Amanda Schroeder, MA LIMHP
Mary Lanning Healthcare Wellness Coach
You are a wonderful human! Yes, I said it, you are!
But I know some days the world can be overwhelming, discouraging and stressful which can lead us to doubt ourselves or cause us to feel defeated.
Below is my list of 15 ideas (simple ideas, but not always easy to do) to help fight that pull into frustration or dissatisfaction and keep you focused on giving the world just what it needs: the wonderful human that you are!
Now, don’t try to do all 15 at once but pick one (or maybe two) that might sound appealing to you.
- Find ways to use your strengths daily: What are you good at? What gives you energy? When you regularly do things that you are naturally talented at, it will feel rewarding.
- Practice having a “Fact Filter:” Intrusive thoughts are ideas and images that come to mind uninvited and typically unwanted. Our thoughts are not always facts! Challenge your thinking by asking “Is that a fact?” You might find that you believe untruths more than you realize. Just like “You are what you eat” even more so, “You are what you think.”
- Set a goal that is too small to not achieve: The latest research on behavior changes talks about setting a goal so simple it seems ridiculous (like flossing just one tooth a day – see, ridiculous!) But this can be the key to achieving bigger goals. What is one small thing you can do today?
- Get outside: Aim to be outside for an average of 15 minutes daily.
- Move: 150 minutes of exercise each week can help reduce stress and promote resilience.
- “Brain dump:” Do you feel like your mind is constantly racing? Get those thoughts on paper. Allow yourself time each week to “brain dump.” This can help alleviate the burden on your mind and cultivate a sense of clarity.
- Spend quality time with your people: Individuals who fill your bucket can be just the boost you need to help remember how awesome you are.
- Put down your phone: Carve out time daily to be away from your electronic devices. Be present with your family and friends.
- Positive affirmations: What inspires you? What motivates you? What are your best qualities? Jot these down on note cards and put one or two in places you frequently pass by.
- Build someone up: Providing encouragement can also encourage you!
- Write down three things each day that you are thankful for: Research shows that this exercise can have a powerful impact on how you view your world.
- Sleep: Seven to nine hours every 24 hours is optimal.
- Meditate/pray: Add five to 10 minutes of quiet prayer time each morning.
- Boundaries: Are you letting someone, or something, drain your energy? What could you do to change this?
- Do something every day that brings a sense of “shine:” This is the sense of accomplishment you feel when you complete a small or large task. It can be finishing something simple like the laundry, dishes or dinner but “shine” also happens when you solve a problem, build an object, complete a workout, etc. Make it a goal to strive for and recognize the feeling of “shine” each day.
Don’t let the world derail you from your purpose. But when it tries, lean on the things in your control. That could include the ideas listed above or anything else you have found that helps you!
No one else can be the exceptional human that you are so take care of yourself; the world needs you!