Oftentimes we let difficult situations or people get the best of us and allow our thoughts and emotions get stuck on stupid.
You’re probably asking yourself… what in the world does she mean by that? Well, too often we rehearse in our mind the negativity that we’ve experienced, and replay it over and over again in our mind. It’s like listening to a broken record.
For those of you of the younger generation and unfamiliar with this ‘broken record’ term, it refers to a scratch in a vinyl record that would cause the needle [or stylus] to stay in the same groove- annoyingly causing it to repeat itself, over and over again, until one bumped it a little to get it unstuck.
We’re all guilty of getting stuck on stupid at one time or another but fortunately, there are a few ways that we can make a conscious decision to “bump” ourselves that can help us get “unstuck” so to speak.
Tip #1 GRATITUDE
We can get so bogged down and wrapped up in our problems that we forget to be grateful for all that we possess. Take a few moments each day and use the following technique to help develop an attitude of gratitude.
Start by applying a drop or two of Gratitude essential oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Now cup your hands together and hold over your nose; close your eyes and inhale for a few minutes… and put all thoughts aside. Let go of your thoughts and intentions and let your mind rest and focus on those things or people that bring you joy and pleasure. Focus on 3-5 things that you are grateful for and give thanks for them.
You can use this technique any time of day but it can be especially helpful when done when you have the least amount of distractions… first thing in the morning, during prayer and meditation, or before going to bed at night.
Tip #2 MUSIC
Science has shown that music therapy is an effective tool to soothe and uplift the spirit, and can help calm and release anxiety in today’s noisy, high stress world. It can actually help reduce cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) levels from rising during stressful situations. Negative thoughts and emotions not only produce stress in our lives, they can quickly deplete the human spirit which can affect our health. So the next time you’re feeling stressed and anxious put on some calming, uplifting music and experience the power of music to not only calm but energize and motivate you, in a positive direction. I love to put on praise and worship music in these situations. I find that its impossible for me to stay downcast and focused on my problems while worshiping God. It helps me get unstuck and allows me to move forward.
Tip #3 AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils, has become increasingly popular in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing tools used to help maintain balance your the body, mind, uplift. And for good reason… your sense of smell is powerful and can instantly affect you on all levels! Essential oils are highly effective in helping to deal with emotional turmoil and stress from everyday situations in life. Our sense of smell is intimately linked to the parts of the brain that process emotion. All the emotions that we’ve ever experienced are imprinted and stored into the amygdala- fear, pain, trauma, joy, happiness, etc.
“The ability of essential oils to act on both the mind and the body is what makes them truly unique among natural substances. The fragrance of some essential oils can be very stimulating– both psychologically and physically.”- D. Gary Young
Whether you inhale them, apply them topically, or ingest them many people find that essential oils and their aromas can invigorate and revitalize, or have a calming effect physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Many people have the misconception that aromatherapy is only about inhaling essential oils. Its not! There are various ways to use essential oils. Depending on the oil or oils being used there are various ways to use them. Here are a few you might like to try:
- Add 3-4 drops to a cold-air diffuser and diffuse
- Apply a couple of drops to neck, wrists or temples
- Add a drop or two to a glass of water or juice, and drink
A word of caution here… most essential oils on the market are adulterated and not safe to ingest or to apply to the skin.
Most essential oils found at your local store or on-line are nothing more than nice smelling scents. Because of Young Living’s SEED-TO-SEAL process and commitment to quality they are the only essential oils that I would ever consider ingesting! Before ingesting essential oils always check the bottle label for warning.
Tip #4 LAUGHTER
They say that laughter is the best medicine, right? It’s hard to stay downcast when your laughing. Laughter is often expressed during times of stress or grief, and sometimes seems to come at awkward moments… but it’s actually a good thing. Laughter helps to relieve stress and pressure during difficult times by kicking in your endorphins, giving you a natural high.
A great way to achieve this is to watch a video of your favorite comedian or comedy, read the comics or a funny book, or hang with someone who always makes you laugh. Hopefully you have someone like that in your life!
With her wry, tongue-in-check sense of humor, Erma Bombeck, a very popular humorist and newspaper columnist was a master of humor and had a skill that few, before or after her, have been able to attain. She had a wonderful way of talking about everyday topics in such a way that cut right to the core while making you laugh at the same time. I love this quote of Erma Bombeck’s… “If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I stuck in the pits?”
She taught us to not take life so seriously and find a way to laugh at ourselves and the circumstances of everyday life.
So the next time life seems to be getting the best of you and you need to get “unstuck” try giving these tips a try and see if they help you come away with a better outlook on life. Determine in your own mind to be intentional with your thoughts and don’t allow yourself to be stuck in negativity. Keep in mind that your thoughts become emotions and emotions become attitudes. Whether good or bad, your thoughts and the words you speak WILL produce a ripple effect!
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
