2020 and the pandemic forced us all to spend some more time with ourselves. It’s not quite exactly how we pictured the self-reflection process, but here we are! You might feel beaten down mentally and emotionally and need a chance to heal.
Thankfully, giving yourself a break is in your control.
In this blog post, we’ve curated some ideas and tips that can help support you on your journey to healing.
1. Look at yourself in your best friend’s shoes.
LOL. Not literally in your best friend’s shoes although we’re sure she has fabulous taste, but no. We’re talking about taking the time to shift perspectives. Put yourself in your best friend’s shoes and see from their eyes. What would your best friend say to you? Sit comfortably somewhere in silence and meditate on those words.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
- You are my best friend because…
- You make me happy when…
- I can always count on you to…
- Our personalities match because…
- If I was ever hurt, I know you’d be there for me by…
2. Pay it forward in kindness.
Sometimes the act of showing kindness through various gestures or words is just as powerful of a self care act as those directly done for yourself. In other words, you could be having a rough day but seeing your friend excited over that surprise weekend trip you planned is just as much of a heart and soul payment as that soothing bubble bath on a Friday night.
Pro-tip: Our Self Care Planner has pages of self care ideas including a page of ideas for others that you mutually benefit from. (Example: Send a letter to your favorite teacher from high school.)
3. Limit how accessible you are to others and set boundaries with energy vampires.
Energy vampires are people who drain you emotionally and mentally. That doesn’t mean they’re bad people, but you’re not vibing with them and it’s an exhausting relationship. You can be friends but sometimes you need to say no to plans or conversations you don’t have the bandwidth for. Setting boundaries is crucial for stability.
4. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself!
Understanding that budgeting is important, it’s okay to treat yourself to something that’s been on your wishlist every now and then! Or maybe you miss your favorite restaurant and want to order out instead of making dinner tonight. It’s a gift to yourself that you’ll get a burst of excitement over and those joys are worth indulging in.
5. Journal and write what you’re feeling.
Writing itself can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s a private way to bounce thoughts off with yourself and expel words that have been pent up for far too long. It’s also a great opportunity to shift your mindset. For example, studies have shown that gratitude journaling can positively impact your mental health as gratitude releases the chemicals in our brain associated with happiness. Journaling your gratitude allows you to reflect on the positives in life instead of letting them go overlooked.
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