Jenny Taitz

Anybody procrastinate?

You've got pressing to-dos, yet suddenly it's time to empty your inbox?

That's pseudoproductivity or procrastivity.

The opposite action?

Lovingly bringing your full attention to the task that matters most again and again.

Opposite action isn't superficial.

It changes the way you see yourself.

What's the ultimate mental health hack?

regularly practicing opposite action.

It improves depression and anxiety in weeks.

If stress tries to convince you opposite action is impossible action or insists that you're just not the karaoke type, keep a hope kit, a collection of items that elevates your mood within reach.

It can have anything in it that propels you forward.

These are shown to generate real hope.

This is mine.

It has pictures of my grandparents holding me as a little girl, cards from clients, a playlist with some dance-worthy Drake music and a note to myself to always be a light.

What belongs in yours?

After savoring these reminders, consider hope isn't just a feeling.

It's a behavior you spread, touching the lives of the people you love and anyone you encounter.

Stress doesn't have to scar you, and you don't have to spill it onto others.

Spilled milk or something stickier, stress isn't what happens.