Q&A: Fake positivity?
Let’s talk about fake positivity.
Someone asked how I stay “so positive & happy all the time” which got me thinking… do I put on a filter for you guys (unknowingly)?
I’ll answer this as well as how to sincerely change your mood for the better when you’re feeling down.
Enjoy!
Over to you! How do you improve your mood when life feels heavy? Any habits or little changes you make to put you back in a positive state?
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15 Comments
Marica
February 15, 2017 at 6:26 amThank you so much Erin! This was really helpful, especially since I’m busy with a presentation for varsity and have really been stressing about it, allowing it to steal a bit of my happiness. But I do love what I do and this is just something that I have to do that goes with it. It’s nice to hear that it’s okay not to feel okay as well. There are always better days ahead!
Ina
February 15, 2017 at 8:37 amHey everybody, it´s so funny you made this video because people ask me the same thing all the time! I have three great strategies to hack my mood:
1. I am doing the 5-Minute-Journal for 8 months now. And on some days I just feel like I´m completely in love with my life, everything I am able to do, the people around me etc. Basically, it makes you write down three things that were awesome today or that you are thankful for, just before you go to sleep. It´s SO great, because even on really crappy days you can come up with 3 small things that were alright. Often I write down 6 oder 7. It makes me appreciate all the good things in my life more. Because I think a lot of discontentment or frustration comes from only noticing the negative, stressful things and events in your day. I don´t have the original book, I tweaked it a little for my personal needs, but you can download a printout for free, I think: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal
2. MUSIC! There are some great happy songs out there! I like “Don´t stop me now” best, because it starts at a low energy that you can relate to in your current state of negativity. But it takes off real good and drags you with it – you can´t help feeling the energy coming into your body again! Freddie Mercury supposedly composed it for exactly this purpose. Try it!!
3. Power Posing. So. Great. Amy Cuddy did research on the effect of our own body language on our hormone levels and you won´t believe what she found out. Put your smartphones away and get stretching! Here is her famous TED-talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
Same thing goes for “smile therapy”…
Sorry for the long post, but I really like happy people… 🙂
Carolyn Crabtree
February 15, 2017 at 8:58 amThank you Erin! This was really helpful! 🙂
Lyndsay
February 15, 2017 at 10:13 amThanks Erin! It’s so encouraging to hear this.
I have a thought for a future Q&A Wednesday… what tips do you have for yoga when you’re sick? I’m laying here in bed with a nasty ass cold catching up on your posts and videos, and I can’t seem to drag myself out onto my mat. The energizing flows I usually do in the morning are all but impossible with this sore neck and back, and anything even remotely upside-down makes me feel like I’m drowning in my snot. I feel like movement and mindfulness should help me start to feel better, but I’m at a loss for what kinds of poses could do that without draining me of what energy I have left. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks a bunch. ?
Riley
February 15, 2017 at 11:35 amLove this! As a new yoga teacher it’s so important to remember that it’s not about the shit sandwich…but to be grateful for it! I also loved the positive action step to take to help me do what I love with less shit and more joy.
Amy
February 15, 2017 at 12:57 pmShit sandwich! Ha, love this!
Pála Margrét
February 15, 2017 at 2:25 pmLoved this one!! Thank you so much 🙂
Jody
February 15, 2017 at 4:12 pmLove, love, love this one. Thank you Erin. <3
I second the comment above. I would love to know what the best thing to is when I'm just coming right after an illness. I'm feeling less disgusting and probably could and should do something but I just …. don't wanna. But the lazy creeps in on me SUPER quickly and I do tend to get derailed if I take time off to recuperate.
Beth M
February 15, 2017 at 4:35 pmThis was really deep insight for someone so young, and I agree with it 100%!! Life for my husband and I has been horribly stressful the last two years because he has been dealing with a reoccurrence of cancer and I have been battling Crohn’s disease, and much of what you just said has helped pull us through everything. Of course, he has little outlets like video games and work outs, and I have used yoga and meditation to help relieve stress, but for the most part, we have given each other the strength that has pulled us through along with some help from family members and friends. Naturally, there have been times when we have wanted to give up, but we keep each other going.
Just one more thing that I would add is the importance of having a sense of humor. Being able to step back and see the ridiculous in most situations keeps both of us sane and a little more light-spirited. Other than that, I think you have it covered. Thanks; as always, your advice was awesome!!
Liz
February 15, 2017 at 4:51 pmThank you Erin – wise words and a gentle reminder to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. ❤️
Julie
February 15, 2017 at 6:07 pmAmazing advice as always Erin! ❤?
Harriet
February 16, 2017 at 3:21 amAhh thank you so much Erin, I absolutely love you and Bad Yogi, and this video came at just the right time for me! <3 Keep up the amazing inspiration 😀
Sarah
February 16, 2017 at 10:42 amLoved this!!! <3 Is the link for the free uplifting class there? I couldn't find it and would love to help bring up my mood today starting there!
Karen Woodard
February 16, 2017 at 4:33 pmThe moment at 1:43 when there’s a noise from outside. lololol
Love you Erin!
Laura
February 17, 2017 at 2:14 pmThank you so much, this was great, I do suffer from depression but in the bright side I think I am very positive most of the time. This video it may not look like much but to me was perfect, uplifting and a reminder that it is ok not to feel happy all the time. Thank you!