We’ve all heard of hot girl summer. After all, what’s hotter than looking and feeling your best? But what if the way to feeling your best is to channel your inner sunflower? Yes, sunflower.
Just like a flower naturally turns toward the sun and pulls away from salt at its roots, people follow this tendency too. It’s the heliotropic effect — the tendency of all living systems to gravitate toward things which are life-giving and away from things that are not.
It’s the reason why fish follow the current to their prey and why trees spread their roots to the deepest, most nutrient-rich parts of the soil. We, too, crave what brings us life. Even more than that, we also crave light. It’s no wonder there are so many cliches about it — the light at the end of the tunnel, the light of your life, beginning to see the light. All of these phrases can be connected to our intrinsic need for literal and metaphorical light. Whether it be turning on a lamp in a dark room or practicing positive thinking on a daily basis, we have so many heliotropic tendencies that we hardly think twice about it.
What does this mean for you?
When we let our natural tendencies take over and turn toward positive thinking, kindness, and joy, we begin to thrive. It really is that simple. Embrace the people and things in your life that make you feel good. Keep distance from what robs you of your sacred energy. By turning toward what makes you feel alive, you’re allowing yourself to use that energy for personal growth, instead of wasting energy on things that hinder it.
There are dozens of ways to do this, but it can be much easier said than done. Here’s some of the keys VALLEY’s using to unlock their heliotropic girl summer.
1. Practice gratitude
One of the best ways to turn toward the light is to practice appreciating all that you have and all that you are. Try keeping a gratitude journal like this one and writing down three things that you’re grateful for each day.
2. Use positive self-talk
If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, don’t say it to yourself. This golden rule is one that will get you on the right path to positive self-talk. By speaking to yourself the way you would a close friend, you allow yourself to be a light.
3. Move your body
Just 30 minutes of exercise can significantly improve overall wellbeing, so get moving. No heavy lifting required! It can be as simple as a bike ride or walk, or fun videos online!
4. Read a good book
Picking up a book can help you to escape from reality in a healthy way, while also allowing for some downtime and mental stimulation. Reading is all about finding a book that brings you joy. Want to read more about the heliotropic effect? Try this one!
5. Surround yourself with sunflowers
Well, not actual sunflowers, but the people who feel like sunflowers. Surrounding yourself with people who are positive and kind will help you to grow in the light and love you’ve turned toward with them.
So what are you waiting for? Turn toward the light and allow yourself to grow into the best version of you. You were truly made for this.
Hot girl summer turned heliotropic? Tweet us @VALLEYmag and tell us about your growth!
