Notice What Is Going Well

We tend to focus more on the negative than the positive. So when things are going well, we almost don't notice it.

Periodically pause and think about things that went well. Make it a habit. It actually rewires your brain a bit to notice positive things more in the future. So it's a way to help our brains think more positively.

Identify your team’s, your co-worker’s, or your own strengths

Knowing that you did something to lead to that good outcome is different than just feeling happy it happened or lucky it happened. Let a coworker know that they contributed to something good. It spreads a sense of confidence, a sense of ability, and a sense of control. It feels good and it becomes a habit.

Appreciate Effort

Effort is something we have control over. We don't necessarily have control in the moment over what skills we have, what we know, what we're good at. But we can control our effort.

I can put my best effort into something, even if I'm not sure I'm going to be that good at it, even if I'm not sure what the outcome is going to be. The outcome may not be what we wanted. But if we put good effort into it, maybe we can feel good about that.

We can do that for each other, too. "I really saw how hard you worked at that, and I really appreciate that."

Practice Gratitude: 3 Good Things

"3 Good Things" is a powerful gratitude practice that can bring more positivity into your life.

Each day, take a moment to think about 3 good things that happened to you (or 3 things you're grateful for) and write them down.

By focusing on these positive experiences, you'll train your mind to appreciate the bright moments in your life. Over time, this simple routine will help you feel happier, less stressed, and more resilient.

Consistency is key to truly benefit from this practice, but you can start right now.

Types of Self-Care

Practicing self-care is about taking time to focus on your wellbeing and nurture your mind, body, and soul.

By dedicating moments to activities that make you feel good, you'll create a healthy balance in your life. Remember to listen to your needs, whether it's exercise, relaxation, or spending time with loved ones.

Prioritizing self-care helps you build resilience, manage stress, and maintain a positive outlook. What should you prioritize right now? Pause now to tend to it... or schedule it.

Self-Care: Wellness Wheel

The wellness wheel is a visual tool that helps you assess different aspects of your well-being. It uses sections of categories such as physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health, to cover all dimensions of self-care. To use the wheel, reflect on each area and identify where you might need improvement or extra attention. (It's quite common to feel "off" or to neglect one or more from time-to-time.)

Create a plan to address these areas and set achievable goals. By focusing on nurturing each aspect of the wellness wheel, you'll develop a more holistic approach to self-care.

Finish something on your “To-Do” list

Getting something done helps to reduce stress because something's actually done. It might also give a sense of capability and accomplishment.

Pick the thing that's the easiest to do. Do that thing and get it off the list.

In psychology "behavioral activation" is when you start doing something, it's easier to do the next thing. So start small. Anything that you get done. Make your bed, take a shower, make your to-do list, etc.

Take a Break

One way to avoid getting to the Yellow or Orange Zones is to rest even when things are going well.

Sometimes when we're feeling good, we might push it and keep going. We enjoy that sense of accomplishment. We enjoy that sense of busyness. But we forget to rest while we're feeling good.

Take a break, even if only a short one.

Offer to Help Someone Else

By helping someone else, you get a sense of positive impact. You accomplish something useful and meaningful. You get that emotional sense of positivity.

It also helps you feel capable, like "I accomplished something."

If you help me and I help you. Well, then, we both get what we need.

Stretch

Taking a stretch break is a simple yet effective way to give your body and mind a quick reset.

When you're sitting or standing for long periods, your muscles can become stiff, and your focus might wane.

Pause to stretch. You'll improve blood flow, increase flexibility, and reduce muscle tension.

Incorporate stretch breaks throughout your day, targeting areas like your neck, shoulders, back, and legs. You'll notice the benefits of feeling more relaxed and refreshed.