Stress [n.] a mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. -Webster
We all know this word and some of us may be better acquainted than we are willing to admit. There’s even a slight possibility you’re stressed RIGHT NOW. I’m hoping that is not the case but if so, I am glad that you have been directed to this blog so that I can share tactful advice to help release that unneeded burden.
Maybe you’re a little bit like me, at times allowing negative energy to invade your space and as a result, it affects your mood. Your motivation may begin to lack and at times, you may constantly worry yourself to a point that gives you a headache. We have to stop doing this to ourselves! We need to engage in more positive energy and eliminate the negative.
How? Well, I'm glad you asked. Through personal experience, I have come to understand the effects negative energy can have, both mentally and physically. Depression and anxiety are real and it is very important to create an environment for yourself that allows you to release and feel free of worry.
Here are my top 3 ways I bring new energy into my space:
3. Out with the Old & In with the New
Some like to redecorate while others like to fengshui their space. I like to call it getting rid of things I don’t need and replace them with what I do. Take a look around your space. What do you have that you no longer need or never plan to use? If you have clothes or shoes that have been sitting in your closet, and you can’t remember the last time you wore them, donate them. Try bringing new colors into your space or add a meaningful picture to your wall. Move your bed or couch to another angle in the room. Create a vision board with everything you would like to accomplish and place it where you can always see it. You may even be harboring something that an ex or old friend gave you years ago, which may be holding negative energy. Get rid of it! Your options to making your space feel whole are endless and could also be priceless. It could be as simple as re-arranging books on your bookshelf or organizing a space that you have been avoiding to declutter.
2. Deep Cleaning
Yes, this is in reference to picking up a broom, washing dishes, and scrubbing your tub. I literally give myself a day twice a month to clean my space from top to bottom. From dusting to washing clothes, no area is left untouched. May seem a bit overzealous, but trust me, once your space feels, smells, and looks fresh, a smile of accomplishment will cross your face and you will be able to relax with ease. You may not even need to clean your entire living space. Try deep cleaning an area you use most where you can get peace of mind. It may be your bedroom, bathroom, living room, or kitchen. Wherever you like to spend a bit of alone time, sit there after you have completed cleaning. There’s just something about a clean home that makes one feel euphoric.
1. Meditate and Pray
Sometimes, the only way I can give myself peace of mind is when I sit in silence or take a moment to speak with God. We can get so caught up in our everyday routines that we forget to slow down and give ourselves a moment of peace. Have you ever sat quietly without thinking about anything? This may sound crazy since our minds are always running, but it’s okay to allow it to slow down or shut off sometimes. When I first started meditating, it was very difficult to keep from getting distracted and thinking about things I had to do.
Try clearing your mind right now and give yourself a moment to be at peace. Close your eyes, relax your muscles, think of nothing and just breathe…
How do you feel? I’m hoping when you opened your eyes, you experienced a sweet sense of relief. If you felt nothing, that’s okay. Like I said, it will take some time. The more you practice, the easier meditating will become. To help you progress, try downloading a meditating app to guide you . I recommend CALM, my favorite app, and Headspace. Both downloads are free and offer week-long meditation practice for beginners.
When I’m not meditating, I am praying to God or having a conversation with Him. There’s no formula when it comes to speaking with God. You can take all your worries and concerns to Him without fear of judgement. Just know that when you pray, you can’t expect things to happen right away especially without putting in work for your prayer to be answered. Similar to meditating, sometimes I just close my eyes take deep breaths and speak to God internally.
Please keep in mind, I chose to share these methods because in my times of stress and anxiety, they always work for me. Sometimes, I may have to do all three but by the end of it, I feel 1,000 times better. These ideas may not work for you but if you are in need of positive energy, clarity and peace... it won’t hurt to try them. You may need to workout, bake a cake, indulge in retail therapy, or watch a sappy romantic movie that makes you cry. Whatever your positive fix may be, you have to find it and release negative energy preventing you from being the best person you can possibly be.
