Negativity is such a drain on our bodies and our minds. It has been linked to both mental health and physical health issues. Mental health issues can include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and obsessive disorder. Physical issues can include; degenerative brain diseases, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and slower recovery from sickness. Changing your mindset does not happen overnight. It requires bringing awareness to those activities, thoughts and actions that create this negativity and then a change in those behaviors over time.
YOGA TOOLS TO TURN NEGATIVITY INTO POSITIVITY
MINDFUL MEDITATION
Mindful mediation is the process of sitting quietly with your breath and noticing; your thought patterns and your emotions.. Spending time in mindful mediation will help you notice which thoughts are a theme for you and if a certain thought is helpful or not?” “does it instigate any of the negative emotions in you? As you bring negative patterns to light, you can release the power they have over your mindset and turn your focus toward positivity.
START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Create a daily journal listing at least 3 aspects of your day that gave you gratitude. Sample Prompts could be as simple as “My favorite place in nature” to “3 things I like about myself “or “There are people who love and appreciate me” As you create your journal, you will create the habit of noticing positivity.
PRANAYAMA/BREATH WORK
Yogic breathing exercises are powerful tools to expel negative energy from your mind and body. Lions’ Breath, Ujjayi , & Kapalabhati breath are the techniques I like to use. Here is a short video that begins with a simple Lions breath and then continues on the Ujjayi, & Kapalabhati breath. Caution: Do not perform Kapalabhati breath if you are pregnant or have stomach issues.
