Blog / Mindfulness

Let's Feel Better Together

Kira Sloane January 20, 2023

Over here at Yoga Anytime, we are committed to feeling better in 2023, and wanting the same for you.

In the spirit of the AI trend, we asked OpenAIs chat bot Chat.GPT for some advice. Our prompt was:

"Write a 300 word blog on how to feel better"

Chat.GPT's response was:

Feeling better can sometimes be a challenge, especially when we're feeling down or going through a tough time. But there are things we can do to lift our mood and improve our well-being. Here are a few ideas to try:

Get some exercise. Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It doesn't have to be intense - a walk around the block or a gentle yoga class can be enough to boost your mood.

Spend time in nature. Being in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on our mental health. So, take a hike, go for a bike ride, or simply sit and enjoy the view.

Connect with others. Social support is important for our emotional well-being. Talk to a friend, join a support group, or consider seeing a therapist.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help us feel more centered and grounded. Try a mindfulness meditation or simply take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath.

Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect our mood and overall well-being. Try to get a good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a restful sleep environment.

Eat a healthy diet. What we eat can affect our mood and energy levels. Aim for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Find activities that bring joy. Engaging in activities that bring us joy and a sense of accomplishment can improve our mood. It could be something as simple as reading a good book or as challenging as taking on a new hobby.

Remember, it's okay to not feel okay all the time. It's important to give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions and to take care of yourself. By incorporating some of these strategies into your life, you can improve your mood and overall well-being.

So "the machine" pretty much nailed it!

And if the advice is so simple, proven, and relatively accessible, how is it that the global health and wellness market was valued at USD 4,886.70 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach over USD 7,656.7 billion by 2030?

Why do we resist what we know logically and experientially will work?

The simple answer is habit.

For many of us the last 3-ish years of the global pandemic shrunk our world, dramatically reducing our opportunities to explore new places, make new connections, experience new ideas, and play. So many people died, and many of us have been left feeling less alive, even a little dead.

We are in the habit of feeling isolated, scared, and restricted, and habits are hard to break. The sages of yoga have known this for a very long time. One of the definitions of yoga from the Bhagavad Gita is "Yoga is breaking from the bonds of suffering" (6:23)

It's gonna take more than words to break that bond. It's going to take the influence of close spiritual friends. We are impressionable beings and we imitate.

So our number one advice to start feeling better is to find a buddy who is also committed to feeling better who will accompany you on adventures, practice yoga, go on walks in the woods, throw kettlebells around, try new recipes, attend concerts, whatever it is that brings joy!

If finding a buddy is part of the problem, or you're not ready for an in-person buddy, make us your buddy!

We're gonna be asking our teachers to speak to feeling better and share their #1 go-tos with us. We'll be sharing our efforts on Instagram. Drop yours into your IG feed and tag us! @yogaanytime #letsfeelbetter

Remember, the best way to feel better is to get into the habit of feeling better!