When you think of taking care of yourself, the following things usually come to mind: eating healthy foods, remembering to exercise, getting plenty of sleep, being outdoors, booking an occasional massage, spending time with loved ones, or doing whatever you deem as fun. But these are all external options. What does it really mean to take care of yourself from the inside out? Here are my Top #5.
#1 Think Positive Thoughts
This is about training your mind. If you listen to what you tell yourself, are you generating positive, compassionate thoughts or critical, anxious thoughts? Tune in and see what you hear. If you find yourself thinking thoughts that make you unhappy or don’t serve you, change them. It’s as simple as that.
#2 Be Kind to Yourself
Here’s a novel idea. Instead of berating yourself, be kind. Talk to yourself like you would a good friend. It looks something like this: “Self, good job today, you really rocked it. I am proud of you.” There is no one on the planet who is more critical of yourself than you. Cut yourself some slack. Treat yourself like someone you care for dearly. Fall in love with yourself.
#3 Choose Happiness
I realize this is sometimes easier said than done. We all can get bent out of shape — what I call “pulling a nutty” — if something doesn’t go our way. If you don’t like something, take a few deep breaths until you recalibrate. As soon as you change your attitude towards the very thing that upset you, it will change. You are not a victim. No complaining: choose to be happy instead.
#4 Be Grateful
Having gratitude makes you feel better and brings more joy and goodness into your life. The benefits of a gratitude practice are endless: being grateful improves your physical, mental and psychological health, improves relationships and increases self esteem. Gratitude even improves sleep! It’s the new miracle drug. “I’ll have what she’s having.”
#5 Accept What Is
Accepting what is hasn’t always been easy for me. I am particular so I tend to like things a certain way. My mental drill went something like this: “If I only could change this about my home or work situation or relationship, then I would be happy.” Sound familiar? A coach first pointed this out to me and, though it took some time, I made a shift. I now accept what I can’t change, I focus on what I can and I am clear on the difference between the two.
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