Summer in Canada means sunshine galore!!
Summer is the perfect time to shift your mood to the positive. How? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works wonders.
The essence of CBT is that if you change the way you think then you can improve your mood and your life. To sart this process, be task focused rather than feeling focused.
The key is to shift the way you think, start thinking in a more positive way. Shift the way you think and your mood will lift and you’ll regain your mojo.
Most of the depression that I see in my office is situational depression which means that a situation(s) caused the depression. This is very different from a chemical depression.
And, for many clients the situational depression has gone on for a long time prior to them coming in for that first appointment. So the situational depression has rendered them into a negative feeling state that defines their current outlook on life. In other words, they become feeling focused and often disengaged from many of life’s activities.
So the key to shifting from depression or negativity to positivity is to focus on being ‘task focused’ rather than ‘feeling focused’. Commit to doing things. First acknowledge and accept your feelings and then engage in the activity. Even if you are feeling angry, anxious or depressed, acknowledge and accept your feelings and then go take part in the activity.
The activity (action) will shift your negative feelings to more positive feelings. Eventually you will come to see a new way to resolve troubling issues. Once engaged in the action the negative feelings will dissipate allowing the positive feelings to emerge. And, if the negative feelings persist seek out professional help with a solution-focused counsellor/therapist skilled in CBT.
So just to recap:
1) Acknowledge and Accept your feelings;
2) Commit to engaging in an activity on a regular basis;
3) Engage fully in the activity;
4) Notice your mood being more positive after the activity;
5) New perspectives will eventually emerge to solve your issues;
6) You will have regained your mojo;
*** Seek out professional help if needed.
Happy Summer Everyone!
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Murray
