As I was driving home through the city today I was distracted by all of the commotion outside of my car. Tractor trailers were banging and clanging quickly past me. On the sidewalk, construction workers were shouting to one another, finishing up the day's work. Loud noise, such as radios and car horns, was invading my quiet space. My thoughts were scattered and I was having a hard time concentrating on one thing at a time. My mind was racing from topic to topic thinking of all the things I had to get accomplished. And then I realized; it all reminded me of a busy day at work!

I know we have all had experiences like these; getting interrupted while creating Power Point slides for an important presentation, being called to the telephone while in the midst of reading email, or getting asked to work on a task for a co-worker while trying to finish up another project for our boss. This is the nature of our work today. It is demanding and it is relentless. We need to be in a million different places all at one time. We have so much to get done each day and so much responsibility on our shoulders. Our professional roles can become distracting with their multiple facets and tasks. It can get a bit chaotic; and quite exhausting at times!

One way to decrease distraction during your day to day routine is through the use of positive affirmations. Stating positive declarations can create greater focus, increased concentration, and a sense of balance. Taking time out each day to sit quietly, breathe, and state mantras either to yourself or aloud can have a deep impact on your happiness, peace of mind, and health. When you do this you quiet the mind. You create a space that is free from disruption. And then, with practice, you can call upon this state of mind at any point during a busy work day.

Here is what you do. Make time each day, either in the morning or the evening, to quietly state each affirmation. Reflect on what its words means to you. You can also begin to add affirmations of your own as you become comfortable with the process. Take a slow and deep breath in and out through your nose between each of the affirmations. Become aware how you feel and start to notice any shifts in energy, mood, or stress levels. Also, observe how you relate to others; your co-workers, your family, your friends, or your neighbors. Here are some statements I use that can help you get started:

• I am exactly where I need to be as my journey in life reveals itself to me.

• I honor my mind, body, and soul and treat each aspect of my being with respect.

• I am a confident, knowledgeable, and successful role model as I inspire others to be the same.

• I know great joy and peace and therefore have wonderful energy.

• My speech is a form of love.

• I am limitless in my capacity for joy, healing, and happiness.

• I will achieve perfect balance and be successful in all that I take on.

Realizing that you are worth it and taking the time to sit quietly with your own positive thoughts will greatly affect your life on many levels. You will create a way to cope with distraction during your busy days. You will generate a calmer presence through slowing down and breathing with yourself. Knowing that you are a wholesome force of good that deserves peace and joy in your life will create a space of being able to receive for yourself. You deserve great happiness, peace, and love in your life. Make room for yourself!

Author's Bio: 

Elizabeth Scala is a Registered Nurse and Health Coach who currently runs her own company, Living Sublime Wellness: Health and Wellness Coaching, a business focused on guiding nurses to create space for balance and self-care in their lives, as well as other services. Her company mission is to "partner with my clients to improve their holistic health, well-being, and happiness." Elizabeth is also works part-time as a Clinical Nurse Research Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. She has worked in inpatient psychiatric nursing, community health, wellness education, and now research. Elizabeth is also a Reiki practitioner and has been trained within the Advanced Level Usui Shiki Ryoho Method of Reiki.

Helping people, building relationships, and educating on holistic well-being has always been a part of Elizabeth's life. Growing up she played numerous sports, participated in multiple types of dance classes, and was a leader and inspiration through community service and volunteer projects. Throughout her education and nursing career she always has had a desire and drive for success. She completed her dual Master's in Nursing and Business in December, 2009 while working full-time at the hospital.

Elizabeth is set to prove her passion by helping nurses eat healthier, exercise regularly, practice spirituality, and foster healthy relationships. I believe "through the increased health and well-being of our nurses the patients that they reach will live and learn a healthier lifestyle. Health care professionals will be role models in what a balanced and healthy lifestyle full of peace and happiness is to look and feel like".

"I value holistic health and well-being. I believe that the whole person needs to be taken care of in order to feel balance and peace," Elizabeth says. "This is why I am a coach for nurses. I believe when health care professionals take time to receive self-care modalities into their lives they will have greater fulfillment and healthier balance." My standards of integrity which include patience, dedication, passion, and balance are the tools I will use when guiding and collaborating with a nurse towards their vision of their best self. I am an advocate for preventative care and holistic wellness as well as an authentic guide and co-creator on the path to wellness.