Top 3 Ways to Harness Positive Self-Talk

With so much distraction and constant expectation to "do it all," it can be difficult to allow ourselves a break. We all know what happens when when we're stressed, overworked, and feel like there's no end in sight. We get cranky! We feel tired. We feel burnt out. And in these "low" moments our mind tends to drift into a negative space. This is the night we can't seem to find anything flattering to wear to dinner with friends, or we feel resentful at work and want to just get up and leave.

So, how do we get ourselves back into a positive place before we've reached the point of no return?

You must check in with yourself and take inventory of the triggers that spiral your mind into a negative place:

• Have you had restful sleep the past few nights? (typically seven to eight hours)
• Have you been exercising?
• Have you been eating nutritionally dense foods?
• Are you overwhelmed with your workload, personal emergencies, or friendship/relationship woes?

When you've evaluated these basic human needs and you’re head is feeling more clear, then we're ready to shift the mind into postivity by following the top three strategies to harness positive self-talk:

1. Understand that some things are out of your control.

As much as we may want to adhere to a strict social calendar, diet, workload, etc., there's a fine line between what we can and cannot control in our lives. One thing we can control is choosing to be in a good mood. It's a hard practice to implement at all times—especially when we encounter frustrating and unplanned bumps in the road. But we have to remember that these external factors are beyond our control. We can only choose how we deal with adversity when it's thrown our way. Instead of facing a less-than-ideal situation with a "woe as me" attitud,e the most positive of people will learn how to say, "Oh well, I can't control that" and move forward with a smile. In the end, this grants us the ability to positively live our best, without falling victim to the surrounding situations.

2. Trust your intuition... it's always right!

This is plain and simple. We all know what's right for each of us in our gut, but our emotional "checks and balances" system will sometimes persuade us from listening to our gut feeling. In the end, not following a gut reaction can leave us feeling overwhelmed or resentful. If going out to "just one more event" or offering to take on "just one more project" at work don't feel right, then don't commit. You will be more positive and present doing less. Then, you're better able to feel empowered in your decision-making skills and feel secure and confident in knowing you did what was right for you.

3. Know that you are exactly where you need to be today.

Continue to motivate yourself with an important reminder that you are perfect as you are in this moment. You can live positively when you release the unnecessary "perfectionist" pressure. Your path may feel windy, but each twist and turn will lead you to the present. Own that power, and you will feel on top of the world!

When you say something and truly believe it, you can harness your ability to thrive positively every day!