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Coping Strategy: Smile

 

Coping Strategy
(as shared from my Hope for Healing monthly newsletter)

I want to share one coping strategy a month. These are strategies I use (or have used) in my own life as I travel the healing journey. I hope they bring you tranquility, as well!

Smile

I recently interviewed Bob Lancer of http://schoolsupportmotivation.com/and https://7mindsets.com/ on The Healing Place Podcast. As we discussed the Seven Mindsets, I was reminded how I had made a concerted effort to change my thinking patterns and create new habits filled with positivity instead of focusing on the struggles when I first started out on my healing journey. One of the strategies I used when experiencing a panic attack was forcing myself to smile while in the midst of panic! Practicing this exercise, while feeling incredibly overwhelmed with symptoms (sweaty palms, racing thoughts, tunnel vision, pounding heart), created a shift in chemicals surging through my body. I utilized positivity to counteract the fear response that was surfacing.I was reminded to keep a small smile on my face during meditations, as well. I am continually amazed how a conscious effort to smile can instantly create a shift in my mindset. My shoulders will usually relax, my breath slows down, and I can feel a change in my attitude. Such a simple act can have powerful effects. Practice doing it today and notice the impact it has on the moment, your day, and your overall life.

The Seven Mindsets:

  1. Everything is possible.
  2. We are connected.
  3. Passion first.
  4. 100% accountability in every situation.
  5. The attitude of gratitude.
  6. Live to give.
  7. The time is now.
Remember to focus on what there is to appreciate in every moment. There is always a reason to smile.

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Comments (7)

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Laura Pinhey posted:

Teri, I'm guessing you are aware (and you may be implying it in this post) that there's research that shows that the act of smiling -- even if it's a forced smile -- can improve one's mood. The reminds me of something I read recently about a remedy for insomnia that's caused by anxiety -- smile, just a bit, like the Buddha, while counting breaths (three inhales, three exhales) to signal to your brain that everything is OK. I've tried it several times, and more often than not, I drift right off.

Thanks for sharing this here, Teri!

Yes! Exactly. I was practicing a guided meditation a few years ago and it was suggested I turn the corners of my mouth up into a small smile and maintain it throughout the session. It was amazing the impact of that forced smile on my meditative results. That is when I decided to try forcing myself to smile in the midst of a panic attack. I had read how we can alter our chemical makeup by sending positive energy into negative or overwhelming emotions such as fear. And, for ME . . . it works! Might not work for everyone, but it does so for me. 

Thanks for the support and positive feedback 

Peace,

Teri

Angela Jernigan posted:

Thank you, Teri, this is a wonderful reminder! I love it especially because your picture makes me instantly want to smile! Thank you for smiling me into a smile

 

Well, your response made me smile big! Thank you for the positive feedback and I hope you find a million little reasons to smile this week 

Peace,

Teri

Teri, I'm guessing you are aware (and you may be implying it in this post) that there's research that shows that the act of smiling -- even if it's a forced smile -- can improve one's mood. The reminds me of something I read recently about a remedy for insomnia that's caused by anxiety -- smile, just a bit, like the Buddha, while counting breaths (three inhales, three exhales) to signal to your brain that everything is OK. I've tried it several times, and more often than not, I drift right off.

Thanks for sharing this here, Teri!

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