We are living in an unprecedented time; no one can argue this.
In normal conditions, most people would report the typical daily-life frustrations and stressors like: constant change, uncertainty, and managing a surplus of family and work responsibilities.
Right now, these very issues are at an all-time high.
Now that we’ve lifted and shifted from the workplace to our home offices, from in-person school to online, and from regular social activity to staying home all of the time. Mental health and wellness issues are plaguing us like never before.
Clearly this is an ideal time to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing. However, most people are so caught up in this upside-down version of life — and are using excessive amounts of brain power to understand and navigate it all — that putting off basic, healthy-living strategies is common place.
As well, most people perceive self-care as a big and rare deal, like a vacation to a tropical island, a weekend getaway to a cabin in the woods, a wellness retreat with a bunch of girl friends, or a trip to the spa. And most, if not all of these options, are currently unavailable. So we get stuck.
Realistically, genuine self-care is not a ‘once in a while’ practise. It’s a daily investment if we want to truly benefit and see results.
BRAIN FITNESS TO THE RESCUE
This is why I love Brain Fitness strategies so much. They are quick, easy, and effective ways to invest in ourselves anywhere and anytime. No equipment is needed, and you don’t need to change your clothes.
At the hub of my program are fun and interactive, movement-based ‘Brain Activation Strategies’ that I have so much fun using myself and sharing with clients.
Some other components include:Awareness Building, Focusing Techniques, Mindset Training, Mini ‘Brain Spa’ Meditations, Essential Brain-Body Fuel,and Goal Setting Strategies.
All of these strategies are time and cost-effective and will reduce tension, while augmenting your energy budget immediately.
INVESTING IN YOUR ENERGY BUDGET
Your brain is an energy hog! It requires a lot of energy to do its 24/7 job, and that’s on a good day — never mind when you are dealing with additional stress and responsibility overload. You really need strategies that are simple, effective, and make an immediate difference.
Recently I learned of a 5-step process that is used in cognitive therapy programs and works wonders at disrupting and dispelling negative and unwanted thoughts.
To top it off, approaches like this make shifting your energy levels, mood, and focus as easy as 1, 2, 3 — or in this case like you’ll see, as easy as A, B, C!
DETECT AND REDIRECT
When you detect you are dealing with some uncomfortable feelings or stress, it’s the ideal time to redirect your energy and electrical signalling.
Here is a great way to do it. It’s a process that is derived from cognitive therapy for depression, and it involves disputing or challenging pessimistic thoughts.
When bad or frustrating things happen, we are often overwhelmed with negative emotions and negative beliefs, which exacerbate the issue(s).
These are often automatic, biased thoughts that take hold and continue on replay mode if we don’t interject and shift the narrative.
A useful exercise is to implement the A B C D E disputation technique. Take out a pen and paper, so you can do this in writing.
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
Adversity: Write down the problem or concern
Belief: Identify the negative thought or belief that is associated with it
Consequence: Record how you are feeling because of it (sad, angry, hurt)
Disputation: Challenge the negative belief by looking at it a different way such as asking yourself questions like: What evidence do I have for this belief? What alternative explanations are there? Is this belief useful to me?
Energize: Consider more optimistic explanations for the issue which will lift your spirits. Silver linings do exist; intentionally look for them.
Last but not least, notice how you feel after completing this activity. What has changed? Do you feel differently? Has your perception changed at all?
Whether you notice small or big changes, you are on the right track. Continue building your awareness and catching yourself when a shift is needed.
Implementing regular self-care habits is not a luxury or indulgence. It is a realistic goal that we simply need to prioritize.
The added bonus is that the benefits will ripple out into all areas of your personal and professional life.
To your Fit Brain and Fit Life,
Jill