If you're acting in one. Not quite Fred Astaire? Don't worry if you haven't got your own musical show, you can still learn how to dance your way out of life's dull moments.
Managing emotions is simpler when you have a system. The next time you feel down, look on the bright side and follow this basic routine:
Play it loud. Turn up the volume on music that gets you grooving and moving. Any happy music, played for long enough will get you on your feet again. You will know what music to play for times when you feel a lack of motivation. Trouble is, our bodies sometimes enjoy feelings of depression and inactivity. It takes effort to pull out of it. Get your iPod out and start playing the party playlist.
Say it loud. Using the analytical side of your brain shuts down the emotional functions just long enough to regain rationality. Start from 999 and count backwards, skipping every second number. Or, memorise a poem. While you're busy engaging your memory, your emotions are stifled. When you feel calmer, investigate what you felt and if there was a logical explanation to your emotions. Never make decisions based on fluctuating emotions. Counting to ten is too basic. Our brains need a more complex way of calming the state of our thoughts.
Act it loud. Physiology plays a part in your emotions. Find yourself slumped or slouching? Get up and get moving, smile and act cheerful. Your emotions will follow suit. Any form of exercise is good, but the more physically demanding, the better. Dust those ballet flats and basketball shoes hidden in the closet. Team sports are even better.
Managing emotions is simpler when you have a system. The next time you feel down, look on the bright side and follow this basic routine:
Play it loud. Turn up the volume on music that gets you grooving and moving. Any happy music, played for long enough will get you on your feet again. You will know what music to play for times when you feel a lack of motivation. Trouble is, our bodies sometimes enjoy feelings of depression and inactivity. It takes effort to pull out of it. Get your iPod out and start playing the party playlist.Say it loud. Using the analytical side of your brain shuts down the emotional functions just long enough to regain rationality. Start from 999 and count backwards, skipping every second number. Or, memorise a poem. While you're busy engaging your memory, your emotions are stifled. When you feel calmer, investigate what you felt and if there was a logical explanation to your emotions. Never make decisions based on fluctuating emotions. Counting to ten is too basic. Our brains need a more complex way of calming the state of our thoughts.
Act it loud. Physiology plays a part in your emotions. Find yourself slumped or slouching? Get up and get moving, smile and act cheerful. Your emotions will follow suit. Any form of exercise is good, but the more physically demanding, the better. Dust those ballet flats and basketball shoes hidden in the closet. Team sports are even better.
Emotions follow thoughts and actions. Use whatever means you can find to think your way to more productive days. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to stay depressed if you worked on a musical set? Memorising lyrics for a song and dancing to the accompaniment of lively music... how could you ever be sad?