinary person knows his identity, separating who he is from what he does - content with simplicity and organizing his day to maximize the positive. In contrast an unimportant person is desperately trying to create a name for himself because he feels that he is not good enough – and of course, this type of person will never feel accomplished and satisfied, even when he accomplishes. Consequently, how can you be happy on Monday, if you are not happy with yourself on Sunday?
Try these mood boosting strategies:
- Don’t begin the day with a jolt. Give yourself an extra 5 minutes when the alarm clock goes off to relax in bed. You will feel in control.
- Adhere to your minimal daily requirements for balance: sufficient sleep, healthy eating, exercise and quiet-time for yourself. You can change a bad mood with food, music, a walk or a good laugh with a friend.
- Delete some files from your brain to make room for a new focus – what would you rather be thinking about?
- Change your routine way of thinking. What new things do you want to learn today instead of playing the part of the expert? How exciting – anything can happen!
- What little things would make you happier this week? On Mondays bring a special treat, arrange new fresh flowers in a vase, or schedule a power breakfast or lunch with a friend at work. What fun can you anticipate after work hours?
- At your desk take 3-5 minutes before you begin your work day and use the persuasive power of auto-hypnosis to rewire your brain. Sit comfortably with both feet on the ground, close your eyes and breathe naturally. Imaginatively visit your happiest place on earth and use your 5 senses to fully experience it. Give yourself a personal message that you need to hear. Inhale, exhale and open your eyes. Tip: For maximum effect the place you visit should be the same, but the message can change according to your needs.
- Make a commitment to internal peace and don’t wait for external circumstances to create peace for you because serenity is inside out.
Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of
Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life,
Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout and
Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit:
www.turnonyourinnerlight.com
