How to Relieve Stress and Attract Positive Energy

"Nature tops the list of potent tranquilizers and stress reducers. The mere sound of moving water has been shown to lower blood pressure." ~ Patch Adams

Remember when you were a kid and playing outdoors was the highlight of your day? As the sound of your laughter drifted across the evening sky, you begged to stay outside a few minutes longer.

Over time, it is not unusual for increased responsibilities and stressors to replace those magical outdoor moments.

Nature's Healing Effect
As you seek ways to relieve the stresses in your life, know that a remedy lies in what you once -- and most likely still crave... the outdoors! According to scientists, humans have an innate need to be outdoors.

In his book Stress is a Choice, David Zerfoss explains, "Nature has a natural healing effect on us and serves as a natural stress reliever."

While this may come as no surprise, Zerfoss shares a scientific study where hospital patients who had windows in their rooms often healed faster. He also shares a study which reveals that the smell of freshly-cut grass decreased the blood pressure of drivers with road rage.

Rejuvenation and Positive Energy
To reap the benefits of being outdoors, spend time enjoying activities such as walking, gardening, and hiking. If necessary, schedule outdoor activities several times per week until they become a habit.

These activities also reinvigorate you and rejuvenate your mind thereby helping you generate new thoughts and ideas.

The positive energy you generate by participating in and enjoying your outdoor experiences allows you to attract positive energy.

As you may know, energy attracts like energy. Therefore, positive energy (such as joy) attracts positive energy and negative energy (such as dissatisfaction) attracts negative energy.

So go on, get outdoors! Invigorate your body and lift your spirit.

Spring Ahead! 2 Powerful Habits to Move Your Life Forward

"Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values... your values become your destiny." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Spring symbolizes a time of life, rebirth, and growth. As the clock springs ahead and the sun dances across the sky a little longer each day, we embrace the season's arrival and the energy it brings.

So how will you spring ahead in your own life? Here are two powerful habits to adopt:

Release Limiting Beliefs
Like a tree sheds its leaves in autumn and grows new ones in the spring, you possess the ability to release limiting beliefs and replace them with positive ones. Many of your limiting beliefs are learned; you were not born with them. Therefore, they can be changed.

To replace limiting beliefs with positive ones, practice this simple process: write down 2-3 limiting beliefs. Replace each one with a positive belief. For example, replace "I can't make good decisions" with "I make positive choices that help me live my best life."

Each time you begin stating an old belief, repeat the positive belief 10 times. Do this until the new belief becomes something you say automatically.

Travel Your Own Path
Sometimes you may compare and contrast your life with the successes others achieve. You may feel self-pity and wish for their lives and successes.

First, give gratitude for the blessings in your life. Then, recognize that you can achieve your heart's desires. However, the path you travel to get there is your own.

Once you accept this, it becomes easier to travel your own unique path. As you move forward on your journey, you may ask God/the Universe/Higher Power to help you manifest your desires and/or fulfill your purpose.

Whenever you become aware of your desire to travel someone else's path, remind yourself of your unique journey. Choose to believe there is enough for everyone; and that in your life, abundance can blossom from possibility into your reality.

The more you integrate these habits into your thoughts and actions, the more they help you move your life forward.