Take the 28-day Challenge to Improve Your Mindset!
Thanksgiving marks the start of the festive holiday season – a time of joy, family togetherness, laughter, and making memories. However, for some – endlessly worrying about roasting the perfect turkey, how to decorate the entryway, how many chairs you can comfortably fit around the table, and where your out-of-town guests are going to sleep can lead to stress, feelings of overwhelm, sadness, and even depression.
The good news is that you can rewire your brain to turn negative or stressful thoughts into those of joy based on research on neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change. An article from Mindful by Sodexo explains that by adopting a more positive attitude, you can boost your immunity, reduce anxiety, promote happiness, a more successful life, and could protect you from health problems.
Challenge yourself over the next 28 days to leave the worry behind and start to look at the brighter side of things during this holiday season:
Week 1: Give Thanks
Feeling grateful for the blessings in your life promotes well-being
- Post this quote someplace you can see it every day:
- “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent
- Take a moment and find the good in your life. Close your eyes and think of your kids, a job you love, your husband or wife, close friends, or anything else that sparks joy.
- Share the things you’re grateful for with your family over dinner and ask them to do the same.
- Stop worrying! Instead of allowing the continuous cycle to continue, stop and create a positive outcome in your mind of the issue you’re worried about.
- Reframe your thoughts. Instead of saying “I have to pick my kids up…” say, “I get to pick my kids up…” as a gentle reminder of your privileges.
Week 2: Have Fun! 
Being playful and silly is rewarding, fosters empathy, and generates optimism.
- Post this quote someplace you can see it every day:
- “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
- Watch a silly movie, stream your favorite comedy sitcom, or scroll hilarious cat videos. Laughter improves your mood and can even boost immunity.
- Rediscover the things that bring you joy. Think back to your favorite games or toys as a kid – do more of those things.
- Get outside and explore new places – let yourself be “wowed”
Week 3: Stop the Inner Critic
It’s that little voice in your head that knocks you down and makes you doubt yourself. Over time, you start to believe all the negative self-talk if you don’t break the cycle.
- Post this quote someplace you can see it every day:
- “What you tell yourself every day will either lift you up or tear you down.”
- Catch yourself when you start to fall into a negative self-talk tailspin. Even tell yourself outload to “Stop It!” if you need to.
- Bring in the reinforcement of your loved ones that make you feel good about yourself.
- Stop being a perfectionist.
- Sit up straight – studies have found that people have higher self-esteem and better moods when they are sitting or standing straight.
- Help others – research shows volunteering to help others can make you happier.
- Imagine your best possible self and write down, in detail, what your life would look like if your best possible self is achieved.
Week 4: Chill Out
It’s hard to have a positive mindset when you’re wound-up tight with stress.
- Post this quote someplace you can see it every day:
- “Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” – Doe Zantamata
- When your feeling stressed, stop and take several deep breaths
- Take a media detox – ditch the negative news cycle and social media trolls that spew doom and gloom.
- Meditate by simply taking 5-10 minutes to sit still in a quiet space. Try a helpful meditation app like Calm or Headspace to get started.
- Do some gentle exercise like going on a long walk, yoga, or dancing.
- Listen to music that will calm your nerves – for some that means classical, for others it means heavy metal. Choose whatever makes you feel a sense of release and relief.