NO BAD DAYS

By Personal Trainer, Writer, and Actress Jennifer Elliott 

Do you ever wonder why some days are better than others?  Why is it that one day we have so much energy, feel full of possibility, have a great workout, etc., while on another day, we find ourselves sitting on the couch saying, “Ugh, well today was a wash!” Sound familiar? We all have off days, and feel like we could have challenged ourselves more, treated our bodies better, and been kinder to ourselves! After switching into the role of anthropologist, I noticed some old, self-destructive thought patterns and emotional triggers that were inhibiting me from having a great day. 

As you may know, our subconscious runs the majority of our thoughts. Out of the 60,000+ thoughts, we have a day, most of them are regurgitated the following day because our brain naturally confirms whatever beliefs are stored in our memory bank (even the ones that are false!). In psychology, this is called confirmation bias (1). It is in our best, self-loving interest to consciously switch those false, negative beliefs about our bodies, our potential, and our relationships as soon as we become aware! This is always a work in progress, but nonetheless, the greatest work we can ever do for ourselves.  By switching these patterns, we can get out of our own way, step back into our true, divine nature, re-align with our purpose, fall back in love with ourselves, and better serve others! I realize my area of expertise is fitness and not psychology, but maybe you’ll entertain my thought process and valiant effort for a moment.  If it doesn’t serve, feel free to toss it! *wink*  If you’ll oblige, here is my daily positive thought pattern guide to help you refocus, and re-align:

1. Upon waking (try not to set an alarm unless you have to, or look at your phone) 
1. Take a long deep breath with a slow exhale, smile, and reflect on what you’re grateful for
2. Set the intention for the day 
1. What physical (and or mental) wellness routine will make you feel good today?  Yoga?  Stretching?  Resistance Training?  Running?  (Meditation, Reading, Researching, Studying)
2. What specific project will make you feel good today?  How is it connected to your Why (the reason you are on this Earth!)?  
3. Who can you connect with that will make you feel good today?
3. Envision yourself enjoying and completing everything to the best of your ability.  How do you feel?
4. Did you experience any self-destructive thoughts or false beliefs about yourself?  If so, what were they, and how did you recreate them to serve you?  Write it down.
5. Did you experience any emotional triggers?  If so, how did you bring your awareness back, and end any unnecessary suffering?  Write it down.

2. Create a sacred place specifically for your physical & mental wellness (unless of course you’re going outside) (2)
1. What would make this space feel good?  Does it smell good?  Is the temperature comfortable?  Is there enough light?  Do you have all the equipment you need?  What kind of music is playing?  Is it void of distraction?  
2. How much time spent focused on your wellness will make you feel good today?  
3. If you needed knowledge, accountability, or help, did you ask for it?
4. Envision your body regenerating itself into a more vibrant, happier, healthier, athletic you! 
5. You finished!  How do you feel?  
6. Did you experience any self-destructive thoughts, distractions, or false beliefs about yourself?  If so, what were they, and how did you recreate them to serve you?  Write it down.
7. Did you experience any emotional triggers?  If so, how did you bring your awareness back, and end any unnecessary suffering?  Write it down.

3. Create a sacred place specifically to work on your project
1. What would make this space feel good?  Does it smell good?  Is the temperature comfortable?  Is there enough light?  Do you have all the equipment you need?  What kind of music is playing?  Is it void of distraction?  
2. How much time spent focused on your project will make you feel good today?   
3. Envision yourself enjoying your project, and the positive impact it will have on others!  
4. If you needed knowledge, accountability, or help, did you ask for it?
5. You finished!  How do you feel?  
6. Did you experience any self-destructive thoughts, distractions, or false beliefs about yourself?  If so, what were they, and how did you recreate them to serve you?  Write it down.
7. Did you experience any emotional triggers?  If so, how did you bring your awareness back, and end any unnecessary suffering?  Write it down.

4. Create a sacred place to connect with your significant other, family, friends, and colleagues 
1. What would make this space feel good?  Does it smell good?  Is the temperature comfortable?  Is there enough light?  Do you have all the technology you need?  What kind of music is playing?  Is it void of distraction?  
2. How much time spent focused on connecting with others will make you feel good today?   
3. Envision yourself re-charging through infinite love and connection with others!
4. If you needed help re-building or strengthening a relationship, did you ask for it?
5. You just had some wonderful connections!  How do you feel?  
6. Did you experience any self-destructive thoughts, distractions, or false beliefs about yourself?  If so, what were they, and how did you recreate them to serve you?  Write it down.
7. Did you experience any emotional triggers?  If so, how did you bring your awareness back, and end any unnecessary suffering?  Write it down.

5. Lie down for bed (try not to set an alarm unless you have to, or look at your phone) 
1. Take a long deep breath with a slow exhale, smile, and reflect on what you’re grateful for  
2. What were your wins today?  
3. What exciting things did you learn today?  
4. What obstacles did you overcome today?  
5. What would make tomorrow better than today?  
6. What challenge do you want to set for yourself tomorrow? 
7. Envision overcoming that challenge with excellence. 
8. You just had a great, fulfilling day aligned with your purpose.  How do you feel?

If you have blocked your day to include more than five elements, you can follow a similar series of questions correlating to that particular important part of your day!  You might even have one block of time for physical wellness and another for mental wellness if you prefer separating the two!  The same applies for your connection with your significant other if you so choose.  I realize this looks and sounds a bit tedious, and not exactly in congruence with how we naturally think or operate our day.  Ha!  However, the next time you find your thoughts wandering, or your emotions slipping into a black hole, perhaps you’ll come back to this, and it will serve!  Either way, if the day doesn’t go as planned, remember to forgive yourself and be kind to yourself. You’re human. Please feel free to share, comment, or ask any questions you may have!