Did you know you are not your thoughts and emotions? It’s true. In fact, you even have control over them. By practicing simple processes every day, you will soon find yourself feeling a stronger connection with your higher self on a more regular basis and feeling all the good things that come with that. Life ebbs and flows, though, even for the most practiced among us. Some days, you just “aren’t feeling it.” So whether you’re feeling bad and want to feel better, or you’re feeling good and you want to feel even better, try some of these favorite processes to raise your vibe.

1. Eat a good meal. It’s no secret that food affects the way we feel. Natural food is packed with nutrients that help our bodies and minds stay balanced. Learn to notice how you feel when you eat certain foods and to recognize what your body is really asking for. Craving something salty might indicate your menu could include more zinc. If you find yourself craving sweets, reach for a banana or make a hearty smoothie. Keep your gut (and your brain, which relies heavily on the gut) in check by eating leafy greens.

2. Reiterate affirmations. Affirmations are great for bridging beliefs and reminding us of what we may forget from time to time. To avoid the feeling of being brainwashed, make sure to choose affirmations that truly resonate with you. Sit in a conscious state of no thought for as long as you need, and see what comes to you. There are many available online. This is a simple process so don’t overthink it. What do you believe when you’re feeling your best? Write it down and read it when you’re not feeling your best.

3. List positive aspects. That’s just another way of saying “make a gratitude list” or a “page of appreciation.” You don’t have to be feeling very thankful when you start this list. Is there something you can see in your surroundings right now that you like? You don’t even have to call it a gratitude list. Call it whatever you want, just find the feeling of appreciation and put pen to paper. By taking the time to write it out, the vibe of goodness will build momentum and that abundant feeling of appreciation will fill your soul.

4. Get active. Do something that moves your blood around, if you’re able. Isolate lower or upper body by doing basic stretches or some light resistance training. Incorporate your whole body by going for a walk, riding a bike, or throwing a ball around. Your body will tell you if it needs more or less of a certain activity, and if it hurts, don’t do it. Listen to your body and engage your focus with physical activity. Being active is known to produce the chemicals that help our minds and emotions stay balanced. It doesn’t have to be hard or strenuous, but if you enjoy a challenge, that’s great! Look for the enjoyment in the activity you choose, otherwise this will not raise your vibe!

5. Get some sun. People are basically really complicated plants. We need nutrients, water, a familiar home…and sun! Why is mental health threatened more than ever before? Because our society has shifted with the technological age to be dominated by indoor, computer-oriented activities and jobs. That’s great because we are collectively expanding as a result! We’ve just got to make sure our bodies see enough sun to create the vitamin D we need. (This is actually a really interesting process that illustrates how intelligent our bodies are.)

6. Climb the emotional scale. If you were to consider your range of emotions as a ladder, with rock bottom as rung 1, and on top of the world as the top rung, you’ll notice there are many rungs in between that represent other various emotions. Start by identifying your primary resounding thought, and then feel (with your emotions) your way to a thought that feels slightly better. Repeat that as you climb that ladder to the top where you’re feeling your best. Don’t pressure yourself; allow the momentum to build as you find thoughts that feel better and truly resonate with you. (From experience, trying too hard will not improve your vibe.) For more information on the emotional scale, use your search engine to find (our favorite) Abraham Hicks’ explanation.

7. Enjoy nature. In the words of TreeHouse Master, Pete Nelson, “To the trees!” There are so many beautiful things to appreciate in nature, and you know your preference. Sit (or walk) in a conscious state of no thought and observe your surroundings. As you experience this, notice the feeling of openness begin to dominate your vibe. Enjoy simply being, as nature does the same. Allow the sense of unity and awareness that we are all from the same source begin to fill you with love. We are all Infinite Love experiencing life from a physical perspective, for awhile.

8. Practice generosity. It matters not whether you give physical or financial resources or your time, giving makes a difference. Generosity is similar to physical activity in that it produces those chemicals our brains need for balance and for feeling good. While there are plenty of research statistics to back that statement, you can probably recognize this in your own experiences when you have given of yourself, receiving nothing in return (except that “warm, fuzzy feeling” throughout your body). As with all the other processes mentioned, find a way to do this that interests you. It’s okay to feel good when you help someone else, and your intentions make a huge difference.

9. Pet an animal. Probably steer clear of wild animals for this one (wink). Maybe you or someone you know has a pet to whom you could give some love. If nothing else, go to the local dog park (just be sure the owners realize you’re loving and not shopping!) Physical touch does wonders for the body, even for those who have a wide personal space radius. The great thing about animals is that their minds and emotions are more basic than ours. They seem to stay in alignment with the core of who they are on a much more regular basis, and sometimes we can boost our own vibe just by being in their presence.

10. Listen to music. It’s become a popular saying, “Music is what feelings sound like.” Know why it’s so popular? Because it’s true. The vibrations of the instruments and heart of the lyrics meet our own vibration, and when those vibrations resonate, we connect with the song. Music can lift you up or take you down, so be deliberate with your choices. Our complex minds often take in what we consciously do not. Read the lyrics of a song to make sure it’s one that will improve your vibe. As with anything that feels good, there can be a tendency to become addicted to a certain behavior. The capacity to feel good demands more and more as you chase that feel good sensation, so switch it up and try different things so that each method continues to be effective. You may come up with your own ideas as you practice some of these, so stay open! Follow the inspiration you receive! Now, for the surprise tip #11!

11. Focus Wheel. The full explanation of this process can be found in the book by Abraham Hicks, “Ask and It Is Given.”1 Great read, highly recommend. The idea is simple: identify what you want and why. Write that simple statement in a circle in the middle of a piece of paper. From that circle, stem off other circles that offer supporting statements. For example, you might write in the center, “I love having fun, and I want more of that!” Then, in the surrounding circles, you might write ways you already have fun. This will stimulate ideas of ways you wish to have fun. By the end of the process, you have spent enough time visualizing and building the momentum, that you feel more fun already. Be on the lookout for the article in which we focus on this specific tool in greater detail. As always, we love connecting with our readers, so send your experiences and questions our way! References:

12. Hicks, Esther and Jerry. Ask and It is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires.Carlsbad, California: Hay House, Inc., 2004.