Our emotions can have a big impact on our lives, especially if we are not aware of what triggers them and we do not know how to cope effectively.   

As discussed earlier, we can build mental fitness in our lives by becoming more aware of our thought patterns and choosing to strengthen neural pathways that support a healthy way of living.

We can choose how we will respond

As we build awareness, we can choose how we respond to any given situation, rather than reacting to it from an emotional response.  With the same deliberate, persistent, and consistent action we use to strengthen muscles, we can create neural pathways that better serve healthy lives.

As we practice breaking unhelpful thoughts or mood patterns, we can lower our symptoms of stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression.

So, let’s pay attention to your moods.

Do you notice that you can spiral into negative thoughts when you are stressed, worried, or overwhelmed?

Do you notice that you can feel great excitement or joy when anticipating a happy event? 

Track your moods

Tracking your moods is a great way to BECOME AWARE of how your thoughts affect your emotions.   Pay attention to when you feel sad, overwhelmed, or unappreciated.

• What is the event?
• What are you thinking?
• Where are you?
• Where are you going?
• Who is with you?
• What triggered this feeling?

Track your Positive Feelings

Do the same for positive feelings.

• Then ask yourself – is there another way to look at this event?
• Is there something else I could say to myself that would lift my mood?
• Is this a cyclical feeling? Anniversary? Day of the week?
• If so, how can I prepare for this so I do not feel this way?

Track the things that affect your mood

What are the patterns of thoughts and behaviour that affect my mood? 

• What are the small things that affect me?
• What are the big things?
• How can I make tiny changes so that I feel more positive?

The situation may not change, but I will change and that is empowering. 

As we persist in this way of examining our moods, we will begin to create new neural pathways and find ourselves feeling more hopeful and joyful.  Over time and practice, we will notice our mood improving as we feel more control over our reactions.  Our patterns will become visible to us so we can begin to do something constructive to change them. 

Journal your thoughts and feelings as it helps to prioritize problems, concerns, fears, and joys.  It will also help you recognize triggers and adjust accordingly. 

Assess, adjust, & relax

Mental fitness does not need to take up a lot of your time. By choosing a few moments of your day to assess, relax, and adjust, you are taking control of your emotions, your responses, and your thoughts.  That will inevitably be reflected in your body, sleep, and relationships. 

I hope you found this helpful, that you will practice these habits, and that you will find increased joy in living your best life.