Create Your Own Sunshine and Change Your Reality

Neil Sadaka sang it well:

But let's face it. We all have rough days—days that challenge and dishearten us—and that's okay. 
(Our long, dark, cold northern Canadian winters often don't help do they?) 
Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. 
Cry for 5 or 10 minutes if you want. 
Listen to some sad songs.
Maybe you need a short nap.

But don't stay there too long. 

Negative thinking can physically alter the pathways in your brain for the long term! 
Even lead to depression.

After you move through that? 
Positive, correct thinking can change you, your habits, and even change some of your reality. 
Even if it doesn't feel like it, your attitude- your light DOES make a difference—both for you, and for those in your path.  

Laugh Out Loud and why not add a whistle too?

Question: How do YOU work to stay positive yet real? 

Not a Pollyanna "I will never talk about anything bad or negative even if I'm dying inside, and I won't let you talk about your pain" kind of attitude. But a genuinely positive attitude that shines through even though you sometimes say "This is really tough but I will get through this."  

Beyond Basics Health Tips: 

1) Exercise has been shown to be a wonderful mood enhancer and more effective in the treatment of depression than antidepressants. Rhythmic exercise such as walking, running, swimming and dancing seems to be the best choice. Doing these activities outdoors is even better. 
(Do not stop taking antidepressants before talking to your doctor or mental healthcare provider.)

2) Doing your best to eat a balanced, nutrient rich diet can help boost your mood. Be sure to eat enough healthy fats, including Omega 3s. Check for nutritional deficiencies. Ones to look out for and consider adding to your diet are; Vitamin D, Bs, Zinc and Selenium.

Drink lots of water.

Even one day of drastically cutting down "junk" food can improve your mood. Reduce your intake of sugar, refined foods, vegetable oils, coffee and alcohol. Try to avoid caffeine and especially alcohol if you have a lot of down days or struggle with anxiety and depression.

I think we need another sunshine-y song before we go on:

Note: In our positive mind-set, "everything should always be fun", culture let's give people room to have a bad moment or even the very odd bad day. 
Try not to avoid a sad, hurting or depressed person.
Or be too quick to brush over someone's pain or give them careless platitudes and clichés such as: 
"Just be grateful for what you have." or 
"You have it so much better than a lot of people." or 
"He/she's in a better place now. God needed him/her in heaven." 

Hurting people will get over their pain much sooner if they are first acknowledged and shown they are cared for. 

Only after they have really been listened to, and only if you are a trusted friend or confidante, do you have the right to possibly give them any advice on getting help or correcting their thinking.
And, only if it is really obvious they are stuck in rut of self-pity or long-term unhealthy patterns of thinking- such as bitterness, hatred or unforgiveness. 

Some scripture if you are a Christian or appreciate ancient wisdom:  

"If a person’s thinking is controlled by his sinful self, then there is death. But if his thinking is controlled by the Spirit, then there is life and peace." 
-Romans 8:6  

"whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." 
-Philippians 4:8  

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 
-Romans 12:12  

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 
-Matthew 5:16 

I'm Walking On Sunshine

And last but certainly not least, the source of all light and joy:

Let Light Shine In

Think and act your way to a happy, positive day!

Coach Edie