LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Start The New Year With Self Compassion
With the year 2020 now behind us, I think we all want to lean into the New Year with optimism and hope. Social media if filled with quotes of hope and optimism though the problems of 2020 are still on the horizon with no real closure in sight. The best way to change the narrative of the 2020 doom and gloom picture is to change the way we choose to think about the New Year and take control of ourselves.
life as well.
Care of Yourself
1. Make time to reflect, dream and plan. One of the things I did at the The idea of self compasbeginning of this year was sion comes from a lot of to first reflect on the past my own personal readyear and identify what ing as well as my good worked good for me and intentions of exercising what did not After regood self care yet failing flection, I began to dream miserably. I have come to about what a positive and learn that most of us do healthy 2021 would look not do a good job with our like for me. I decided that own self disciplines and I want to grow in gratipersonal boundaries and tude and to learn better the consequence of this is how to ask for what I to fall into failure, despair need. The next step is to and the loss of hope. So put these ideas into action let’s take control of ourwhich requires me to put selves and begin with a them in my daily schedplan for better self care. ule. If I plan well, then I will execute better. So 3 Tips for Taking Better start the year with a plan
that reflects the optimism and hope that you desire for yourself. 2. Find a fun physical activity. Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Regular exercise can also help prevent disease and bolster cardiovascular health. Find something that meets several needs in your life. For example, if I exercise outside, it also provides me with fresh air and nature that meets an emotional and spiritual need in my life. Or for those who exercise indoors, find someone to go with so that you can also meet a social need in your
3. Cultivate connections. Staying connected with family and friends is paramount to a happy and healthy life. We are hardwired for connection and I am of the belief that we cannot grow or change without significant and meaningful relationships. The tendency for all of us is to settle into this social distancing idea with those who can make a difference in our lives. Cultivating meaningful connection will requires intentionality and creativity from us, yet vital to our lives. Let’s cheers to a more positive, healthy 2021 and let’s lean into each other for support as we all move toward a hopeful future. Nancy A. Johnson, EdD, LMHC 407-902-9250 3662 Avalon Park E Blvd. Suite 2021
