27 Jun Check out these 20 tips from … experienced therapists!
via Byrdie by Hallie Gould
We take self-care pretty seriously around here, researching what that word means around the world, how celebs create realistic wellness routines, and even ways you can harness the moon in your favor. We make mental health checklists, brainstorm small but effective ways to take better care of ourselves, and even try to better understand how “self-care” has become a status symbol or affects our relationships. But, you see, that’s our job.
When it’s not part of your chosen profession, it can be really difficult to know where to start—how to feel happier, ways to ward off insecurity, frustration, and anxiety. So we did it for you. We reached out to professionals in the field, therapists, wellness experts, and read through published studies on the subject. We came up with 20 suggestions to get the ball rolling. Not all of it will apply to you, but some of it will. And it’s helpful and simple—all you have to do is scroll and choose a few to try this week. It’s easy, we promise. You’re probably feeling better already.
SIGN UP FOR A SEMINAR OR WORKSHOP.
Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., an NYC-based licensed clinical psychologist, suggests you keep learning. “Self-care is more than massages and manicures. What are you learning? Where do you want to grow in your life, and who do you need to get around to achieve this? With all the online courses and seminars available, there’s every opportunity to keep motivated and educated.”
SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES.
“Set healthy boundaries and eliminate negative people from your life,” says Hafeez. “This one is a tough one because some of the people closest to you can be the most negative. But take this opportunity to evaluate your life and the people in it—determine what kind of access they get. Say, for example, your mother is hypercritical or you have a controlling friend involved in your every decision. Suggest you communicate just twice weekly to connect and share your big wins. Old friends who aren’t committed to growth will hold you back. Self-care means making decisions that serve you best.”
FIND SOMETHING THAT INTERESTS YOU.
“Find something that interests you and become an expert in it,” recommends Hafeez. “Maybe you’re the go-to person for travel or the most in-the-know person when it comes to great restaurants. When you make yourself an expert in anything that you are genuinely interested in and others come to you, your confidence booms.”