In the News Psychological Hacks for Better Mental Health – Part II

Continued from Part I…)

 

• Look around — notice those areas that need a make-over. We often get stuck in habitual patterns of behavior. Life is constantly evolving — things that used to work may no longer. Adjust accordingly.
• Avoid wearing all-grey clothes to work as this color is associated with passivity, low involvement. and a lack of energy.
• Make Sunday your personal-care day: get a massage, a mani-pedi, extra sleep, a delicious brunch, or catch up on leisure reading.
• Wake up 15 minutes earlier than normal during the week. Moving slowly and purposefully sets you up for a calm, peaceful day where you are in control. Not the other way around.
• Leave drama where it belongs: On Broadway or at the movies. Your central nervous system will thank you.
• Steer clear of jerks. And while you’re at it, don’t be a jerk yourself!
• Think faster. As counter intuitive as it may seem, mulling, over-analyzing, and delaying decisions doesn’t help. Trust yourself and decide, already.
• Remember that happinessis a habit. You can rewire your emotional template every day. Let these tips guide you.
• When distraction interferes with productivity, try the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a break for 5 minutes. Repeat this sequence two more times. On the fourth round, take a longer break. Having an egg timer or mobile device helps keep track of time.
• Dance, skip, tell a joke, or do something you normally wouldn’t do that adds whimsy, spontaneity, and fun to your day.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.