Most of us need this on a pretty regular basis. That’s what a vacation is for right? But there is an official day for relaxation. August 15th is the day, so here are some great ways to unwind.
As this is considered a national holiday, sorry school and work still on, its a great opportunity to look into ways to destress your day. By all means these methods work on normal days too.
Meditation
Meditation is a habitual process of quieting your mind and focusing on redirecting your thoughts.
Mediations can increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration. 15 minutes of deep meditation can energize you like a nap. People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance.
I learned some really good technics when I took professional yoga. You do not have to use yoga or religion based meditation to get the benefits. Simple mindfulness meditation focus on your breathing and body. As you become more focused, you notice more about them. For instance you may notice your breathing a little fast, your heart rate is high or your blood pressure is elevated. Now that you’re focusing on it you can lower those symptoms. You’ll feel the state of your body. You’re muscles may say you twisted the wrong way, or over did it chasing the kids.
Visualations
Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity. Examples from history include cave paintings, Egyptian hieroglyphs, Greek geometry, and Leonardo da Vinci‘s revolutionary methods of technical drawing for engineering and scientific purposes.
No matter the method you prefer take some time for you and try some relaxation. How do you relax? Leave us a comment and tell how and why, best of all the results…
April 10 means today is National Erase Self-Negativity Day on the National Day Calendar. We are spending the day encouraging everyone to take steps toward erasing the influence negative self-talk has on our lives. It’s also a day where we will focus on changing this negative habit into a time of personal empowerment.
Some people think speaking negatively to themselves is a way for them to identify their downfalls or shortcomings and move forward. Even though we may believe negative self-talk is a reasonable and a harmless thing to do, this type of behavior can significantly damage self-esteem over time. We are here to tell you speaking negatively to ourselves is a habit. A bad habit. The good news is we can begin to erase the habit of negative self-talk starting today on National Erase Self-Negativity Day.
Identifying 5Cs of Negative Self-Talk
Each of us has a critical inner voice. This voice can be motivating, or it can do more harm than good. Many of us can easily become trapped in a cycle of negativity, with one critical thought leading to the next. This cycle can stop us from being able to move forward and damage our confidence. These words, if left unchecked, could potentially lead to mental health issues. It is important that we are aware of the five key types of negative self-talk.
Complaining is voicing dissatisfaction about something. Complaining is a form of negative self-talk and over time is a habit that prevents growth and progress. Complaining becomes less negative when we provide a solution or alternative to the complaint.
Criticizing is pointing out what you don’t like whether that’s about yourself, someone else or a situation. Criticism is often a negative habit that starts from within that works its way out into our environment. Rather than criticizing, try framing it as positive feedback to help yourself learn and grow.
Concern can happen when we feel we are losing control, thus creating a spiral of negative thoughts. The best way to show concern is to present ideas that counteract your negative thoughts.
Commiserating is when we gather with our friends and family to share “life” experiences, including things that are upsetting. Sharing grievances can be therapeutic, but it can also be the perfect time for negative self-talk. By simply adding a few positive remarks to any negative conversation, your mind will create a positive outlook and allow for encouraging responses from others, too.
Catastrophizing is negative self-talk that paints a picture of the worst case scenarios in our mind and makes problems seem bigger than they really are. Learning to accept situations for what they are will help you focus on finding a more constructive way to deal with the problem at hand.
Self-negativity is a habit that can be changed with work and commitment. In fact, the key to erasing self-negativity is through awareness and small habit changes. As negative thoughts arise, lighten them by reframing your mind with a positive mindset by catching, checking, and erasing it.
In 2024, Dr. Elizabeth Scott, PhD., the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Pilot Pen, and National Day Calendar began working together to create National Erase Self-Negativity Day on April 10. This new National Day encourages everyone to take big, empowering steps toward erasing the influence negative words have on our lives. Each year on April 10, we focus on changing the negative habit of harmful words and focus more on increasing a positive outlook to live a healthy life year-round. Pilot Pen also invites you to join us as we focus on facing and erasing the damaging words and phrases that encapsulate our negative self-talk.
Founders
Dr. Elizabeth Scott, PhD., the NAMI, the nation’s leading mental health organization, and Pilot Pen are partnering to help individuals take meaningful steps toward decreasing stress and improving emotional well-being through the Erase Self-Negativity Day exercises.
An Exercise to Erase Negativity
To erase self-negativity, we need to start by identifying the primary, negative self-talk words that we play over and over again in our minds. After we recognize what those words are, we can take the necessary steps to actively embrace our personal power to face our negative self-talk and erase this damaging habit.
Find a quiet, restful location, get some paper, a FriXion pen, and follow the guided exercise below.
Join us as we celebrate National Erase Self-Negativity Day across social media using the hashtag #EraseSelfNegativityDay. Share your stories, suggestions, and support to empower and encourage one another to speak to ourselves with compassion. It’s time to begin spreading positivity, starting with yourself.
Citrine, a radiant golden-yellow variety of quartz, is the traditional birthstone for November. Its vibrant hue, reminiscent of the sun, has made it a popular gemstone for centuries. Found in countries like Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia, citrine’s warm color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber, often mistaken for topaz due to its similarity in appearance. Unlike many gemstones, citrine is abundant and relatively affordable, making it accessible without sacrificing beauty. Its durability and striking color have made it a staple in jewelry collections across the world.
The name “citrine” comes from the French word for “lemon” (citron), reflecting its characteristic yellow tones. Historically, it has been associated with warmth and positive energy, believed to bring prosperity and abundance to those who wear it. In ancient times, citrine was used as a protective talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom. This connection with protection and success persists, with modern beliefs linking the stone to financial success, particularly in business and commerce. As a result, citrine is sometimes referred to as “The Merchant’s Stone.”
On a romantic level, citrine is seen as a symbol of joy, love, and new beginnings. It’s often given as a gift to express hope for a happy and prosperous future, making it an ideal stone for celebrating new relationships or significant milestones. Its warm glow is said to enhance feelings of warmth and affection, encouraging open communication and emotional balance in relationships. The stone’s ability to dispel negativity and encourage optimism makes it a popular choice for couples looking to strengthen their bond and foster a sense of harmony.
Citrine also carries metaphysical meanings connected to love and romance. According to crystal healers, the stone energizes the sacral chakra, which governs emotional expression and intimacy. Wearing citrine is believed to amplify self-confidence and open the heart to love, helping individuals manifest relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Whether worn as a ring, necklace, or bracelet, citrine not only brings beauty but also inspires warmth and happiness in those who possess it, making it a cherished gemstone in both personal and romantic contexts.
For an exotic look try Amatrine. It incorporates the beauty of both Citrine and Amethyst in the same stone. An Emerald cut show of the fancy colors the best. So even if your not a Novemberite you can still enjoy this beautiful stone.
