Practising certain ways of thinking can seem unnatural or strange. Deliberately aiming to feel or express an emotion doesn’t seem like something we can act or force.

Consciously entering a certain mental state, being hyper-aware and contemplative, can in fact be overwhelmingly positive, with life-changing effects.

In the uncertainty of the post-lockdown world, we’re don’t just want to return to ‘normal’. In fact, we want to forge a new normal.

We’re intent on staying reflective and promoting the transformative impacts of a purposely positive mental attitude – something we’ve had to work so hard to preserve in recent months. So this week we’re sharing the brain-based methods we use to develop and support a different kind of wellness.

Gratitude

Practising being appreciative is about slowing down and considering our fortune, the good things in our lives and regaining perspective on what’s important. It’s about being both present and thoughtful at the same time, moving our minds in the direction of optimism and re-prioritising to put what we really value at the centre of our lives.

Gratitude is about moving beyond things and considering those who give us life and lift us up, what we’ve both gained and lost, and the small, hum drum things we take for granted. Proven to have mental and physical health benefits, the act of being grateful should be as much a part of a daily routine as working out, practicing yoga or eating well.

Forgiveness

Forgiving ourselves is essential self-care and the ultimate (as well as fastest) path to personal growth. Moving on from our mistakes and cutting ourselves some slack is cathartic, offers relief and helps us to be nicer to others (and ourselves). Sometimes it can be painful to be reminded of what we’ve done wrong and remember when we haven’t got it right, but letting go of the things that we turn over in our head and wish we hadn’t done can help us be at peace. The process and the outcome are hugely rewarding and good for us too.

Humility

Recognition of our weaknesses, considering how others see us and being modest about our importance can provide a new sense of self. What matters takes on a different form and by removing selfish concerns from the centre of everything, we see what’s both around us and realise how we really are presenting ourselves to the world, to others and how we move through life as a result.

It’s not just an excess of arrogance or pride that being humble deals with, but makes for greater listening, learning and individual improvement. More often than not, humility can help us develop empathy and a greater, kinder consideration for ourselves and others.