4 More Ways To Boost Positivity | Self Care Sunday

{ Self-care Sunday, episode six }

As I promised many moons ago, here is the second part of my 4 Ways To Boost Positivity post!

Affirmations.
Affirmations are simply positive quotes / phrases that you repeat to yourself over and over until they're hard-wired into your thoughts. I think it ties in with the Law of Attraction, something I haven't ever looked at too closely. I'm still struggling to find affirmations that suit me (and that don't make me feel like a pretentious, cocky so-and-so) but I find a lot of comfort in quotes and poems so I've taken to repeating them over and over in my mind when I'm struggling. I even have a little photo album on my phone filled with screenshots of other people's blog posts and Instagrams where they'll share their own thoughts / affirmations and I find that particularly helpful. Sometimes it's easier to digest and believe when it's coming from someone else.   

Somewhere to start: The 30 Day Positive Affirmation Challenge.

Utilise music.
My mum always says she can tell when I'm depressed because I stop listening to music completely. I don't know why I do this because music is one of the quickest and easiest ways to boost my mood! I make a point to avoid sad songs and go straight for the pop and pop punk - mainly it's All Time Low (as always) and a little dash of The 1975, although I've been known to spit some verses of Nicki Minaj in my time. Alternatively, I'll stick on my instrumental playlist if I need to calm the f down. Music is hugely personal so work out what's best for you, download it onto your phone, stick your earphones in and take a moment to listen whenever you're feeling a little frazzled. I also find that playing music in the morning whilst I'm getting ready sets the tone for my day! 

Consider alternative therapies.
Science and traditional medicine play an important role in most people's lives but that doesn't mean we should ignore alternative therapies. I personally find a lot of relief and comfort in crystal therapy, which is the practice of using crystals to alter different energy sources within your body. My favourites to use are rose quartz, amethyst and blue lace agate but there are so many to choose from. I go a bit more in-depth on how I use crystals to ease my anxiety in this post but you could always stop into your local independent crystal store - they'll be able to point you in the right direction. You could also consider aromatherapy (which I'm also a huge fan of - I found it my most enjoyable subject at college), acupuncture or yoga and meditation. I think with things like this, believing is half the battle, but isn't it nice to have something to believe in?

Write a 'done' list.
Whenever you're feeling a little overwhelmed or you're convinced you've never accomplished anything ever, spend five minutes with a blank page and a pen and write yourself a 'done' list. I like to do this daily and sometimes my list will consist of things like 'put on two loads of washing' and 'changed the bed' where-as other days it'll be 'spent two hours in public' or 'walked 10k steps'. When I'm feeling particularly bad, I like to write down the bigger things, like 'finished college with top grades' or 'visited dad in hospital every other day for 6 weeks'. Reminding yourself of your achievements can really help your confidence and it'll also remind you of everything you've survived thus far.

Take some time to do what you love.
Whether that's reading, knitting, baking, gaming, flower arranging, cycling, writing, scrapbooking, practicing make-up techniques - whatever truly makes you happy. You owe it to yourself to schedule in some time to do the things you love because no one but you else is in charge of your own happiness. Remember that, Lauren.

Need more ideas? Check out my other Self-Care Sunday posts - there's quite the little archive now!

Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Goodreads