With advances in technology making it easier than ever to complete everyday tasks and social media making the world a much smaller playground, one would think that stress levels would be an at all-time low. With access to more information than we've ever had in the past, however, it is quite easy to get caught up in information overload.
Because things are so easy to access and use, we often take more on than we should, which results in unnecessary distress on our mind, body and soul. For the aforementioned reason, we need to pull back and implement the "Hakuna Matata" lesson made famous in the 1994 Disney cartoon film The Lion King.
"Hakuna Matata" is a Swahili phrase, which roughly translates to "no problems" and can be compared to the well-known phrase, "don't worry, be happy" in the English language. Worry, stress and doubt, however, plague each of us at some point in our lives. So just how does one "Hakuna Matata" their way through life? Let's dive right into three very easy methods for you to begin with.
Spend Moments in Solitude
Find a quiet space and take deep breathes in through the nose and out through the mouth; smile upon completion.
Remind Yourself
Now, you don't need to buy a wristband, your reminder may be as simple as a sticky note on your bathroom mirror each morning with the words "Hakuna Matata" or a "Hakuna Matata" mouse pad at work. The key is to recall the meaning of the word. At the very least, it'll make you smile thinking of the Lion King song, and it's pretty impossible to sing it while distraught, so go ahead, give it a hum.
Death-Bed View
Whenever life seems to bring you down, stop and think, "If today were my last day on Planet Earth, would the thing that is bringing me down even matter?" The answer would likely be "no" and you'll want to live your life to the absolute fullest. The regret of many on their death-bed is taking life too seriously and not taking the time to enjoy the things that really matter.
Don't wait until it's time to kick the bucket, write out your priority list now. Write, in order of importance, the things that matter to you most (ie. Family, Friends, Spirituality, Music etc.) Next time your boss rubs you the wrong way, or your child spills juice on your favorite blouse, take the death-bed view. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? Hakuna Matata.
Gayneté Edwards, best-selling author of Lucky Code : A Guide for Winning at Life, is a Huffington Post contributor, model, mom and lover of all things yellow. If you enjoyed this article and want to up your optimism game, head on over to Gaynete's website and sign up to become an Official Goal Chaser, where you'll receive weekly tips, tricks and motivation directly to your inbox each Sunday to get you closer to achieving your biggest goals!
And if you really want to have some fun, take her free 7 Day Good Karma Challenge!
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