Every so often I get overwhelmed. When I start feeling that way, I take a step back and check myself. I evaluate what is triggering me at that moment and ask myself why. Regardless of whether I can determine the root of my unsettling, I get started with dedicated self-care. For me, self-care is about nourishing my soul; taking time to do things that will help me to feel grounded, balanced, and peaceful. Below are a few actions I’ve been doing recurrently over the past few years that have been beneficial for when I start feeling unlike myself. 

1. Unplug from social networks and news outlets

All information we consume affects our psyche. If you consume a greater amount of positive information, you will have a more positive outlook in general. There’s no escaping negative information but be mindful of how much you consume daily. It’s okay to take a social media hiatus. 

2. Disengage

Do you have an associate who can never find the positive in a situation? Who is always complaining about something or someone? Yeah, stop engaging with them. Their intentions may be just to vent but what they are really doing is channeling their negative energy to you. Yikes! You need to cut it…out. Give them the best advice you’ve got, because I’m sure they’ve asked, then pull back. 

3. Prioritize time by and for yourself

 I’ll admit, this task is a lot easier to do when you have no children or don’t work multiple jobs. Read, write, garden, exercise, meditate, sit in silence, or walk the aisles of Target for no specific items. The list goes on. Reject that next call and do what you need to do for yourself.

4. Write one item of gratitude daily

Choose whatever time of day works best for you. Maybe it’s in the morning before getting your day started or maybe it’s in the evening when you are in bed reviewing your day. Don’t forget to write, or type, your one item of gratitude. 

5. Treat yourself

This action doesn’t require a lavish gift. It could be treating yourself to a designer coffee or getting a mani/pedi with your besties. Treat yourself to that, possibly overpriced, bra that feels like a second skin. You’re worth it. Believe it or not, performing small actions of affection toward yourself has a positive impact on your well-being. 

6. Be patient with yourself

 Change doesn’t happen overnight and neither does success. That’s okay. If your plan doesn’t seem to be working, get back to the drawing board and re-work it. It’s hard to see the progress you are making when you are in the thick of it. Take a moment to step back and acknowledge the progress that you have made. Don’t let your progress today, become 20/20 hindsight. 

7. Speak kindly to yourself

I don’t care what you’ve heard about yourself or what you’ve been told about yourself. Be. Kind. To. You. If no one else will, you need to.No one knows you better than you. Your words have power, so use them wisely.