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Step Outside Of The Box
Joy Langley
August 01, 2023
Hey There,
It’s the Full Moon on 1st August! With so many ways to challenge the way we think, could asking you to carry out a little-bitty ritual because of the Full Moon be a step too far? Humour me…
In order to increase our self awareness we need to consistently challenge our thought patterns and habits, right? In a conscious fashion. But the problem with challenging thoughts is it feels uncomfortable! The mind has a way of fighting-back! Especially when hum-drum, automatic routines are NOT being followed, which means we are expending more brain energy than normal.
10 WAYS TO STEP OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
Take a look at these 10 activities which are therapeutic and have some science behind them too. See if you can execute one of them, within the next 48-hours (or as soon as you’ve read this). I’ll be trying #4, it’s one of my favourites. I might even give #7 a try.
Physically Write Down Your Intentions for Goal Realization: Documenting your goals can aid their realization by boosting motivation and commitment, a process supported by the goal-setting theory. When the hand to eye co-ordination happens it can shift things.
Tie Up Loose Ends for Productivity: Completing pending tasks during this phase can reduce the mental load and anxiety associated with procrastination, leading to improved productivity and satisfaction. Clearing your physical space can alsoshift your mood plus reduce allergens and bacteria.
Give Thanks in order to Boost Happiness: Practicing gratitude during the full moon phase can amplify happiness and overall well-being, a principle validated by positive psychology research.
Write A Letter And Burn It for Emotional Release: Writing down the thoughts that are troubling you equals ‘letting go’. Then safely burning (or tearing up the letter) can provide a sense of relief and closure.
Keep A Journal for Clarity: Journaling around the full moon helps gain clarity, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. This idea is endorsed by research on expressive writing.
Meditating for Emotional Awareness: Using the full moon's energy for meditation can reduce anxiety and boost emotional self-awareness, an outcome supported by mindfulness research. Also explore deep Breathing for Relaxation which activates the body's relaxation response.
Dance It Out to Release Endorphins: Dancing during the full moon helps release endorphins, which are the body's natural painkiller (it’s an opiate), promoting a sense of well-being.
Take A Bath (Or Shower) for Relaxation: This act of water therapy aids relaxation, detoxification, and promotes better sleep, which provides a natural mood boost.
Tune Into Nature for Calming Effects: Regular interactions with nature can lower cortisol levels and boost mood, as supported by numerous studies on the healing effects of nature. Take a moonlight walk - its calming and leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Ground Yourself Through Self-reflection: Self-assessing your physical and emotional state enhances self-awareness, and is based on psychological research. This leads to stress reduction, and improved decision-making.