If you’ve been feeling slightly jaded or mildly ‘depressed’ recently, could it have something to do with the information diet you’re consuming?
Surrounded by doom-mongering headlines and tone of the Metro daily papers, news-stand posters, radio, websites and TV, it’s not surprising that these messages can impact the mindset and mood of more “sensitive” people.
It’s very easy to trigger the emotional response of ‘fear’ using language, imagery and voice tone. Most mainstream ‘news’ is designed to do exactly that – elicit a strong emotional response! Uncertainty, scarcity, pain and fear are all relatively easy to trigger in most human beings. Just listen to the music, words and tone of TV news to hear how expertly this is done!
Stress hormones released
We are genetically hardwired for a ‘fight or flight’ response when we perceive a ‘threat’. This lightening-speed reaction is designed to protect us and keep us safe. However stimulating that mechanism with an unhelpful or ‘stress-inducing’ information diet results in Cortisol (the stress hormone) being unnecessarily pumped through our body numerous times each day.
Ripple effect
Like a pebble being tossed into a calm pond, the information you consciously and unconsciously take in, instantly sends ripple effects throughout your whole system. If your unconscious mind ‘perceives’ threatening information, Cortisol is immediately secreted, influencing your adrenal glands, blood sugar levels, heart-rate, blood circulation, organ function, immune system, digestive system and hindering your ability to concentrate or think clearly.
Which would be okay if you had to run from a sabre-toothed tiger in the jungle, putting that Cortisol to good use!
However the presence of unnecessary cortisol induces an underlying tension, anxiety and stress. Your health is in danger of deteriorating and your body/skin aging more quickly, unless you find ways to release built-up cortisol with regular exercise, meditation and deep relaxation. Binge drinking or binge eating is definitely not a recommended prescription (extra stress on your blood sugar, liver and immune system) although a common rubber-band response for many over-worked individuals in the UK.
If you’re feeling over-fed on the current information diet, perhaps it’s time to consider a brain and body detox!
A time of opportunity
The current economic situation is a very exciting time of transformation for us all. In the larger context, we are being invited to question and redefine ‘systems’ that are not self-sustaining or of greatest benefit to the majority of human beings. On a community and individual level, we are being invited to question which values and lifestyle choices are genuinely important to us.
Many of the forthcoming transformations may appear ‘inconvenient’ for people individually. Any rapid and unplanned change in circumstances can have challenging consequences for those less mentally, physically and emotionally equipped to ride the wave. However any evolution calls for a releasing of the old and a welcoming of the new – whether that be a job, relationship, location, self-awareness or other change in circumstances.
Scarcity or abundance?
The current systems and structures are based on the concepts of lack and scarcity – that there’s ‘not enough’ to go around or that someone has to go ‘without’, for others to ‘have’. However when we simplify, we find that in truth, there is enough of what we genuinely need: water, food, energy, humanity.
When we maintain a simple life, we always have enough of what we need. If you are experiencing an uncomfortable level of change, learn to trust that around you there are always many generous people who are happy to share their time, resources and kindness to help each other through the ‘letting go’ process. All you have to do is ask for help or request a listening ear. Abundance is always within our reach.
Stay buoyant
If you’re noticing the impact of your current ‘information diet’ then make a change from now. Drop an information habit (e.g. don’t read the newspaper / watch the TV if you feel it has an undesirable impact on you) and instead pick a new, healthier information habit! Your body, mind and spirit will feel the benefits immediately.
7 Tips for Remaining Buoyant
1. Focus on the good stuff
What are you focusing on? Notice what is receiving your attention. You are in control of what you give your attention to. Remember the saying: “Energy flows where attention goes”. Are you focusing on absorbing the media messages or deflecting them? Do you have to read or listen to them at all? Especially don’t listen to the late-night news before you sleep, as those effects can linger with the mind unconsciously! Listen to relaxing, inspiring or motivating music or MP3s before / after work and before drifting into a calming sleep. Before sleeping, focus on silently or verbally expressing appreciation for the experiences, insights and lessons you enjoyed today. This resonate in your mind and body whilst you sleep.
2. Release unwanted emotions
Learn to release any unhelpful, lingering emotions of fear, anger, frustration, pain. Use breathing, conversation, meditation, yoga, chi-gong or visualization to restore your emotional balance at the end of each day. If unhelpful emotions linger for more than a few days, seek counseling, NLP or hypnotherapy to process those emotions and restore internal peace.
3. Improve your self-care
Look after your physical wellbeing by eating nutritious foods, remaining hydrated, removing caffeine (cortisol stimulant) and alcohol (imbalances blood sugar), taking time to rest (human ‘being’ rather than human ‘doing’), enjoying relaxing warm baths, meditating to clear the day, exploring intimacy or deepening companionship with those around you.
4. Boost your self-esteem
Speak to yourself internally with a warm tone of kindness, encouragement and loving support. Release self-judgment (the biggest hindrance to inner peace) and replace with a more observational, reflective self-talk. Rather than comparing yourself with others, honor your unique qualities and experiences each day. Notice and fulfill your human needs throughout the day.
5. Choose positive thinking
Are you tuned into an internal ‘bad news’ channel more often than not? Having different internal conversations with ourselves encourages a different response. Refocus your internal language on more positive self-talk:
Focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t..
Feel grateful for what you did experience today, rather than what you didn’t
Change a belief that is getting you down, into a positive belief. For example, if you believe ‘Life is hard’ then perhaps replace that with a more enabling positive belief such as ‘Life is a learning adventure’ or ‘Life is an interesting journey’ or ‘Life is.’ Period!
Be specific with what is bothering you / needing your attention (this helps reclaim your personal power of choice) rather than generalizing that ‘everything is bad’ (then you’re more likely to feel generally ‘bad’ too). Then take specific action!
Reassure yourself with a positive mantra, such as ‘this time too shall pass’ (we become what we tell ourselves)
Ask yourself: What is positive, possible or the opportunity in this situation? And what else might be possible here? (stretch the mind to realise even more possibilities!)
6. Nurture inner happiness
Make it a habit to practice random, loving acts of kindness to yourself and others, regardless of circumstances. Lighten up. Laugh it up! Slow down to play and have fun … create a commitment that your inner happiness receives priority attention from now!
7. Cultivate inner peace
We create inner peace through non-judgment, moments of silence and living in the ‘now’ (rather than worrying about the past or future). Trust in your own life’s journey and allow others to experience theirs. Release the need to control ‘everything’ and surrender yourself to the magic of life’s unfolding.
Ultimately, nothing is as ever ‘bad’ as it ‘seems’ so focus on helpful positives to remain bouyant and energised from the inside, regardless of what is happening on the outside!
“My life is my message” said Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 – 1948) who had a commitment to non-violence. His peaceful words and actions encouraged an entire nation to take a stand for what was truly important to them – freedom. We too can inspire ourselves and those around us to the higher vibrations of inner happiness, regardless of the messages around us! Make your life your message and remain buoyant.
By Alexis Garnaut-Miller, Success Coach & Health Writer
Alexis Garnaut-Miller is a Human Resources (HR) Consultant, Success Coach and workplace Health Expert. Founder of The Happiness Centre, leading London team of well-established natural health experts, happiness seminars and stress management training. Employee Wellbeing Services delivered onsite at London and UK workplaces. Individuals can book Appointments on 020 8749 3792 for: Osteopath London, Massage London, Acupuncture London, Homeopath London, Hypnotherapy London, Counseling London, NLP London, Pilates London, Yoga London. Home visits also available.
The Happiness Centre 204 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London W12 7JD. Telephone [+44] 020 8749 3792 Email info@thehappinesscentre.com. REGISTER NOW for free articles, interviews and audio downloads in the “Ultimate Happiness Ezine” at http://www.TheHappinessCentre.com.
Article Source: Happiness Skills – Remaining Buoyant Despite The News
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