By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
10 powerful mantras to help you when you're down
positive thinking
I strongly believe that we have to make our own happiness. I love the imagery of this mantra, which makes me picture a lovely day full of happiness and peace. If everyone around you is grumpy or negative, you might have to bring your own sunshine. It's a good idea to bring enough to share, too. - photo by istockphoto.com/tarasov_vl
Amy Peterson
Deseret News National
Updated: Oct 23, 2014, 9:00 AM
Published: Oct 21, 2014, 7:52 PM

Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own happiness. Sometimes it's easy to be happy, but the challenges of life often make happiness seem elusive. One way to keep going even when things are difficult is to think positively. Mantras can help. Here are 10 phrases to motivate and lift you when you're feeling down.

1. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. This mantra inspires you to find wonder and joy in an imperfect world. Joy can be found in simple things, like a beautiful fall leaf, a child's hug, a text from a friend or accomplishing something. Look for something wonderful in your life.

2. It's a good day to have a good day. I like the straight forward nature of this saying. Why not have a good day? Try to start the day with a positive attitude and see what happens.

3. Do more of what makes you happy. Even a day full of work and tasks should have some happiness in it. Take a few minutes each day to do some things that make you happy. Hug a child, dance to your favorite song, eat something delicious, take a few minutes to call a friend or make time for a hobby you enjoy. Life is full of unpleasant tasks. Counter those with things that make you happy.

4. Let it go. Ever since the movie "Frozen" became popular, this mantra has been one of my favorite. It's saved my mood on many days. Now, if something is out of my control I let it go instead of feeling frustrated. Letting go frees up emotional and mental energy for things you can control.

5. I am enough. When I was in elementary school, I learned the phrase "I am lovable and capable." This mantra teaches the same concepts in a less new-age way. If I'm feeling less than adequate about myself, "I am enough" is a good reminder that I am fine the way I am, that the basic me is pretty special.

6. Bring your own sunshine. I strongly believe that we have to make our own happiness. I love the imagery of this mantra, which makes me picture a lovely day full of happiness and peace. If everyone around you is grumpy or negative, you might have to bring your own sunshine. It's a good idea to bring enough to share, too.

7. Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. (Attributed to Winston Churchill) I've been teaching my daughter about sports psychology lately. She's running cross country and is often negative about her upcoming races. I've encouraged her to start thinking positively about the race and her personal time a few days in advance. The weeks she's done this, she's raced better. This example is one of many that shows how important attitude is. If you find yourself with a bad attitude, try to change it. Click here for instant bad mood busters.

8. Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.At the dinner table, we often take turns sharing our "highs and lows" from the day. This practice helps the children realize what's good in their lives and how we are blessed as a family. Invariably, my youngest daughter continues to think of and share her "highs" throughout the meal. Find something good in every day and you'll feel uplifted.

9. I choose to be happy. This mantra is simple, yet effective. Choose to be happy. However, if you feel like you just can't be happy, consider seeking professional help. Sometimes clinical depression sets in, making it physiologically impossible to come out of a funk.

10. Realize how blessed you are. An attitude of thankfulness will often bring about happiness. Keep a gratitude journal or make a list of 20 blessings in your life. Then, take some time to think about the people who bless your life. Even if you're not a religious person, realizing the ways you are blessed will make you feel happier.

The next time you're feeling depressed, inadequate or grumpy, try using one of these 10 powerful phrases to change your mood and outlook. Or, find your own mantra and see how the power of positive thinking can help you find happiness.

Amy M. Peterson, a former high school English teacher, currently lives in Oregon with her husband and four children. She spends her days writing, reading, exercising and trying to get her family to eat more vegetables.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
93cbd7a5475cccd1cee701424125d3abaa9b4beaa58d3663208f656cbbbd7661
A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.