5 Ways to Remain in Good Spirits

Between the impending threat of a recession, the egregious housing market, and the onset of crippling anxieties us as millennials face day after day, how can we as growing adults continue to remain in good spirits? Like much of what we go through and continue to go through, we have to create healthy habits that take much longer than a binge session of the latest Stranger Things season. Practice doesn't make perfection, but progress, and that is what we are striving for. Moving the dial is a healthy step regardless, so let's dive into some habits we can start to create that will allow us our own stock in endorphins.

1. Creating a Stable (Realistic) Exercise Routine - "Exercise gives you endorphins, Endorphins make you happy, Happy people just don't kill their husbands, they just don't" The greatest lawyer is not wrong on this front, and continues to prove that a healthy exercise regimen allows stress relief, endorphin release, and a way to balance poor diet choices. By balancing our exercise routines, we give ourselves a schedule to adhere to that allows for other benefits including; personal time, flexibility and mobility, personal relationship building, and personal time to ourselves. This does not include a thirty minute sprint on the treadmill, but could include yoga in the park, a peloton session or even a pick up game of basketball. Do not limit yourself and allow yourself to start a new habit.

2. Meditation - Shutting the world out and focusing on breathing is more than just a constant reminder from your Apple Watch. Finding an inner breath can help you process the everyday stress you are experiencing while allowing you to recharge for ten minutes before tackling that Zoom meeting with the person who doesn't know how the mute button works. This meditation can take place in the morning in your living room with a random YouTube video to help you start off the day or it can under your desk mid afternoon with a podcast on Spotify. Finding your center and your breathing can stabilize whatever is clouding your mind. Stop and finally take that one minute to focus on your breathing.

3. Create a Mantra - "Water off a Duck's Back" "Control What You Can Control" "F*ck the Haters" Whatever it is , continue to remind yourself that there is always a calm after the storm. Hearing these words out loud creates a balance between your mind and your voice. Get those words out of your head and in the air around you. By physically reminding ourselves that "Sh*t Happens" we are able to forgive the universe a bit easier. The less pressure and stress we put on ourselves from outside forces, the easier it is to stay on that center line of neutrality.

4. Surround Yourself With Healthy People - We often mold into the person we are by the people we constantly surround ourselves with; the good, the bad, and the negative. This is why it it is crucial to align our inner circle with people who share a common outlook on life. Want to be more fiscally responsible? Then cut off that "Let's go celebrate" friend who proposes shots at the bar every time they wake up the morning. Want to establish that workout routine? Then sign up for a running club, yes they do that for fun. A healthy group of friends can allow you to maintain on a path of good spirits, while learning coping mechanisms that direct you back on that path. And who knows, you may be that joy that brings someone else to their good spirits.

5. Never Give Up on A Brighter Day - Every night is darkest before the dawn, thus the cycle of the day. However, we hit these low points, discovering more about ourselves then we were willing to see. Don't think of this as a weakness, it's a learning adventure. Moments are simply that, take that breath and find the steps to get you to your equilibrium, thus it is always possible to return to good spirits.

Mental Health is an ever evolving catalyst in our day to day life, and unlike some of our predecessors, we can no longer ignore the voice in our head that is telling us to be better. We have to break the cycle and in order to start that journey, we have to take the first step. Are you open to it? Follow me for more helpful tips and journeys. Instagram and Tik Tok attached.