Self care for the mind

I am writing this extra newsletter this week because I wanted to end on a positive note. We’re constantly reading things like : “signs you’re stressed”, or “how to fix this or that” and while it can be helpful, it can also feel overwhelming. I realized this week that even writing about it made me feel like I was a little bit of everything, which honestly, just added to my own stress. So today is different, it’s lighter. Just small things that can help you feel better and improve your mood. Let’s see, maybe it will make you feel as good as it makes me feel writing it.

1 : CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK

Try to incorporate more compassion into your daily self talk. The way you speak to yourself matters more than you think. If you’re always talking down on yourself, your body is absorbing it as if you’re always under attack. Instead, give yourself compliments, speak about yourself kindly and especially to others. And for the people pleasers, don’t bring yourself down just to make others feel comfortable.

2 : THINK ABOUT SOMETHING, ANYTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Don’t you notice how your mood shifts when you have something exciting coming up? I know I do. Let’s say I have a trip, a dinner or even a workout class planned, I feel more motivated. I show up better and even take better care of myself. And when I don’t have anything planned, I create something. It doesn’t necessarily have to be big, it’s just to make you feel good and aligned. So find things that bring you joy, and make more space for them in your life.

3 : WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS COME AND GO

Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts that it becomes overwhelming. Some studies show that on average, we have 50 000 thoughts per day and most of them are repetitive and negative. So when an anxious thought comes up, don’t hold on to it, because another one is already on it’s way anyway. And if you can, try and change the narrative, because one changed thought can influence the next. Try and create a positive loop.

4 : FIND A FUN WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY

I know we all have those days/weeks where even the idea of moving feels exhausting. Just know that we are probably spending more energy thinking about it than actually doing it. Movement is scientifically known to release a neurotransmitter responsible for boosting your mood, motivation and energy. Personally, when I don’t feel like it, I do things that I enjoy the most. And on the days I feel more motivated, I do the workouts that I enjoy less because I know that I can get through them easily. So on the days you don’t feel like it, choose something you actually enjoy. Make it something you want to do. not something you feel forced to.

5 : SUNDAY RESET

This one is my favorite. It looks different for everyone but the idea is simple : create a moment to reset before the week starts/

• Declutter your space : Your physical space affects you mental space more than you think. Even 15 minutes can make a difference.
• Organize your week : Write down what you need to do, but also what you want to do for the coming week. I love to write it down in my calendar and seing it laid out, and it’s even more satisfying checking it off. You can even use this time to review your goals, set priorities and make a plan for the week.
• Be present : Put your phone down for a moment. Sit with yourself. We are so busy during the week and it’s fine but it’s also important to let your mind slow down before the week picks up again, as you want to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Physical glow up : I am a firm believer that when we look good, we feel good. Whatever that looks like for you. When you feel good in your body, it reflects everywhere else.

I know this can look like a lot for just one day, but it doesn’t have to be. Each of these things can take up to 20 minutes max. And they make you feel good, which is what this day is about.

And if you notice, most of these aren’t even physical, they start in the mind. Because everything eventually traces back to what’s happening internally.