Let’s face it. There are days when getting an email with a smiling face makes you want to go for the delete key. Everyone has days when it’s hard to be positive and enthusiastic about anything. Hopefully, those days are few and far between. Still, with all the pressures of running your spa or massage practice and the inevitability of Murphy’s Law (what can go wrong, will) from time to time, it’s not always easy to keep a positive attitude outlook 24/7.
That said, at the end of the day, it has a positive outlook that underlies your success – not that skills don’t count. You can always learn new skills, whether they are a new massage technique or new skin treatments. Even when things seem at their lowest, an inherent belief and confidence that things will sort themselves out, in the end, will get you through whatever you are facing and even make you stronger.
Here are six things you can do to maintain a positive outlook. You may have heard some of them before, but the fact is they work, so try to incorporate them into your daily life.
Exercise
How many times have you talked to your clients about the value of exercise? It may be time to practice what you preach if some exercise isn’t already part of your daily or weekly routine. Besides the value of exercise to your physical health, exercise improves your positive state of mind. Exercise helps in two ways. When you exercise, your brain releases a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). BDNF helps relieve stress, as do the endorphins, another chemical released by your brain, which minimize pain caused by exercise and create a euphoria feeling.
Put things in Perspective
Take a step back and think about the situation. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but you need to get perspective. Sometimes things aren’t really as bad as they first appear.
Surround yourself with Positive People
Some people create a trauma or always see the glass as half empty. Spend as little time as possible with these types of folks. They can exhaust you. Spend time with people who are optimistic or at least don’t add drama to situations.
Prioritize
Sometimes things appear negative because you forget what really matters. Identify what really matters the most – in your home and your business – and focus on ensuring you accomplish goals related to them.
Pep Talks Help
It’s OK to talk to yourself – or your pets (my dog can be a real comfort, and she’s never judgmental) – to help sort things out. Listen to what you are saying. Sometimes you need to hear what’s bothering you to figure out how to deal with it.
Celebrate Success
Whenever things get difficult, think of all the things you’ve accomplished. Just setting up shop is a major achievement and one many people wish they could do. Keep a list if necessary, and look at it when you need a boost.
It’s as they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Have a positive outlook, and everyone will be flocking to your lemonade stand.