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How to Retrain your Brain [Visual]

How to Retrain your Brain [Visual] | ecogreenlove

During challenging times it can be difficult to remain positive and mentally tough. Even when the world is functioning more “normally” most of us experience stress and have negative thoughts. It’s normal to have negative thoughts, but when negative thoughts turn into negative thinking patterns your mental health can suffer. Negative thinking patterns, also known as cognitive distortions, can lead to or worsen anxiety and depression. The good news is, there are steps you can take to combat cognitive distortions.

The visual below from University of St. Augustine for Health Services looks at common thinking patterns and offers tips for how you can retrain your brain to think differently.

Continue reading “How to Retrain your Brain [Visual]”

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Techniques to defeat Stress without Meds or Shrinks [Infographic]

Techniques to defeat Stress without Meds or Shrinks [Infographic] | ecogreenlove

Stress isn’t something that has to be tolerated. You need to get rid of it for your own good.

There are just too many things that can cause stress nowadays. And work stress usually takes the crown. Things have gotten so bad that it can even cause a medical condition in the form of chronic stress.

But fear not. If you feel that you’re getting stressed-out occasionally, there’s no need to search for medication. In situations like this, the right approach and a thought-out strategy usually help out a lot.

And that’s what our infographic is for. We’ve gathered the best 18 techniques that can help you defeat stress without having to take pills or turn to any radical methods. You’ll also find a handful of quick tips to make the process even more simple.

Have a look through the infographic, and you’ll find a way of fighting stress that works the best for you.

Continue reading “Techniques to defeat Stress without Meds or Shrinks [Infographic]”

Practical Ways to Feel Happy

25 Science-Backed Ways to Feel Happier

Originally Published as 25 Science-Backed Ways to Feel Happier on Greatist.com

Even as children, we’re taught to recognize and celebrate feelings of happiness—and it’s no wonder. Not only is happiness one of the most positive emotions we can experience, but being happy is also the key to a fulfilled, healthy life. Plus, cheeriness is linked to living longer, how hard we work, physical function as we age, and an improved immune system, among other health benefits.

While it’s hard to define (especially since it varies from person to person), some experts describe happiness as “a combination of life satisfaction and having more positive emotions than negative emotions,” while others view it as consisting of three parts: feeling good, living a “good life,” and feeling part of a larger purpose. There’s also a distinct difference between short- and long-term happiness: The former is a fleeting feeling, while the latter applies to how we describe our own lives.

While some factors that affect happiness might be outside of our control (such as genetics or certain life circumstances), there are always actions we can take to amp up our own good feelings. To smile wider, be more satisfied with life, and feel altogether better—both in the present and the future—try introducing any (or all!) of these practices into your life. Continue reading “Practical Ways to Feel Happy”