I know that especially when life gets tough, when we struggle with challenges, life changes or losses — little tools and routines can feel like life-saving devices, helping us get back to the surface to catch our breath, see the light and beauty that seemed overshadowed or lost. In this article, I’m sharing some of my go-to tools and routines that have made a tremendous impact in my life to help boost feeling more joyful and positive.
Essential oils, especially when used aromatically, are wonderful tools when it comes to supporting emotions.
My favorite essential oils to boost feeling more joyful and positive are:
Wild Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit.
Sometimes, shifting our energy towards feeling more positive is tied to increasing our self belief and overcoming or releasing limiting beliefs.
My favorite essential oils for boosting self belief are:
Bergamot, Neroli, Wild Orange, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Cedarwood
My favorite essential oils to help release limiting beliefs are:
Cypress, Black Spruce, Juniper Berry, Grapefruit, Bergamot
Use the essential oils of your choice DAILY (see aromatic use suggestions – it is most immediate and beneficial) and combine with practicing other routines that my help create a shift towards feeling more joyful and positive.
Joy & Positivity Boosting Routines
Positive Words
Only use positive words when talking to yourself in your head or speaking about yourself. Reframe negative thoughts in a positive way.
Be Your Greatest Cheerleader
Don’t wait for support or praise from others, cheer yourself on like you would cheer on your very best friend.
Be Proud of Yourself
Look at any achievement, no matter how small, and practice being proud of yourself. Maybe even reward yourself in a healthy way for an achievement.
Challenge Yourself
Try something outside your comfort zone and reward yourself for even trying, no matter the outcome.
Nurture Yourself
Nurture your body, to nurture your spirit. Be conscious of the brain-mood-nutrient connection and feed your body with essential nutrients.
Movement & Exercise
Walking, biking, exercising, dancing, nature hiking, and other sports or exercises that get our heart pumping, stimulate the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins, which can strengthen our resolve, self belief and positivity.
Become Mindful
Turn your focus inward, listen to your body and emotional needs and put the importance on them they deserve.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Learn when to say no and focus on developing healthy and positive relationships.
Shift Your Mindset
Focus on the good things in your daily life (no matter how small) and try to shift perspective on those things that are challenging. Is there anything positive that comes from the challenge itself and/or from finding a way to overcome it?
Improve Stress Coping Skills
Work on improving coping skills to achieve greater balance and thrive even during stressful times. Find the right tools to relieve and manage stress.
Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Shift self image from “I’m not…” to “I am…(positive word)”, from “I can’t” to “I can…”. Set yourself small achievable goals, praise yourself for the progress you are making.
Stop Comparing
Comparisons are unhealthy, they can make us feel envious and bad about ourselves or our life. Recognize your triggers and become fully aware of the negative impact they have on you. Let the thoughts pass through, don’t attach to them, instead turn your full focus on something you are grateful for.
End Self Judgement
Turn your “I should have…” thoughts into “I did the best I could at the time” and release yourself from self judgement and self blame.
Strike a Pose
Stand for 2 minutes, feet hip width apart, hands on hips, chest out, tall, striking the “Wonder Woman” pose. According to Amy Cuddy (Harvard University) our body language shapes who we are. This pose strengthens self belief and positivity.
Affirmations & Mantras
Find a few affirmations or mantras that speak to you and tie them into regular occurring task / situation (i.e. brushing teeth, washing hands, loading the dishwasher, waiting at a red light, etc.). Here a few examples that boost positivity and self belief:
“I will succeed”
“I’m strong and resourceful”
“I am ready to create positive change”
“There is nothing that will hold me back”
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude fuels positivity. Express gratitude towards yourself and what you have in life and also express gratitude towards others (kind words, a note, phone call or message).
Laugh More
Laughing creates positivity and joyful feelings. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and feel positive, watch comedy shows, funny skids or movies that uplift your spirits.
Create Little ‘Nuggets’ of Happiness
Every day, do something (even if only for a short time) for yourself that you know makes you feel happy. Whether its running, dancing, yoga, meditating, going for a walk outside, working on a hobby or long lost project, crafting, painting, photography — it could be anything that fills your heart with joy, takes your mind off everything else. Listen to your body and mind and make a list of things you like to spend a little time on weekly. I’ve found that things that include being in nature, music and movement (dance or exercise), and creative tasks create my most beneficial nuggets of happiness. What are yours?
Most important, whatever you do (and don’t feel you have to incorporate all of the suggestions above at once – start with just one or two that speak to you) DO IT DAILY!! Only what becomes routine creates lasting change.
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