The Power of Inspiration & Mental Health

Last week, I had the pleasure of giving a welcome speech at the UK Hypnosis Convention. During my speech, I spoke about the power of inspiration and how the convention had influenced my academic pursuits this past year. This topic has stayed with me, and I have been reflecting on the impact of inspiration on mental health in general. So, I was inspired to write a blog post about it.

Before we explore how inspiration can positively impact mental health, it's crucial to acknowledge its inherent power. Inspiration acts as a compass, guiding us through challenges and dark moments. It can ignite hope, facilitate change, and provide a sense of direction. Inspiration becomes a reliable ally in mental well-being—offering comfort, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Here are some ways that inspiration can help mental health:

Motivation, Goal Setting & Sense of Purpose
Being inspired can be a powerful motivator. It gives us a sense of purpose, driving us to set and pursue meaningful goals. This motivation provides direction and contributes to a sense of accomplishment, positively impacting our mental health. Inspiration is a core value for some people, and they actively seek out naturally inspiring activities. For others, inspiration might involve connecting with a sense of purpose of meaning or purpose in life. Having a purpose is associated with greater life satisfaction and mental well-being.

Positive Outlook
Inspirational messages, whether from quotes, stories, or role models, can powerfully impact our mood and mental well-being. Focusing on the positive aspects of life can reduce stress and shift our perspective towards positivity. However, it's important to note that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. While some people find inspiration in motivational memes or uplifting quotes, others may find them unhelpful or irritating. Avoiding toxic positivity is essential, which can dismiss or invalidate negative emotions.

Coping Mechanism
In difficult times, inspiration can help us cope. Inspirational stories and messages can offer comfort, hope, and resilience, reminding us that others have overcome similar struggles. I have previously discussed the concept of common humanity on this blog and how knowing that we are not alone in our struggles can be comforting. This can have a positive effect on our mood. Read more about how to foster Common Humanity.

Increased Self-Esteem
Feeling inspired boosts self-esteem by reminding us of our strengths and capabilities. Most people focus more on faults than strengths, so re-addressing the balance can be helpful. This is not me saying to only focus on strengths and ignore the weaknesses; we should aim to accept all that we are rather than fighting it; however, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses is associated with better mental health outcomes, creating a positive feedback loop.

Creativity and Expression
Inspiration fuels creativity and self-expression, which can contribute to emotional well-being. Creative activities, such as writing, art, or music, can also be therapeutic. In a recent blog post, I discussed active and passive relaxation, and these activities would fall under the former category. Find out more about the different types of relaxation.

Social Connection
Last week, during the convention, I experienced how sharing inspiration can help to create social connections. We had the privilege of listening to some of the most knowledgeable people in the world of hypnosis. It was evident that discussing and sharing inspirational content with others can help build a sense of community and support, which are crucial for maintaining good mental health.

Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Exposure to inspiration can help us focus on the present moment, promoting mindfulness. It can fully capture our attention when we encounter something inspiring, such as a beautiful art piece, a profound quote, or a touching story. During this moment, we are diverted away from past regrets or future anxieties, and instead, we become fully engaged in the present moment. This practice can help to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.

Determining what motivates each person is difficult, as everyone is unique. Inspiration can come from various sources, such as quotes, stories, art, and music. Anything has the potential to be a source of inspiration. For me, inspiration is exciting. It carries a specific energy that is hard to describe. I encourage you to reflect on what inspires you and pursue it more often. Doing so can be beneficial for your mental well-being.