Cultural & Inclusive Spotlight

Affirmations are short, positive statements that can be said aloud or to oneself about current or future situations. Researchers found that affirmations decrease depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Affirmations focused on future aspirations or views of oneself were found to enhance neural activity.  

  You know you best!
Find what makes you feel bad about yourself or your capabilities. Examine what you tell yourself and reject that inner dialogue. Think of a brighter sentiment and state it to yourself! Some counselors advise that you stop saying to yourself what you wouldn’t say to someone else. 

 Find a friend who laughs when you do or shares your likes/dislikes. “Self-esteem is 40% genetic…” So, create a “positive friending” (Sancho Ed language) relationship. Support your friend as they support you! Research shows that hearing positive messaging can reverse self-sabotage and boost self-esteem. Yes, even celebrate the small wins! 

Dance or rhythmic cues stimulate our brains (and reduce dementia)! If you love moving, move! Sometimes the body needs a jumpstart (even if you think you have “two left feet”) to stop insecurity. Using PET imaging (neural scanning), scientists found people who danced had increased memory and stronger “neuronal connections.”Even a simple set of steps in rhythm were found to improve mobility in Parkinson’s patients. Celebrate!! 😊

By now you may see that the more positive influences you allow yourself, the more your brain will help celebrate YOU! What you love to do that is healthy for you is usually your greatest stabilizer (e.g., singing, drawing, making music, crafting, carving). What detracts from what you love is typically a demotivator and deflator of self-esteem. Do more of what you love and you will find more as you grow over time! So, there is more to look forward to if you take the first step.