Stress can make us lose perspective. The teachings of Abraham-Hicks can help bring it back. Abraham, in case you don’t know, are (yes, plural!) a group of non-physical beings who share their wisdom with us by speaking through Esther Hicks. They have a lot to say about the need to feel good.

In fact, they said: “The most important thing is that you feel good.” I take that to mean that if you do, everything else will fall into place. Abraham also provide us with an entire collection of tools that help with that challenging task. If you’d like to learn more, you could buy one of their books. I especially love both Ask and It Is Given and Money and the Law of Attraction. Here are some of Abraham’s techniques:

a) Which thought feels better

In periods of stress or unhappiness, ask yourself: “Which thought feels better”? Always reach for the next better thought, they say. This isn’t too hard, especially once you have some practice. An example: I’m really stressed out about all those bills. Better: I’m grateful for the services that these people provided for me (including money-lending services in the case of credit cards).

Why not reach for the best-feeling thought from the start? Why not go all the way? Why not think “I’m so happy to be a debt-free millionaire!” Wouldn’t that be even more effective?

The answer is no — because it’s not possible. Have you ever noticed that when you feel in the dumps, you find cheerful people really annoying? There is a reason for that. If you feel miserable, you’ll have to go to a slightly better feeling first. Then one that feels a little better yet. And so on until you are where you want to be.

b) Positive Aspects: No matter how miserable you feel, you can always find SOMETHING positive about almost anything. Make a list.

c) What DO You Want? Instead of complaining about the things you don’t like about your life, focus on what you DO want.

Don’t whine about wanting but not having enough money. Focus on how to get more. Think about how nice it will be when you have more. According to Abraham, the Universe doesn’t understand “no.” So if you say “I don’t want to work so hard.” it hears “work so hard,” and gives you more of the hard work you so dislike.

Focus instead on the kind of job you WOULD like. Include some of the details. Reasonable hours, friendly coworkers, appreciative boss and customers, and excellent pay. And the universe will bring you more of those things.