When you get stressed out, what do you tell yourself? Do you beat your head against the wall — internalize until the tears overflow — or do you smile and remind yourself that this too shall pass? No matter how you choose to deal with stress, you probably know that keeping your cool in high-pressure situations can be easier said than done. Some days it’s hard to stay positive, but what some people don’t realize is how much power words have over your emotional health and overall attitude. Having a daily mantra can help you keep your spirits up and improve your quality of life.
What is a Mantra?
Mantras started as a group of words and phrases in Sanskrit thousands of years ago. For instance, the ancient chant “Om” translates to the sound of the universe, which people used to use to align their vibes to the world around them. Today mantras are still used in several religious practices, and recently they’ve also been gaining popularity in Western Culture. Nowadays, a mantra can also be any word or phrase that you use to relieve stress or inspire kindness.
How is a Mantra Useful?
It may sound silly at first, but what you tell yourself each day can have a huge impact on your health and happiness. When the weight of the day starts to feel like a barbell driving you into the ground, having a mantra can help you let the light in and keep things in perspective. You can use a mantra you’ve heard that speaks to you, or you can create one of your own. It doesn’t matter, as long as it works for you.
If you want a mantra of your own but can’t decide where to start, here are a few examples:
1. I make my own happiness.
2. My best is all I can do.
3. Being brave doesn’t mean I can’t be afraid.
4. Being tough doesn’t mean I can’t fall down.
5. Be still and breathe.
We live in a fast-paced society, and even though we don’t necessarily feel like it every day, we still need to function like human beings. Your day might not always go just as planned — we all have moments where we want to pull our hair out. If you keep a mantra tucked away in your mind for an extra boost of positivity, it may help remind you to step back and look at things differently when challenges arise. Let your mantra be your voice of reason. Don’t just recite it. Believe it, and encourage yourself to be the best possible you.
