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.

The idea of self compassion comes from a lot of my own personal reading as well as my good intentions of exercising good self care yet failing miserably. I have come to learn that most of us do not do a good job with our own self disciplines and personal boundaries and the consequence of this is to fall into failure, despair and the loss of hope. So let’s take control of ourselves and begin with a plan for better self care.

3 Tips for Taking Better Care of Yourself

1. Make time to reflect, dream and plan.

One of the things I did at the beginning of this year was to first reflect on the past year and identify what worked good for me and what did not After reflection, I began to dream about what a positive and healthy 2021 would look like for me. I decided that I want to grow in gratitude and to learn better how to ask for what I need. The next step is to put these ideas into action which requires me to put them in my daily schedule. If I plan well, then I will execute better. So 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 life as well.

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