In our modern times, few would think that using a vacuum cleaner or washing machine was ‘cheating’.  These domestic shortcuts save us time and labour – and are welcomed for this (as anyone knows when they break down!)

In my computing world, shortcuts rule – saving tons of time and really helping workflow.  On Windows, there is an Alternate key [Alt] and a Control key [Ctrl] that open many opportunities useful for Moodscope comments such as:

[Ctrl] + A = ‘Select All’

[Ctrl] + C = ‘Copy’

[Ctrl] + V = ‘Paste’ – the ^ in proof-reading for ‘insert’ is like an upside down ‘V’

[Ctrl] + X = ‘Cut’ – the ‘X’ reminds me of scissors.

My curious mind has been pondering mental shortcuts that can help restore mental wellbeing quickly, effectively, efficiently. I have a whole list of them but let’s share three here so that you can get sharing too.

I imagine that my mental computer has an ‘Alternatives’ key [Alt] where I make new choices, and a ‘Control’ key [Ctrl] where I take control through action.

[Alt] + Y = allows me to choose to add the alternative word ‘yet’ to most statements. This keeps me open to alternative outcomes in future. “I haven’t finished that,” becomes, “I haven’t finished that…yet!”

[Ctrl] + Y = ‘Yes, And…” where I am able to say ‘Yes!’ to the energy offered in any situation and then with a gentle ‘And…’ steer it in the direction that serves best.

[Ctrl] + P = press ‘Pause’ – the action I take to rest or even withdraw when life or information gets too overwhelming.  Since it is even better to add a physical action, I put my index and middle finger together on my right hand, with my ring and little fingers tucked in – a bit like the blessing hand gesture in some iconic art. Then I place my hand on my heart. The two extended fingers remind me of the pause sign of two vertical bars. Literally pressing over my heart, it reminds me to pause and seek peace – a self-blessing.

What shortcuts do you use or have heard of to improve mood?

Lex

A Moodscope member