I have discussed the effects of the mind on how we live our lives in previous blogs.
From an early age, the brain and mind select certain aspects of life which had an effect on the individual.
These influences can be of a positive or negative nature, but unfortuately many are in the latter category.
The effects of these memory snapshots, can live with a person as they grow up, and can affect how they deal with certain situations if they feel they are facing similar circumstances.
It takes hard work and persistance, but with patience and time, these negative aspects can be removed from an individual`s mindset, completely reversing a negative to a positive.
An example of how we deal with the unknown, is the arrival of a new year.
It is celebrated throughout the world, although not always at the same time of year. For example, China celebrates the Lunar New Year which is in February.
In modern times, fireworks have created colourful displays, heralding the start of a new year.
Psychologically we have left one year, leaving behind the negative aspects and looking forward to the new year ahead with positivity, good health and prosperity.
It is only the beginning of January 2026, but already some things have happened which we did not anticipate.
Weather wise we have a snow alert across most of the country, and it has already started in the north of Scotland.
There are treacherous travel conditions with cancellations of trains, flights and buses.
Some places have power cuts and many schools newly back following the holidays are closed.
However, children will love it as the UK tends not to have as much snow as it used to have.
Other unexpected situations have taken place such as the horrendous fire in Switzerland, and political moves within hostile countries.
These things, and others, will continue to be present throughout 2026, and will require those involved to make good decisions in order to try and make the best of such situations.
Everyone tends to greet the new year with "Happy New Year" wishes, and it is a very positive way of approaching the year ahead.
We are all familiar with "New Year resolations" when positive projects are started.
Losing weight is a favourite, as the clean slate of a new year, creates motivation and determination for not only dissolving the weight put on over Christmas, but also reducing weight which had crept on over the previous year, thus improving health and fitness.
A healthy eating plan, plus exercise through gym membership or running club will get everyone off to a flying start.
However, as the weeks wear on, enthusiasm often tends to wane slightly.
The weather being cold and dark, it is ideal for comfort food. Time becomes scarce with work and other distractions demanding more attention.
Bit by bit the enthusiasm evaporates, until either the project is less effective or abandoned altogether!
In order to cheer up the long dark nights, booking a holiday might do the trick?
This is usually a family activity, and the thought and sight of colourful sunny resorts promising fun and great lifestyle as an escape from the pressures and stresses of life, is enough to put everyone in a good mood.
When a holiday is booked, it gives a focus on something to look forward to.
It is a form of escapism as it allows the mind to shift from the stresses of life to what is imagined as a perfect holiday with fabulous weather, a beautiful location and all suited to family needs.
The year will continue to move on, and other highlights will be anticipated, such as attending a wedding or the birth of a baby.
There may be celebrations if a family member has achieved good exam results or has been given promotion at work.
As the holiday time approaches, there is another exciting time which will keep the positive vibe.
Shopping for holiday clothes and accessories suitable for the weather and lifestyle of the holiday destination.
In amongst the highs will be expected and unexpected lows.
Often when a negative situation is anticipated, it turns out not to be as bad as first thought, and also a perceived positive situation can take an unexpected negative turn.
It all depend on how our mindset copes with such things.
We are capable of dealing with all sorts of practical and emotional situations which life throws at us.
Some are expected and some are not, but it depends on the mindset as to how successful we as individuals are at constructing coping mechanisms.
A positive mindset can be achieved, but it takes a certain way of looking at life.
Choosing positive images such as a planned holiday can be a temporary fix, as it creates a feeling of escapism but may not deal with an underlying problem which should be sorted out in another way.
As the year moves on, we are generally unaware of how it will turn out.
There will always be the expected and the unexpected, and many X factors over which which we have little or no control.
A healthy mindset helps to deal with most scenarios, and can be achieved by giving attention to how the brain and mind interact.
This can be done in many ways, but meditation, yoga and tai chi are examples of relaxing the brain and mind to take on a more positive outlook.
Attending classes, or having a one to one teacher will help the process along, particularly if there are some deep seated beliefs which have been carried on throughout brain development, and are still influencing the mind set.
Paying attention to having a healthy brain / mind relationship helps to reduce the potential of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are so prevalent in society.
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