Make positive notes to yourself.
Everyone needs a cheerleader, someone who encourages them, cheers them on, and holds space for them when they are down. Some of us are fortunate to have one or more of these people in our lives, but what matters most is that you are there for yourself. Because it determines your self-worth, value, and esteem, self-love is the most powerful love. Writing yourself little messages of encouragement and motivation on post-it notes and sticking them where you'll see them first thing in the morning is an easy way to do this.
Unplug on a regular basis
There's no truer statement these days than "no news is good news," as we're constantly bombarded with social media posts and rants about Covid-19 and other pressing issues. To give yourself a break from all the negativity and free your mind from more worries, do a mini digital detox for at least 15-30 minutes each day.
Make a Self-Assessment
"How are you doing?" is a question we frequently ask others, but when was the last time you asked yourself that question? It's critical to recognize and respond to your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Pay attention to yourself. Examine every part of your body for any signs of pain or discomfort. Examine your feelings: what word(s) best describe how you're feeling?
Get to work!
Your body and mind will benefit from the release of endorphins whether you go for a short walk or a vigorous gym workout. Feel-good hormones are named after the fact that they lift your mood and improve your overall well-being.
Eat Healthily
When we think of rewarding ourselves, we usually think of comfort foods like ice cream, cakes, or pizza. But, when we eat sugary, high-carb, ultra-processed foods, how are we actually treating ourselves? Be kind to yourself and eat nutrient-dense, functional food that can be converted into effective fuel for both your body and mind.
Live in the Present Moment
We often get stuck in the doldrums because we're worried about something that hasn't happened yet or regret something that has already happened. These unhelpful mindsets can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression, so try to focus on the present instead. You can do this by meditating or simply concentrating on your breathing. Close your eyes and sit in a quiet place, breathing normally while observing each inhale and exhale. Do this every day for at least 5 minutes.
Adopt a Healthy Sleep Routine
The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. You know how you feel when you don't get enough sleep the night before, and it's not just about the number of hours you get – quality always wins. Good sleep hygiene, such as restful bedtime rituals, can help. To clear your mind and prepare it for rest, try turning off your devices an hour before bedtime, taking a bath, meditating, or journaling.
Make an effort to do at least one thing that makes you happy.
Dance like no one's watching, prepare your favorite meal, and take care of your succulents...
Every day, do at least one thing that makes you happy.
Recognize and Accept Your Emotions
The word "emotion" comes from the Latin word "emotere," which means "movement of energy." Emotions are supposed to flow freely and not be held back or suppressed. We eventually reach a breaking point when we bottle up our emotions. The first step in avoiding this is to acknowledge how we are feeling and accept that it will pass, good or bad. Reaching out to a friend or loved one is always beneficial. Humans are, after all, social creatures who have always thrived in tribes. Social connections are crucial to our identity and survival, especially in this pandemic era, when restrictions and separation have become the norm.
Make a Good Deed
You're being kind to yourself when you're kind to others. This isn't just motivational speak; it's backed up by science. When you do a good deed, your brain's pleasure or reward centers light up, increasing serotonin and dopamine production and releasing endorphins. All of this contributes to your positive outlook.
Allow yourself to be forgiven.
We're usually more forgiving of others than we are of ourselves, which is an inconvenient truth. We tend to be harsher on ourselves and have a hard time forgiving ourselves when we make mistakes. That means we pay the price and bear the burden long after the events have occurred, which can be harmful to our mental and emotional well-being. Make the decision to forgive yourself. "I release the past so I can step into the future with pure intentions," say to yourself when regretful feelings arise. (For more self-forgiveness affirmations, click here.)
Breathe…
Of course, you're always breathing, but are you doing it correctly? When used correctly, your breath can help you improve all aspects of your health, including reducing stress, increasing anger, and boosting your immune system. Try the box breathing technique or follow Wim Hof's methods, which include breathing and cold exposure to control the body and mind and achieve extraordinary feats.
