Happy January 2016 peeps – I am writing this post because so many people I know feel completely miserable at this time of year (myself included) 😉 I am not a naturally of sunny disposition, but I do work very hard at trying to focus on all the positives around me. As I have gotten older I have found it easier and easier to practice being cheerful which has (I hope) had a positive impact on my life + demeanour.
I am going to share a few of the techniques that have helped me to remain cheery in the face of adversity (Especially this grim January weather) 😉
- Keep a HAPPINESS Jar.
I have seen this idea a few times over the last few weeks, the latest one on this lovely blog. The idea is that On January 1, 2016 get a jar (any size) and get some small sticky notes. Everything good that happens in the year 2016 write down on a sticky note and put it in your jar. At the end of the year on December 31, 2016, empty your jar and read all the great things that happened to you that year 🙂
- Confide in a friend or qualified coach.
As difficult as it is sometimes for people to ask for help, this can actually be hugely therapeutic for you. I am sure that a friend will help to lighten the load, make you laugh and maybe able to help you see a different perspective on a situation. I dearly know that working on my own can be a very lonely place and I rely on my good friends to make me smile + laugh 🙂 As a coach I also see how hugely positive this can be for someone just to feel HEARD. It’s good to talk someone once told me 😉
- Exercise Intensely.
Exercising intensely can help to raise those ENDORPHINS that make us smile. We obviously do this at Cambridge Bootcamps and ALL the events we run. It is AMAZING how many smiles I see at work and how the ladies leave our sessions giggling insanely with each other •see 2nd point*
- Remember how many adversities you HAVE overcome.
Allow yourself to remember difficult situations that you have found yourself in that have evoked sadness, anger, fear, frustration, anxiety. Then focus on how you dealt with those situations – allow them to give you strength and focus that you are stronger than you think 🙂
- Make a GRATITUDE List.
It is VERY easy to chat about all the negative points about our life. It is much harder to sit down and literally write down everything you are thankful for. I did this every night for about 6 months and it really helped me. It has also helped many of my coaching clients. I believe it is time well spent listing all the things we LOVE, ENJOY, APPRECIATE, EMBRACE, CELEBRATE about what we have and who we are. Keep a note book by your bed and end your day with a gratitude list.
These are just a few of the things that have helped me + my clients to recognise the gifts I/ they do have. I tend to try and re focus on these things daily to help maintain focus. For when I am hit with adversity + I lose the energy to do these exercises I really lose my focus, energies, sunny disposition, momentum. I have found it is much more proactive to make time to get these exercises into my daily ritual.
I hope this is helpful, if you have any helpful tools that you do when you’re down, please do leave a comment.
Happy January 🙂
Charlie x
http://www.cambridgebootcamps.com
http://www.purplefitness.co.uk
