Life Lessons from Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’
As I was driving back from a quick office run this weekend, my favorite song, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, played multiple times on the radio. The message behind this song is so meaningful for me that’s why I love listening to it. When I first heard it in August, it instantly filled me with a sense of upliftment and, for lack of a better word, pure joy.
In life, there will always be moments when we need to let go of negativity and move on. Life can throw unexpected challenges, unpleasant encounters, and unfortunate circumstances our way from time to time. How we navigate these situations and maintain a positive outlook can truly test our resilience.
Choosing the high road has a profound impact on our own well-being and mental health because it helps us combat stress and its various detrimental effects.
When you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember these five ways to shake off the negativity:
Radiate love
Whether a co-worker has said something hurtful behind your back or your ex-partner is spreading false rumors about you, you have two options in such instances. You can let it ruin your day and engage in negativity, which might be exactly what they want – attention. Alternatively, as the song suggests, "haters gonna hate," so it's time to "shake it off!"
Take the higher path by realizing that people who engage in gossip and lies probably have their own inner issues to deal with. What this means is that those who project negativity and spread rumors are often unhappy with something within themselves. Here's what you can do: silently send them love. Yes, I'm serious. The universe is always watching. Choose the high road and send love their way.
Opt for herbal tea, not coffee or soda
The past seven weeks have certainly put my own stress resilience to the test because it's been an incredibly busy time. I've been doing a lot of speaking engagements. I understand that my purpose on this planet is to inspire people to live happy and healthy lives, and I will continue to do so. That's why it's essential for me to consume beverages that don't drain my energy and vitality, like coffee and soda tend to do.
One of the things that helps me in maintaining my balance of energies can be found in the art of tea. The mindful act of preparing herbal tea to soothe my body and calm my nervous system is an act of self-love. I highly recommend it. Look for teas containing chamomile and/or passionflower, as they have been proven by research to reduce anxiety and promote central nervous system relaxation.
Reevaluate the situation
Often, our stress is a result of our own reaction to a situation or life event, which (here's a newsflash) we ultimately have control over – our response!
Sometimes, altering our perspective is enough to alleviate stress. For example, being stuck in traffic or enduring a long line at the grocery store when you're in a hurry can be seen as a "disaster" and a "waste of time," or it could be an opportunity for reflection and solitude.
Embrace acceptance or take action
Much of the suffering we experience is self-inflicted because we wish the moment were different from what it is. You're probably familiar with the "grass is greener" syndrome. I spent many years with this syndrome! It wasn't that my current circumstances were unbearable (far from it). It was my choice to constantly yearn for things to be different than they were.
My previous career is a perfect example of this. I spent at least seven years wishing I were in nutrition instead of working in marketing and advertising. It's not that my job was awful, as I worked with incredibly talented and creative people at a fantastic agency. However, I was trapped in a fantasy world because my heart truly desires something else. I have no regrets because change occurred when it was meant to, but what if I had practiced more acceptance at that time and moved positively toward my goals? The difference would likely have been that I became a holistic nutritionist even sooner!
If you're not in a position to pursue your dreams just yet, practice acceptance and find the beauty in where you are, or else you'll miss out on all the wonderful things happening in the present moment.
Don’t Forget to Shake it Off
You've had a tough day at school or the office, and it may feel like the world is conspiring against you. First and foremost, put things in perspective because it's not all about you! I say that with love.
The worst thing you can do after a tough day is to carry that negativity home and let it drive you to consume a pint of ice cream or have an argument with someone you care about.
Instead, send love, enjoy a comforting cup of tea, reframe the situation, practice acceptance, and if all else fails, put on your favorite song and "shake it off."
