The aim of CBT is to bring your focus into the here-and-now. It is designed to assist you in being present and opening to the value of being in the now.
Depression often has us ruminating on negative thoughts from the past and re-living the uncomfortable and negative feelings that go with them.
The more positive your thinking is, the more positive your feelings will become. Exercising your brain to focus on more positive thoughts and feelings will not only help you put the past behind you, but it will also help you move more into living and enjoying life in the present moment.
TIP 1- think more positively
A mindfulness exercise you can work with every day is to focus on something you can see, that brings a positive feeling for you, be it a colourful room, a dog at play, or a pair of shoes you love wearing. It doesn’t matter what you pick, just find something easy to find and focus on each day. Once you find it, think about its positive qualities and enjoy the feeling that comes in for you. Then state what this by saying to yourself
I See (state what that is e.g. my favourite shoes) and that makes me feel (state how you feel e.g. light and happy inside).
This helps to train your brain to be in the now and feel the pleasure of that moment.
Every day, find something you can focus on for a minute that makes you happy. This interrupts the pattern of going back and helps you focus more on the future in a positive way.
TIP 2 – exercise
Discover Tai Chi, or another form of exercise you will enjoy. This is a fabulous way to bring your focus into the now and stimulate endorphins. From yoga, to running, to nature walking and beyond, incorporating exercise into your daily routine will amplify your ability to stay present.
Rhonnda Stewart is a highly regarded hypnotherapist with nearly 30 years’ experience as a successful clinical practitioner and nearly 20 years as a clinical hypnotherapy teacher. A passion for mindfulness and mental health has driven a genuine desire to deliver the highest quality education availability in the market while running a successful private practice for over 20 years. To find out more about Rhonnda or to book a session with her, click here.
