Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
@DocAmen
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Double Board-Certified Psychiatrist, 12-Time New York Times Best-Selling Author. Call to Book Apt: (844) 595-1279
Joined May 2009
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Stay home.
Hydrate.
Skip the booze.
Sleep.
Take probiotics.
Increase vegetables.
Pump up Vitamin D.
Take Zinc.
Exercise.
#COV19
#coronavirus
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When a trauma causes you to become stronger, it is called post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG happens in about 10 percent of people who experience traumas and includes a deepened spiritual life, a new appreciation of life, a vision for new possibilities and a positive change.
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After 40 years of psychiatric practice with tens of thousands of patients at Amen Clinics, it has become clear that there’s one self-defeating behavior that is guaranteed to ruin your life. What is it? Blaming others
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Most incorrectly believe that the solution to ADD is simply for individuals to "try harder." Research shows the harder people with ADD try, the harder it becomes. SPECT scans of individuals with ADD have shown that when they concentrate the prefrontal cortex, actually shuts off.
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It's 2021, let us all normalize getting treatment for mental health issues. What if we spoke about going to therapy like we all did for going to the gym? What if we removed the stigma of getting help? Petition to make getting help for mental health issues cool. Who is with me? 🙌
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When you’re 18, you think everybody is judging you, and you care deeply about what they think of you. When you reach 40, you no longer care what anybody thinks about you. At 60, you realize nobody has been thinking about you at all because most people only think about themselves.
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Thank you to Daniel Sharman and Leggy Langdon from the 2 Lads podcast for being a part of our Scan My Brain series! Their evaluation video is up now!
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Foods to Avoid for Better Sleep:
1. Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Sugar
4. Breads
5. Pasta
6. Potatoes
7. White rice
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I’m heartbroken to share the news that my father, Louis Amen, passed away yesterday at age 90. He was one of those larger-than-life characters who gave life everything he had. It’s a sad time, but I’m trying to stay focused on all the good memories I have of him. Love you, Dad.
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I am not a fan of positive thinking. It kills way too many people. I advocate accurate, honest thinking. Some anxiety is absolutely critical to good health and success. Low levels of anxiety are associated with underestimating risks.
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Physical exercise increases the ability of serotonin to enter the brain. Walking, running, swimming, or playing table tennis will help you feel happier and more mentally flexible. Whenever you feel stuck in a rut, get moving!
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Remember the 18-40-60 Rule.
At 18, you worry what others think about you.
At 40, you don’t care what others think about you.
At 60, you realize no one has been thinking about you at all.
People think about themselves, not you.
#mentalhealthmatters
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About 75% of the body’s neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal tract, and they are in direct communication with the brain. The health of your gut—and the trillions of bacteria that live there—is tightly linked to your brain function and your mental health.
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The smartest people I know get help from the smartest people they know. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it's a sign of strength.
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I'll be on the
@dbongino
Unfiltered Show tonight on
@UnfilteredOnFox
to discuss the horrific mass shooting in Texas and the impact of mental health in America. Tune in at 9pm EST.
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If you’re quick to judge others, it may be due to unfamiliarity with others outside your social circle. Experience new settings, and meet people who have different experiences than you as a way to enhance your empathy. This can help you embrace people rather than judge them.
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Every time you have a negative thought, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel bad. Think a happy thought, and it triggers the release of chemicals to feel good. Learning to question your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) is a technique to enhance brain function.
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Going live with
@MileyCyrus
in 5 mins on her Instagram to discuss
#coronavirus
pandemic. Join us on her IG!
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I’m not a fan of positive thinking. Positive thinking says you can have the 3rd piece of cheesecake and it won’t hurt you. I’m a fan of accurate thinking. I want you to tell yourself the truth. Accurate thinking leads to better mental health, less bad habits & a happier life.
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Your body renews all the cells in your body every few months. These new cells draw on all the foods you consume, so you literally are what you eat
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When you’re 18, you worry about what everybody is thinking of you; when you’re 40, you don’t care what anybody thinks of you; when you’re 60, you realize nobody’s been thinking about you at all. People spend their days worrying about themselves, not you.
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In many ways, the best thing you can do for your brain is to spend time with healthy people. I often say the fastest way to get healthy is to find the healthiest person you can stand and then spend as much time around him or her as possible.
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Things You Can Control:
1. Your mindset
2. Your diet
3. Sleep
4. Self-talk
5. Your character
6. Exercise
7. Your activity on social media
8. Where you spend your energy
#COVID19
#CoronaVirus
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If you focus on loss, you will feel grief.
If you focus on fear, you will feel afraid.
If you focus on being belittled, you will feel small.
If you focus on those who have hurt you, you will feel angry.
Where you bring your attention always determines how you feel.
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@mileycyrus
and I will be doing an Instagram live together on her IG channel tomorrow at 11:30am PT to discuss managing stress + anxiety through a pandemic.
In Miley's words, "we could all use a little light right now." Hope you'll join us.
#covid_19
#coronavirus
#mentalhealth
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Freaking out about a potential pandemic raises stress levels, which actually hurts your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to infections. Techniques to soothe stress include laughter, diaphragmatic breathing, prayer or meditation, listening to calming music.
#coronavirus
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Stop caring what other people think of you because they are mostly not thinking about you at all. When you’re 18, you worry about what everyone thinks of you; when you’re 40, you don’t care; when you’re 60, you realize no one has been thinking about you at all.
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Having purpose in life will give you a constant, never-ending drip of dopamine. It starts by knowing what gives your life a deep sense of meaning
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A reminder as we head in 2021, mental health is just as important as physical health.
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Exercise can do so much for your body that it's kind of mind-boggling that anyone would choose not to exercise. Our bodies are designed for movement!
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Loved having
@TonyRobbins
at Amen Clinics! Brain optimization is the key to continued success.
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If you focus on gratitude, you will feel grateful.
If you focus on those who love you, you will feel loved.
If you focus on those you love, you will feel loving, and
If you focus on the times you have felt joy, you will feel joyful.
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Be curious, not furious. When you find yourself making a judgment about others, ask what might be behind their behavior. Are they having a bad day? Did they just get laid off? Did they just find out a loved one has cancer? It’s easy to say people are rude, it’s harder to ask why.
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Who you spend time with matters. Their daily habits are contagious. Good friends are good for your health. As you guessed, unhealthy friends and/or minimal contact with friends is bad for your health. Be selective with whom they are because they can affect your brain and mood.
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In many ways, the best thing you can do for your brain is to spend time with healthy people. I often say the fastest way to get healthy is to find the healthiest person you can stand and then spend as much time around him or her as possible.
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Willpower is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Practice saying no to the things that do not serve you and over time, you will find it easier to do.
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Thanks for the mention
@MileyCyrus
- your brain health matters and we are proud of the work you have done!
@Amen_Clinics
Today on the podcast - the great and powerful
@mileycyrus
! I had a great time talking to her and wearing
@davidchoe
’s shirt! Available today on spotify and everywhere podcasts are played. Enjoy!
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love yourself when you're tired
love yourself when you're weak
love yourself when you're grieving
love yourself when you're unsure
love yourself when you're sad
love yourself when you're scared
love yourself when you're suffering
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Train yourself to live in the present moment.
Happy people who are grounded in the present and are not preoccupied with past hurts, stressed by regret, or wrapped up in what might happen in the future. Use all 5 of your senses to help you focus on what you’re doing.
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Negativity is contagious, so if your social circle includes people who don’t believe in you, put you down, or discourage you, you’re likely to believe them. Get out of your own way: Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you.
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If you focus on gratitude, you will feel grateful.
If you focus on those who love you, you will feel loved.
If you focus on those you love, you will feel loving.
If you focus on the times you have felt joy, you will feel joyful.
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Toxic relationships, a lack of support from family/friends elevates stress hormone levels. Make a list of the people in your life and indicate if they are “accomplices” (people who keep you chained to bad habits) or “friends, mentors, and coaches” (people who support you).
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Likewise, before you go to bed at night, write down at least three things that went well that day. That way you train your brain to remember the best parts of your day, plus it sets your dreams up to be more positive, which will help you tomorrow.
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Begin every day with the words, “Today is going to be a great day.” Your mind makes happen what it visualizes. When you start the day by saying these words, your brain will look for the reasons it will be a great day rather than looking for reasons why it will be stressful.
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Be cautious with "tough love"— as it works for people whose brains work right, but for people who have brains that are struggling, tough love is like smashing your computer when it has a problem. It can cause lasting damage.🧠
#MentalHealthAwareness
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Your body reacts to every thought you have, whether it is about work, friends, family, or anything else. This is why when people become upset, they often develop physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomaches, or diarrhea, or they become more susceptible to illness
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Are you constantly checking your phone for new messages, scrolling through your social media feed, or streaming the latest Netflix series? Technology is taking over our lives and leading to tech addiction, anxiety, mood problems, inattention, self-esteem issues, forgetfulness.
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Stop complaining! It rewires your brain to see the negative far too often
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Stress hormones damage the memory centers, & chronic stress causes the brain to become hyperalert, leading to severe distractibility & an inability to filter out extraneous stimuli
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On one piece of paper write down the specific goals you have for all the main areas of your life. Then ask yourself every day, “Is my behavior getting me what I want?” This simple but profound activity can be of tremendous help in encouraging better daily choices.
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In many ways, the best thing you can do for your brain is to spend time with healthy people. As we will see, they are contagious. I often say the fastest way to get healthy is to find the healthiest person you can stand and then spend as much time around him or her as possible.
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When it comes to the brain, exercise acts like the fountain of youth. It boosts blood flow, increases the brain's use of oxygen, & improves your body's response to stress
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When you tell your brain what you want, your brain will align your behavior to get it! Whatever your brain sees, it helps to make happen. If you focus on negativity, you’ll feel depressed. If you focus on achieving your goals with passion and purpose, you’re likely to achieve it.
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When you focus on what you love, your brain works better, you are more coordinated, & you feel better. Write down 5 things you are grateful for every day. In just 3 weeks you will notice a significant positive difference in your level of happiness
#MentalHealthMatters
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Early in my career, I learned that very few people want to see a psychiatrist. No one wants to be labeled as defective or abnormal, but once people learn about the importance of their brain, everyone wants a better one. What if
#mentalhealth
was brain health?
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Low levels of
#VitaminD
have been associated with over 200 diseases, including depression, autism, psychosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Low vitamin D has also been associated with memory problems and dementia
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Congratulations to my friend
@JayShettyIW
who released his first book, Think like a Monk is out to the world today. It is such a powerful book that is worth a year of psychotherapy to those who practice its wisdom.
#ThinkLikeAMonk
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Realize the past is the past. Behavior is much more complicated than most people think. We all make mistakes. It’s part of learning and growing. Let your mistakes teach you something useful rather than tear you down. Then move forward.
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Calm your brain almost immediately with "3 + 6 X 10 breathing":
1. Inhale for 3 seconds through your nose.
2. Hold for 1 second.
3. Exhale for 6 seconds (twice as long as inhale).
4. Hold for 1 second.
5. Repeat 10 times.
#MentalHealthMatters
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When you sleep for 7 hours, it turns on 700 beneficial genes! Make sleep a priority. Create a calming nighttime routine and consider natural supplements that promote relaxation, such as magnesium, melatonin, GABA, 5-HTP, l-theanine, and vitamin B6.
#brainhealth
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One of the fastest ways to hurt your brain is to get less than seven or eight hours of sleep at night. Chronic insomnia triples your risk of death from all causes and is associated with cognitive decline.
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Ask yourself every day, “Is MY behavior today getting me what I want?” This will help you focus your thoughts and actions on your goals throughout the day.
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Being angry, mean, or aggressive is not being assertive. You can be assertive in a calm and clear way
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If all you did today was nothing but stay alive. I'm proud of you. You are needed. You are wanted. And we're glad you're still here.
#MentalHealthMatters
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You can train your thoughts to be positive & hopeful rather than allowing them to be negative & upset you. One way to learn to change your thoughts is to notice when they are negative & talk back to them. If you can correct negative thoughts, you take away their power over you.
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Researchers now say that sugar 8 times more addictive than cocaine and inside the brain, it works in the same areas that react to morphine.
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"Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, if you are married, or if you own a house - as if life was a kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks if you are happy." - Heath Ledger
HERE'S YOUR DAILY REMINDER THAT IT IS OKAY TO BE IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE. YOU MATTER.
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Realize the past is the past. Behavior is much more complicated than most people think. We all make mistakes. It’s part of learning and growing. Let your mistakes teach you something useful rather than tear you down. Then move forward.
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Don’t believe every stupid thing you think. If people were convicted on their thoughts, everyone would be in jail. The brain is a sneaky organ, we all have weird thoughts that no one should hear. Thoughts create feelings, feelings create behaviors and behaviors create outcomes.
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When you say "good morning" to someone it is followed up by a "how are you?" and your answer is a quick "good" or "fine" but you never truly share how you REALLY are doing mentally. Let's change that starting today - how are YOU?
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One of the biggest misconceptions about grief is that we only experience it when a person dies. You can experience grief when you lose a job or when a relationship ends. You can also grieve the idea of something like if you or a loved one suffers a health issue.
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During a pandemic, mental hygiene is just as important as washing your hands.
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Deep breathing—inhaling for about 4 seconds and slowly exhaling for about 8 seconds—reverses that, increasing oxygen to the brain and helping eliminate carbon dioxide to calm panic and restore clarity in the mind.
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You become like the people you hang out with. You can trade ideas, get new perspectives, & generally stretch your mind if you are surrounded by fascinating folks
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“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone."
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Your ability to manage your thoughts and master your mind is essential to feeling happy. Yet it wasn’t until I was 28 and in my psychiatric residency that I learned I did not have to believe every stupid thought I had.
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Brain imaging studies at Amen Clinics show that Red Dye
#40
can dramatically alter brain function and increase activity throughout the brain. This pattern in the brain has been associated with increased impulsivity, irritability, anxiousness, fearfulness and unpredictability.
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Cheese is addictive because when the dairy protein casein is combined with stomach acid it produces casomorphins, which have a mild opiate- or heroine-like effect in the brain. Casomorphins often trump willpower 🧀🧀
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Less alcohol is better, and none is perfectly fine. You are not less of a man or a woman if you do not drink. You are not less mature, less interesting, or less fun as an adult if you do not drink. The good news is that your body can start to heal quickly if you stop drinking
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Before you say something, filter it through the impact it may have on others. I often teach my patients to ask themselves, If I say this, or if I do this, then what are the consequences? Will it bring me closer to my spouse/friends or improve my own health?
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Deciding that you don't want to spend time with people who are going to have an adverse effect on you doesn't mean you have to blame them for the way they are. It simply means that you have the right to choose a better life for yourself.
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Where you bring your attention determines how you feel. Focus on what you love and you feel loving. Focus on your fears and you feel afraid. Focus on how powerful you are and you feel powerful. 😀
#mentalhealth
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Most people care more about their faces, their boobs, their bellies, their butts, and their abs than they do their brains. It is your brain that is the key to having the face, the breasts, the belly, the butt, the abs you want. It is brain dysfunction that ruins our bodies.
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Negative thoughts cause your brain to immediately release chemicals that affect every cell in your body, making you feel bad; while the opposite is true—positive, hopeful thoughts release chemicals that make you feel good. Your thought patterns can also have long-term effects.
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Sugar acts like a drug in the brain. When you consume it, it boosts the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain and causes your blood sugar to spike, which makes you feel good…temporarily. But then your blood sugar levels crash, impacting your moods majorly.
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The '18-40-60 Rule': at 18 you care what everyone thinks, at 40 you don't care what anyone thinks and at 60 you realize no one ever cared about what you thought, they were busy worrying about themselves.
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Want to feel better?
1. Stop comparing yourself to others.
2. Write down your strengths and accomplishments.
3. Praise others because it makes it more likely you will praise yourself.
#MentalHealthMatters
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Train yourself to live in the present moment.
Happy people who are grounded in the present and are not preoccupied with past hurts, stressed by regret, or wrapped up in what might happen in the future. Use all 5 of your senses to help you focus on what you’re doing.
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I am not a fan of "positive thinking" and here's why. People who live by the philosophy “don’t worry, be happy” die the earliest from accidents and preventable illnesses. Developing the habit of accurate, honest, and disciplined thinking is crucial to feeling safe during stress.
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A reminder that you are capable of accomplishing whatever you want in this life
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Thoughts lie; they lie a lot, & it is our unquestioned thoughts that steal our happiness. Having a thought has nothing to do with whether or not it is true, which is why we call them automatic negative thoughts. They can attack your mind & literally ruin your life
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I'm a fan of gratitude and an even bigger fan of appreciation. Gratitude is what I feel good about and what I'm grateful for. Appreciation is a bridge where you take gratitude and you reach out and tell someone else that you appreciate them. It's great for the brain.
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