If you’ve ever found it difficult to stay positive during times of stress, taking time to be mindful and writing in a gratitude journal can improve your mood and focus. Writing, along with mindfulness exercises and spending time with people you care about can all bring you out of a negative, high-anxiety state and allow you to relax. Our orthodontist near Irmo explains more below.
Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is just what it sounds like – a journal where you write down what you’re grateful for. It can be hard to focus on the good things in your daily life if you’re in the midst of tough times. However, sitting down to actively focus and write a list of what you’re grateful for will bring up more positives than you realize! This activity can reduce stress and realign your thoughts for a clearer mind.
Mindfulness Exercises
There are short exercises that you can practice throughout the day to keep you grounded. Practice deep breathing for 1-3 minutes during the day if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Positive affirmations, such as creating a mantra for yourself, can be extremely helpful in keeping you focused and happy. Also, if you can make it outside, take time to stop, quiet your thoughts, and simply take in your surroundings for a few minutes.
Spend Time With Family and Friends
In addition to penning what you’re grateful for and being mindful, connecting with your family, and spending quality time together will help during stressful times. Play a game together, watch a funny movie, or try out a new recipe for dinner. Additionally, support from friends is important during a socially isolated time – try to meet up with friends over Zoom as much as possible to keep that sense of social connection.
Contact Our Orthodontist near Irmo Today To Schedule An Appointment!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact White Brown Smiles, with a convenient orthodontic office near Irmo by clicking here or by calling 803.708.7390.
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