Mind Set Changes Everything

As we continue to navigate this crazy pandemic, which seems to have turned the world upside down, many, if not most of us are navigating a host of emotions. We do not always have control over what is going on in our world, but our mindset and how we view things can change everything. First, let us look at some facts. The way we think affects neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that affect everything in our bodies. They react with our hormones, affect our digestion, and affect our mood and emotions.

We are all going to feel a host of emotions during times of extreme change. Emotions are an essential part of who we are as humans. They can be complicated in a normal situation, but in the present atmosphere of COVID and social distancing, they can feel exceptionally confusing. Knowing how to name them, talk about them, and tools to help you navigate them is key to navigating our emotional well being.

You can’t always control what is going on, but looking at the situation and the choices you have before can help you navigate the changes and minimize the stress you are experiencing. Many parents are trying to navigate sending their children back to school while figuring out work situations for themselves. Outlining what your choices are and then brainstorming solutions that can help. Many people during this time have formed groups that they interact with safely. They agree to minimize other exposures so but interact solely with each other. People have gotten creative with driveby or virtual birthday parties, weddings, and other life cycle events.

One of the tools that we have all heard about is mindfulness and meditation. But were you aware that meditation actually can change the structure of the brain—enlarging the area of the brain responsible for rational thinking, decreasing the part of the brain responsible for emotions, allowing us to have better control of how we are feeling? Taking a few moments to quiet the mind can do wonders for our health, both physically and mentally and reframing how you look at your situation.

I have learned from my dear friend that questions can change everything. How can you look at the situation in a manner that has you approaching the situation differently? For example, you might ask; What new project can during this time? What new thing can I learn? How can I use this time too…..you fill in the end. Youtube has tons of instructional videos.

Changing your mindset can be as simple as getting out in nature. There is a boatload of science that shows getting out in nature improves our mood in a multitude of ways. Sunshine regulates your biorhythm and helps your body produce natural vitamin D. Unplugging and getting out in nature helps decrease stress hormones, helps the body to oxygenate, and gives y our brain a chance to recharge. Once again, those neurotransmitters come into play. The body is continuously responding to our environment, or I say, what we put in on and around our bodies. The first thing I do each morning is step outside. I try to stand barefooted on the grass. This not only connects me to earth’s energy but helps my microbiome, which can increase serotonin that wonderful feel-good hormone.

Nature also provides us with beautiful aromas, the scents of plants, flowers, trees, herbs, spices, and grasses, have been shown to change mood and mindset quickly. While there is no quick fix to any mental health issues, essential oils can offer fantastic support. They can help you see the brighter side of life, calm nervous tension, and uplift the mood.

You may not be able to change and control what is going on in your world. What you can change is your mindset and how you respond.

Great health starts with what you put in, on and around your body. Let’s talk. Set up a 30-minute strategy session to learn how you can live your healthiest most vibrant life.