If you criticise yourself, doubt your talents, and second-guess your decisions, you will undermine your performance (and most likely jeopardise your physical and psychological health). The good news is that you can modify your way of thinking. Here are five practices that will help you educate your brain to be happy and successful.
1. Distinguish between deliberating and problem solving
Thinking about solutions to overcome a problem is beneficial, but imagining yourself unable to bear discomfort is not. When you find yourself ruminating about anything for an extended period of time, take a moment to consider whether you’re ruminating or problem-solving.
2. Give yourself the same advice you would to a trustworthy friend
Self-compassion has been related in studies to anything from improved psychological well-being and body image to greater self-worth and drive. So make it a practise to speak to oneself as you would to a close friend.
3. Label your feelings
Most people are uncomfortable discussing or displaying their emotions. As a result, many people have become emotionally detached from their feelings, making it difficult for them to realise how they are feeling at any particular time. Every day, take a few minutes to acknowledge your emotional state. Label your emotions and explore how they might influence your decisions.
4. Complement your emotions with reasoning
Whether you’re faced with a difficult financial decision or a family conflict, you’ll make the greatest decisions when you can balance your emotions with rationality. Take actions to improve your reasonable thinking when your emotions are running high. Making a list of the pros and drawbacks of your options is the greatest method to balance your emotions. Reading through the list might help you remove some of the emotion from the decision and enable you to make the best decision possible.
5. Practice thankfulness
Happiness has been linked to a variety of physical and psychological advantages, including gratitude. According to one study, appreciative people are 25% happier. So, whether you make it a practise to express your thankfulness over breakfast every morning or you keep a gratitude notebook before bed, educate your brain to look for the positive in life. It could be the easiest, yet most effective, approach to improve your health.