The Blog

This time of year is always difficult in the UK, we have the post Christmas bulge, a load of work that is stacked to the ceiling, and to top it off we have the lovely British weather.

On the bright side we can do things to trick ourselves into feeling better than we perceive. After all it all is about perception and perspective. If you feel negative, then you begin to use negative language, then that cause your brain to prime itself for negative experiences, which then causes real negative outcomes. For example, you begin with ‘argggg I feel swamped’, the the rant is going ‘the weather is crap’.. I’m tired ‘, next thing you know you only see the bad- you now sitting in a pile of gloom.

STOP. Take a deep breath. Relax your jaw. Lower you shoulders. Take another deep breath.

If you think about how easy it is to get yourself into a downard spiral then just as easly you can get yourself into an upward spiral. The aforementioned exercise is a physical execution which will have a neurological impact, which will then lead to a better psycholigical state. In common terms, fake it until you make it. Our brains are capable of anything, so battling a bad mood is a piece of cake.

Once you begin to feel relaxed, your brain releases seratonin, which brings you back to focus, calmness, and most importantly to a clear thinking head.

Next, start with a smile. In a recent study they asked people to just smile, no emotion, just the physical manifestation. After  a few exercise they they were feeling much more optimistic and positive.

A positive attitude is contagious, people like to be around people that make them feel good. So start flexing your smiling muscles and feel your mood lifting.

Another tip is find things that make you laugh, watch a funny clip or think of something funny.

This sounds benign, however there was a recent study published on Harvard Business Review, which showcased the influence of humor. Two controlled groups were asked to solve a puzzle. One group was shown a funny clip the other wasn’t shown anything. The group with the video had more people able to solve the puzzle. The reason was laughter releases dopamine, which is the neurochemical associated with cognitive thought.

Be around people that are energetic and positive

Sometimes we just run out of steam, so being around people is important. This also helps release dopamine and it make us feel good. Going to a coworking space for example, where people are starting new things can be an uplifting environment. Everyone at THECUBE is usually in a great mood, because they are doing new things and naturally have high dopamine levels. It only takes one conversation with someone to lift your spirits.

Finally  create a ‘Happy List’

Create a list of small thins that make you happy, so when you are feeling the slump, you can quickly get yourself back up. Go see a movie, go for a walk, a nature retreat, eat your favourite  food, etc. This engagement will also help raise your dopamine levels and you are on your way to feeling happy and fighting the January Blues.

The point is that you can easly generate an upward spiral. Start with smiling,then think positive thoughts, then find things that make you happy, and then see how many positive things your brain begins to scan. Soon you will find poetry in the different shades of grey in the London sky.

About THECUBE

THECUBE is a community of entrepreneurs who are interested in innovation and generating change. We provide members with event space, meeting space, and an open plan coworking office.