The power of positive thinking can help us overcome stress. It sounds easy, and it can definitely take time to get into that mindset if you've been down in the dumps or feeling like you've been pushing a stone up an endless hill. If we can switch our brains from focusing only on what we are worried about or take a pause from letting the spinning thoughts take over, we can fill that space with more cheerful thoughts. 

The next time you're feeling particularly overwhelmed, give yourself five minutes to think about a few things you are proud of or grateful for having. Sometimes a simple reminder of all that we have achieved can be enough to put the worries about what we haven't into perspective and calm us down or help us deal with what's in front of us.

Does stress make you fat? The answer is: yes, it can. When we are in a state of stress, our bodies release adrenaline, which gives us enough energy for a fight or flight response. High levels of stress also cause the release of cortisol, which, at normal levels, helps our bodies maintain our metabolism. When you have too much, it messes with your appetite, telling your body to eat to replace the energy spen preparing to fight or run away.

You are now more likely to make bad choices, give into temptation and deal with your stress throught the comfort of eating, which does lead to weight gain. High-fat, sweet and salty foods give an instant sense of pleasure, which is why we keep going back to them - we've trained ourselves to!

Introducing something new into your life can re-energize and rejuvenate your mental state. It can lead to self-discovery and new ideas. For those dealing with depression or anxiety issues, diving into a new hobby or new adventure can pave the road toward recovery. 

Challenge yourself to try something new. Find adventure. Flip your perspective upside down. Constantly push your limits. That trip you've been thinking about? Book it. That hobby you've wanted to start? Try it. Fill your life with the things you enjoy. Look inward and constantly strive for self-improvement. Find your happy.

Did you know that spending just 15 minutes outside every day can improve your mood and decrease anxiety? Fresh air reduces stress and increases those feel-good hormones!

Your skin creates Vitamin D from healthy sun exposure, a vitamin thought to impact the serotonin levels in our brains.  

Serotonin regulates your mood, appetite, and sex drive. Scientists have linked lower levels of serotonin to depression. Don't waste your days inside! Find a fun activity to do in the great outdoors, or simply go for a quick walk around the block. Get outside and give your mental health a boost today!

Feel like you're getting in a lot of arguments or having problems communicating? This happens when we need to slow down and get clear with our intention. 

When we rush our communication, we get defensive and reactive. Conscious communication has been called the highest yoga. Sending out loving vibrations and uplifting intentions with our words shifts the dynamics in our conversations. 

Next time you're around someone, practice holding the intention of 'I want you to feel loved.' See how practicing this intention heals your communication and charges up your life positively.

Feeling all over the place? Here's a quick meditation to clear your mind. Keeping our mind uncluttered improves our health and happiness. 

Sit with your eyes closed and take a deep breath. As you exhale watch all your thoughts leaving your body. Do this two more times. Now sit in a blank space where there are no thoughts. When you see a thought start to come into your blank space tell it gently, not now. 

You can now choose one thought and let's make it a positive one. How about this, 'today is the best day of my life.' This will put you in a high frequency and help train your mind to keep it simple and keep it positive. True independence and happiness comes from training our mind.