Preparing For College, Getting Into the Right Mindset

I am on a mission to encourage everyone to be positive, happy and to be proud of themselves.

Often when we feel low, uninspired and anxious or find it hard to get going on any tasks; this could be linked to low Endorphin levels. Perhaps you are not sleeping properly, drinking too much alcohol to unwind and not exercising. Maybe your eating patterns are irregular with too much emphasis on fatty, processed foods or sweet things like chocolate and biscuits that do give you a temporary mood boost but a couple of hours later the same feelings return.

I would like to know how is it that people in the past were on the whole more healthy than they are nowadays? It is clear that they were walking more to get from place to place though of course worked or studied more locally. They ate less processed food with more focus on fresh meat and vegetables as there was more of an emphasis on cooking meals from scratch. They therefore remained healthier and fitter, lived longer and enjoyed a slower, more relaxed pace of life. If you look at farmers as an example they rise early and work all day on the land or with their livestock, stopping only for lunch and dinner using produce from their farms before then retiring early to bed.

Nowadays children spend most of their free time sitting either watching TV, on their PCs or playing their games consoles rather than outside playing or doing some outdoor activities which involves physical exercise. Parents are too busy working ever longer and longer hours so when they do get home they often feed their children quick and easy processed foods, or fast food but this food lacks nutrition and are often high in fats, salt and sugar. Without a regular nutritious evening meal, children often end up eating snacks such as crisps and chocolate to satisfy their hunger so adding to the 'empty' calories and are contributing to the rising obesity levels amongst young people.

Okay so what can we do that does not take too much effort or take too much time from our busy lives? Remember we have the choice to take the healthy happy option rather than continue with the unhealthy and unhappy option.

I choose the healthier and happier option, wouldn't you choose this also? Would you like to join me? All you need to do is to follow these powerful steps to boost your Endorphin levels and overall sense of wellbeing:

Sunshine: when you are outdoors on a sunny day or even when you look out onto a beautiful sunny day, this will help to trigger Endorphins, because you will start feeling positive, happy and uplifted.

What if the weather is dull and raining? Then just imagine a beautiful sunny day, maybe draw a sunny picture or look at a holiday photo; it is that simple and will help give you a rush of Endorphins.

Exercise: have you ever heard of something called a "runner's high"? This is the rush of Endorphins you get from physical exercise. If you do not enjoy running, then go for a brisk walk for at least 30minutes. Why not give it a try one early morning this week or this weekend and start activating your happy drug.

Chocolate: just one or two chunks will help raise your Endorphin levels. Although you will immediately feel a mood boost resist the temptation to eat the whole bar or the whole box! How this works is that Chocolate acts her like a drug when eaten, which leads to the release of Endorphins.

Spicy food: Adding a little chilli or hot spice into your food will not only tantalise your taste buds but will trigger a release of Endorphins in your body. If you enjoy eating curry then that is great though do not overindulge as the sauce-based curry dishes contain a lot of the butter based 'ghee' product which is very fattening.

Meditation: I have always wondered whether it is beneficial and after practising it I can now assure you it is as it refreshes, recharges and gives you a boost of Endorphins.

Positive people: try to surround yourself with positive people who lift your spirits, motivate you and make you laugh. Watch funny movies when you go out with them and enjoy the time you spend with them.

When I feel down the first thing I do is put on some high tempo dance or latin music and boogie on down! Have a good day.

The above tips I have tried it and helped me a lot, then I decided to share it with you so you can all benefit from this incredible results.

By following simple easy to follow steps towards your mental energy. I call it my mental gym. http://www.nadiasylvester.com. Providing quality counselling articles, hynotherapy writings and other mind help resources online, hypnotherapist, counsellor and life coach in London.