First Way to Foster Strength
The first way to train yourself to foster strength is to induce relaxation on demand. Being able to shut off the negative thinking going on in your brain is an important skill that helps you begin to relax. This is a skill that takes practice, but you can learn.
The more you practice relaxation exercises when you are feeling calm, the more familiar they will feel, and the more effective they will be when you are experiencing anxiety.
When you engage in relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing and meditation, you are quieting your mind, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, lowering blood pressure, and slowing down heart rate.
The goal is to be able to relax at will during times of heightened stress by employing these exercises.
If you would like more about this idea, read and do the Action Steps in Ch. 33, Be Still. Be Mindful in FEELING Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times.
Second Way to Foster Strength
The second way to foster strength is to focus on gratitude and positivity.
When you need mental strength, your energy can be depleted by emotions such as anger, frustration, and fear. Studies have demonstrated that complaining and speaking negatively actually reduces physical strength. It does the same with emotional strength.
You can build this emotional strength by intentionally focusing on the positive. Gratitude is one of the simplest, most effective, and quickest ways to do so. Engage in gratitude practices every day to build resilience, positivity, and emotional strength.
If you would like more about this idea, read and do the Action Steps in Ch. 27, Develop a Gratitude Mindset in FEELING Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times.
Third Way to Foster Strength
The third way to foster strength is to refuel by doing what makes your soul happy.
Be mindful of refueling your energy, particularly during difficult, stressful times. Create the time to do things that bring you joy and make your soul happy. This helps to foster emotional energy, mental strength, and resilience to be better prepared to handle difficult times.
Unfortunately, when life gets busy and stressful, the first thing to go is joy. However, this is when you need to engage in joyful activities the most. Doing things that makes you feel good help to elevate mood and energy level, making you better equipped to handle problems and life stressors.
Read more from Dr. DeLong on Open to Hope: https://www.opentohope.com/75654-2/
Check of Dr. DeLong’s book, FEELING Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times
