EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
1. Self-talk – Your body hears everything you say whether it is out loud, your conscious thoughts or your unconscious thoughts and biases.
Positive self-talk refers to the habit of consciously and intentionally using optimistic and affirming language when speaking to oneself. This practice can have several benefits for an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as their overall quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits of positive self-talk:
Increased confidence: Positive self-talk can help you build confidence in your abilities. When you tell yourself that you can accomplish a task or overcome an obstacle, you are more likely to approach it with a can-do attitude.
Stress reduction: Positive self-talk can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Negative self-talk often involves catastrophic thinking and self-criticism, which can heighten stress. By replacing these negative thoughts with positive ones, you can create a more relaxed mental state.
Enhanced problem-solving: When you engage in positive self-talk, you’re more likely to approach challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset can lead to more effective problem-solving and a greater willingness to persevere in the face of adversity.
Better relationships: Positive self-talk can improve your relationships with others. When you have a more positive self-image, you’re likely to be more open, empathetic, and communicative in your interactions with others.
Increased motivation: Positive self-talk can boost motivation and productivity. When you use encouraging language, you can inspire yourself to take action and work toward your goals.
Health benefits: Research suggests that positive self-talk may have physical health benefits, including lower levels of stress hormones, improved immune function, and better cardiovascular health.
Positive self-talk is a valuable tool for promoting a positive mindset and achieving personal growth and success.
2. Time-out – A time-out, is often associated with children to help them calm down and reflect on their behavior, but it can also be beneficial for adults in certain situations. The “timeout” was developed by Psychologist Dr. Staats in 1958. He was known for developing a field of study called psychological behaviorism. But his “invention” is his elaboration of the timeout is sometimes called, became a fixture in homes where young children bound and played, inevitably breaking things and rules as they went about the hard work of growing up and making sense of themselves and the world. However, there are times that a brief time-out can help us as adults:
Emotional Regulation: Sometimes, adults encounter situations that provoke strong emotions such as anger, frustration, or anxiety. Taking a two-minute break can help them regain emotional control. It provides a brief pause to step away from the immediate trigger, allowing emotions to settle.
Stress Reduction: In high-stress situations, a quick time-out can prevent escalating stress levels. It gives individuals a moment to breathe, reduce tension, and gain perspective on the situation.
Conflict Resolution: When involved in a heated argument or conflict, stepping back for a few minutes can be a valuable strategy. It allows both parties to cool off and think more rationally before attempting to resolve the issue.
Decision-Making: When facing a challenging decision, a short break can help adults gather their thoughts, weigh the pros and cons, and make a more informed choice. It prevents impulsive decision-making.
Focus and Productivity: For tasks that require sustained focus, taking a two-minute break can actually improve productivity. It prevents burnout and mental fatigue, helping adults return to the task with renewed concentration.
Self-Reflection: During a brief time-out, adults can reflect on their behavior, feelings, and reactions. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of their own thought patterns and triggers.
Physical Relaxation: Adults can use a two-minute time-out for physical relaxation techniques like deep breathing or stretching. This can alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being.
Mindfulness Practice: Adults can use a short break as an opportunity to practice mindfulness or meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Recharge: If an adult is feeling fatigued or mentally drained, a brief time-out can serve as a mini-break to recharge and gather energy for the tasks ahead.
Conflict Avoidance: In some cases, a two-minute time-out can help avoid unnecessary conflicts by giving adults a chance to reconsider their response and whether it’s worth engaging in an argument.
While a two-minute time-out may not be suitable for every situation but, it can be a useful tool for adults to manage their emotions, improve decision-making, and enhance overall well-being. It’s important to recognize when you need a brief break and to use it effectively to reap the benefits it offers. One way to do this is to set the timer on your phone, (yes even if your to—do list is bearing down on you like a freight train) sit, breathe and notice. Try one of the breathing techniques we have looked at before, like Dr Amen’s or the Ice Man. If you are a busy person like me, it can feel uncomfortable to be still. You may need to practice until you get comfortable with it. Set a reminder on your phone every hour or at least twice a day for a two-minute time-out.