Think more positively...
Hi everyone
One way our mental health can deteriorate is by dwelling on the past, focusing on all the things we don't have or haven't achieved. Whilst we think it's important to reflect and learn from past mistakes or misjudgements, it's not healthy to focus on these for too long. Doing so can have significant negative affects on the mind AND body. It can cause anxiety, stress, depression and/or low mood and irritability. With this in mind, we challenge you to do the following...
Go grab a pen and some paper! If you prefer to type on your phone or make mental notes, go for it, as this is better than not doing it at all. However, research has shown that actually writing notes down is much more powerful, especially when it comes to being honest and reflective with yourself. There is something about seeing your words and doodles, in your own handwriting, that makes these statements and words stronger and longer lasting in your mind....
Got your pen?
* We want you to list your highlights from 2019. We challenge you to think of at least 3, but write down as many of them as you can! These can be simple things like seeing an amazing movie that you loved and has now become a favourite of yours, to something more impactful, such as a challenge you overcame or an achievement that you are incredibly proud of. List as many as you can!
* Once you have done that, select at least one (or up to three) and write down why you have chosen this is as a highlight. How did it make you feel? Was anyone else involved? Why do you feel gratitude for this?
* Be mindful and notice how focusing on your highlights can bring happiness and energy in to your day. By acknowledging the happy times in the past year, you are rewiring your brain subconsciously to think more positively and, the more you do this, the more you seek and look for the good in life!
* Finally, similar to an exercise we did in Discovery last year, go through all your past posts on Instagram or Facebook from 2019 and choose your favourite photo. Ask yourself why it's your favourite. Pay attention to your mind and body as you analyse what it is about this photo that makes you feel good. Then, think about how you can have even more photos like this in your feed next year! What can you do to make more memories like this? Oh, and let's go back to 1999... why not print it out and put it in a frame so you have a constant reminder of what makes you happy and what you need to be doing more of! A photo in a frame, what a wild idea
We understand that some of you will have had a challenging 2019 and these may tasks may be a bit more difficult to do, but we encourage you to try your hardest. You may be surprised at just how many good times there were in-between the tough moments - dig deep and we are sure you will find some.
Over the next two weeks we will be sharing our highlights with you, as well as touching on how we overcame or managed some of the anxieties and challenges Team SMASH London have faced...
Have an amazing day! If you are happy to share you favourite photo with us, and why, please do! We would love to see them (Instagram DM or Email)
Sam and Ash
