The mind is a powerful tool but it can get in the way of you simply just “being”, especially when it goes into overdrive.

The moment we start overthinking, we become wrapped up in our egos and daily stresses, allowing our fears to take over. It’s difficult to just breathe and be, when the rush of thoughts are affecting your heart rate and internal calm.

This is why it’s worth starting your day with positive affirmation.

It could be something as general as, “Today, I let go of my worries and fears. I am strong. Today is going to be a good day!” or it could be specific, such as, “I am radiant and glowing like rays of sunshine entering my bedroom. My kids are beautiful. Life is beautiful.”

So, if you are wondering how positive you are as a person, then ask yourself this: how many positive-versus-negative thoughts run through your mind every day? Are you feeling confident or anxious about something? It’s all about self-awareness.

You might even want to set a timer or gentle hourly alert on your phone to remind you to reflect on your thoughts.

How often throughout the day are your thoughts happy thoughts? How much time in the day are you usually feeling calm compared to feeling stressed? How often are you thinking about the past, which cannot be changed?

Pondering on these types of things will help you become aware of the negative thoughts you might have. You will know exactly what you have to work on to eliminate the negativity.

The mind is so powerful so it can do whatever you believe it can. So believe that you will get past this. Believe that you can reduce negative thoughts through practice and patience.

Exercises for happiness and inner calm

Before you begin, make sure you are feeling as calm and relaxed as possible.

Breathe in and out slowly. If you have any tired knots in your body, just let go of the stress and tension. Close your eyes.

Now, imagine a blank canvas in your mind and think about what’s bothering you.

Is there something you need to release? What does it look like, if you had to draw it? Let the image form on the blank canvas. Is it one person that appears or several? What is happening in this scene? It might just be an image of yourself that appears on this canvas.

Be aware of any details like colours or emotions that arise within you as you are seeing this image. Once you become aware of what needs to be cleared, imagine a strong light shining itself on to this image.

It’s becoming brighter and brighter as though the sun’s rays are illuminating the scene with so much light, positivity and happiness. Be aware of the scene dissolving into the magnificent light.

Imagine if your issue was released, what image would you paint right now? Choose a positive emotion. It could be love, happiness, feeling free or completely relaxed.

Now, visualise that emotion coming to life as a painting or picture on the white canvas. What do you see? What would the scene look like? Notice the differences. Feel them within your mind and body.

Imagine yourself being calmer and clearer. Pay attention to your breathing. If this new image puts a smile on your face, remember this picture in your mind. Think of this every time you feel you need to remind yourself to be positive. What we choose to think of everyday is up to us. So choose positivity.

I know it’s a difficult time right now for so many of us out there but just remember the quality of our lives can be determined by our attitudes. Whatever we focus on gets magnified, so stay strong, stay positive and always be grateful for your blessings.

Jojo Struys is a wellness personality and the founder of ‘OHANAJO awake’, an online conscious platform to help people with their stress, anxiety and sleep. Enjoy daily meditations, yoga, sound baths and wisdom on the go in less than 15 mins per day. Please visit www.ohanajo.com for a free trial.