The mid-year slump has officially kicked in. Make use of our 10-step guide to getting in touch with a more serene, tranquil you – no more being stressed out!
You’re not alone if you are feeling decidedly unmotivated, so take heart in that. The middle of the year offers the perfect storm of performance appraisals, lousy weather and long-gone holidays (or some that are still in the planning phase). But here’s the thing: You will get through it! Here are a few easy tips to help you out.
1. Begin with a bang
Have you ever noticed that when you oversleep and are rushed in the morning, you’re left feeling pressed for time the entire day? Adjust your morning routine to wake up slightly earlier than usual. Then, set aside a few minutes to ground yourself for the day ahead and think about all the things you want to achieve.
2. Silence your inner critic
Would you tell your best friend that she looks like a whale in that LBD, or call her a failure? No way! So why do it to yourself? Negative self-talk drives a wedge between you and your inner peace. Pay attention when you speak to yourself; replace harmful messages with positive reinforcement.
@giuliahalkier_ Proven Affirmations for Killer Confidence 😮💨♥️ Rinse and repeat these daily and watch the magic unfold! ✨✨ Affirmations and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) work together to boost confidence and self-esteem. These methods target negative thoughts and emotions, rewiring your mindset for a positive self-image. Here's their combined process: * Identifying Negative Beliefs: EFT involves acknowledging negative emotions through acupressure tapping. This reveals concealed self-limiting beliefs. * Affirmation Integration: Combine EFT with affirmations to counter negative beliefs. For instance, while tapping on low self-worth, repeat affirmations like "I am worthy of love and success." * Interrupting Patterns: EFT interrupts negative thought patterns, creating space for affirmations. Tapping disrupts negativity, making room for acceptance of positive beliefs. * Emotional Release: EFT releases emotional blockages tied to negativity. This primes you to embrace affirmations, as emotional resistance wanes. * Positive Statement Integration: EFT embeds affirmations in your conscious and subconscious. Tapping targets emotion-related meridians, reinforcing affirmations' impact. * Nurturing Self-Compassion: EFT and affirmations foster self-compassion. EFT encourages self-acceptance, aligning with positive affirmations for enhanced self-esteem. * Strengthening Change: EFT dismantles negative thought patterns, while affirmations build new, positive pathways. This dual approach shifts from doubt to self-belief. * Holistic Strategy: EFT's mind-body connection and affirmations' cognitive focus create a holistic method, addressing mental and emotional aspects of confidence. * Consistent Repetition: Regular EFT practice, like affirmations, is crucial. Regular tapping with affirmations instills positive self-beliefs over time. Combine EFT and affirmations by tapping into negative feelings and introducing relevant affirmations. This synergy enhances both techniques, fostering a powerful transformation in how you perceive yourself! #luckygirlaffirmation #howtogainconfidence #nervousystemhealing #efttappingtherapy #efttappingcoach #emotionalfreedomtechniques #affirmations #affirmationsforconfidence ♬ original sound – Giuliahalkier_
3. Comparison is the thief of joy
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wishing that you had Kerry Washington’s good looks or your best friend’s job/house/ wardrobe. Social media also adds to the frustration with snapshots of everyone else’s ‘perfect’ lives. When you stop and realise your journey is completely unique and we’re all fighting our own battles, you will stop comparing yourself to others.
4. Unplug
Your smartphone and computer are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to draining your energy and squashing any feelings of tranquillity. Take a digital detox on weekends and ban devices from the dinner table and the bedroom. Sleep is far more important than an email you can attend to in the morning.
@moratwemasima Needed a digital detox to start 2024 right ✨ #digitaldetox #freestatesouthafrica #traveltiktok #travelvlogsouthafrica #bushgetaway #naturevibes ♬ original sound – wisdm.mari
5. Laugh out loud
There are few situations in life that can’t be cured (at least temporarily) by laughter. Whether it’s seeing a comedy show or watching a few funny videos of kids, having a good belly laugh is an instant stress-reliever.
6. Just breathe!
Sounds obvious, but focusing on your breath is one of the easiest ways to destress during an overwhelming situation. Best-selling author Dr Andrew Weil recommends the 4-7-8 technique: Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth and keep it there. Inhale through your nose for a count of four; hold your breath for seven counts; then exhale through your mouth for eight while making a ‘whoosh’ sound. Repeat three times.
7. Get your savasana on!
Also known as the Corpse Pose in yoga, this is the equivalent of a good night’s rest and will bring utter relaxation. It requires you to simply soften your entire body while lying on your back, arms at your sides, palms facing upward, legs straight and your feet turned outwards. Do this for five to 15 minutes.
8. An app a day
For positive, life- enhancing phone time, get this free, innovative app that will help you unwind. Headspace (free for Android and iOS) will help lead you to a more centred, harmonious place with guided meditations, ambient nature sounds as well as daily videos to keep you inspired and mindful throughout the day.
@headspace What’s your positive intention for the day? #BreathingnExercise #DeepBreaths ♬ original sound – Headspace
9. Quiet your mind
Meditation isn’t as scary as it sounds. You don’t have to sit for hours chanting, and you can customize the type of meditation you do to suit to your needs and the time you have. To start with, try a walking meditation: Go outside, pay attention to your movements, the sensation of your breath, the wind or sun on your skin, and all the sounds and sights around you. If you start thinking about your to-do list, simply bring your attention back to the present moment and your surroundings.
10. Que Será Será
You have no control over other people’s thoughts or behaviour, but you are in complete control of your own feelings and reactions to everything. Unrealistic expectations cause disappointment, so make sure that you’re not expecting too much from yourself – or others. Accept that you will never be able to change others, but you do have the power to change yourself.
Words by: Tracy Branfield
Photo: Gallo/Getty Images
