Six ways to train your brain to stay upbeat.
1. Practice gratitude
People who keep a daily “gratitude list” become happier and more successful over time. Every night before you go to sleep, write down three things that you’re grateful for. If one of them is work-related, you’re training your brain to let go of the daily hassles and notice the good things about your job – including, of course, having one in the first place.
2. Smile, laugh and have fun
While many people think the words ‘work’ and ‘fun’ are mutually exclusive, research shows that bursts of lightheartedness actually cause people to think more clearly and creatively.
When we’re happy, our neurons fire faster and more efficiently. Life is filled with humor – take the time to look.
Even a simple smile releases endorphins.
- Brighten your surroundings
Everything around you affects your frame of mind. You have the power to control much of the environmental input.
Surround yourself with pictures and objects that lead you toward positive thoughts. Your mood and your brain reflect your new choices.
4. Listen to music
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Berthold Auerbach
Even listening to one song can shift your perspective. One of my favorites is “I Am Alive” by Celine Dion. It never fails to lift my spirits. Find one that works to you and keep it close by.
5. Reach out
We don’t always make the best decisions during times of stress, such as shutting down our social connections to focus on work.The greatest predictor of success during stress and challenge is the quality and quantity of our relationships.
Close ties to family and friends are among the biggest contributors to happiness, and may even help people live longer. Take the time to strengthen those connections in your life. Reach out and call a friend or family member.
6. Think of life as a series of sprints, not a marathon.
If you sit too long your muscles tense up, your eyes glaze over, and your energy lags. After two hours of continuous work, your brain function actually slows and your body starts to rapidly accumulate stress and strain.
To offset that, split up your day into short sprints of 90 to 120 minutes each, with a 5-minute break in between. Take a 3-minute mini-walk or eat a high-protein 100- to 200-calorie snack. You’ll feel less run-down and worn out, and you’ll see a jump in your concentration and productivity.
Here is a link to Leslie Sansone’s mini-walk https://youtu.be/dGYOOP93wsM