Self-Care

Hi.

Remember me?

It’s been a while. I am your life. Everything seemed to stop 10 weeks ago.

In case you have not noticed, I’m stressed out, burnt out between juggling work, relationships, families, finances, fitness, and (those seemingly far-away) personal goals….I feel like OUR mind is being whipped in a blender. . .I know, I know already… You’re busy!

We can all get caught up in the busyness of our own world sometimes especially right now. But if too many weeks have gone by where OUR mind is in a frenzy, be aware that OUR brain is taking a serious beating trying to keep up at this pace.

Regardless of the difficulties that were set before us ALL, we can get through this situation (Covid-19) with grace and gratitude

10 Ways to do a Hard Reset Right Now

  1. If you’ve had a difficult time with a family member, co-worker or boss this year, extend the olive branch. It may be the last thing in the world you want to do, but take the high road. Be the one to reset the relationship on a positive note.
  2. Get organized. This doesn’t mean you have to tear your house apart from top-to-bottom, but take care of the things that can hold you back. For instance, if you’re bad about keeping track of your finances, make a concerted effort to set up a simple spreadsheet, or use a budget tracking app or program. Then start using it. Or if you’re chronically late to everything, make yourself leave ten minutes early. You may have to give up that second cup of coffee, but by making small changes like this, and more, you can start to eliminate the unnecessary stress in your life.
  3. Don’t forget to say thank-you. If someone has gone above and beyond for you in your personal or professional life, make sure they know just how much you appreciated the extra effort.
  4. Resist starting arguments. If someone is pushing your buttons, try a different approach. They likely WANT you to react in a dramatic way. Shutting someone down with a simple statement such as, “You know, Jack, you’re entitled to your opinion and I respect that” can end the argument before it starts.
  5. Be grateful for the things you have — don’t mourn the things you don’t. It’s easy to get caught up in a pity party for yourself when you didn’t get the promotion you were expecting or that end-of-month bonus which won’t actually be much of a bonus. Try to turn it around and be grateful that you still have a job, your family is healthy and happy or you reached a goal you thought you might not. Gratitude can literally become self-perpetuating when you practice it actively for a while.
  6. Establish your boundaries for the next 90-120 days. Decide what you’re willing (and able) to do and don’t waver from it. Make it clear that you won’t be available in some situations to take on extra responsibilities.
  7. Start reducing clutter, both mental and material. If you have a friend that drains you every time you interact with them, consider becoming less involved. If there are situations that cause you unneeded stress, stop participating or try to find ways to avoid taking on that baggage. Decluttering your physical environment is also helpful — get rid of items you don’t need, don’t like, or don’t use.
  8. Take time for yourself every day – Self-Care. It’s difficult for most people to get in the habit, but once you start doing something for yourself every single day, whether it’s exercising, indulging in a latte or watching your favorite TV show, you’ll start to find that you’re more satisfied with your life overall.
  9. Be true to yourself. If you’re not being the “real” you thus far in 2020, start right now. The world deserves to see you and you deserve to be seen. Before you can start leading others, you need to start with yourself.
  10. Cut down and start saying “no.” Every “yes” you say adds another thing on your plate and takes more energy and joy away from you.
  11. Celebrate your tiny victories. Take 3-5 minutes and write down your biggest achievements every day.

Treat the disease, not the symptoms.

For real recovery and prevention to happen, you need to find the real, deeper issue behind why you’re burnt out.

You’ll find through time that we each have the power to clean our lens of life, through the good and bad times.

Be grateful for every experience, and you’ll always feel centered.