From Overwhelm & Stress to Steady & Calm: Perception
August 28, 2024
How are you feeling about starting another new school year? How can we go from overwhelm and stress to steady and calm? Our perception of ourselves and our circumstances is influenced by how we talk to ourselves. Our brain believes what we tell it. Thoughts form beliefs, and beliefs impact feelings. By shifting our thoughts, we can change how we feel.
So, how can we make this shift?
Become aware of your inner voice. Listen. Notice your words.
Intentionally speak kindly and positively to yourself throughout the day. Challenge and reframe negative thoughts about yourself and your situation. Remind yourself it’s a new year, and any negative past experiences are not your present.
Use affirmations, positive statements you repeat in order to rewire your brain and change your perception. Post 2-5 meaningful affirmations in places you’ll see daily, or create an audio version to listen to regularly. Many find the morning an ideal time to look yourself in the mirror and state your affirmations aloud with confidence. Or perhaps place a sticky note on your steering wheel or the coffee pot, or create a screensaver on your phone.
Guide your children through steps 1-3. Talk to them about how they talk to themselves. Model your mindset out loud for them. Instead of “I hate this. This is so hard,” try “Even though this is hard now, it will get easier with practice.” Have them create their own affirmations: “Mistakes help me grow.” “My effort and attitude determine my success.” “When I hit a roadblock, it’s an opportunity to take a different path.” Include your own positive messages to them too. I still have a note from my dad that says “You can do it” from when I was 16. I’ve reread it to myself over the years during trials in my life.
Remember the power of perception. Assume the best in your child and in teachers too. A positive perception helps establish a motivating and peaceful atmosphere in your home and at school.
Using positive self-talk and regularly repeating affirmations helps our brains build paths of positivity. These steps may seem simple, but they are powerful in changing how we and our children view ourselves and the world around us.