A Psychotherapist's Go-To Tiny Tricks

"Finding some semblance of sanity in today’s times is like trying to find a wrinkle on a Kardashian. Recovery is much like Rome: it’s not built in a day. Especially with so much at hand.

A common error in thinking is that poetic interventions and grand strategies are the only way to improve our well-being. Yet, research shows that resilience happens bit by bit, as a process, and is not an individual trait or a matter of bootstrapping. Small, strategic actions can help us regain some semblance of stability.

Here are some of my favorite micro-approaches:

1. Do something every day your future self will thank you for.

Doing something every day your future self will thank you for can help ward off procrastination. Actions we take now that will bring us relief and joy later can range from simple to complex.

2. Take a comedy hiatus.

A comedy hiatus can help ward off the tendency to marinate in seriousness and grievances. Permit yourself to laugh.

3. Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with.

Losing touch isn’t a moral failing. But it can feel awkward to initiate contact after time has passed. It’s worth risking a few moments of awkwardness than losing touch completely.

4. Develop motivational mantras.

All the self-love and self-care hype flooding our feeds can feel cringeworthy. Toxic positivity or trite slogans won’t take us far. Instead, consider your values and strengths, and develop self-talk accordingly.

Creative micro-strategies can help us build resilience bit by bit. The tiny tricks we infuse into our daily habits and routines can add up and serve as a powerful rebuttal against the constant stressors we face. Behavior change doesn’t happen instantaneously, but taking a chip-away approach that involves fun and uplifting actions can go a long way to boosting our mood, morale, and mental health."

*Recovery is never, ever linear and I think we all tend to forget that something. There is no magic trick to change our mindset over night and doing so takes work and dedication. I love these 4 little tips to incorporate little changes into our daily behavior to help redirect our thinking and self-compassion. It's important to actively change negative thinking into positive thinking, but be kind to yourself because you will get frustrated and it takes time! That's normal! Remember to be patient. ❤️ What are some other ways to practice self-care to help change your mindset?*

#Recovery #Progress #PositiveThinking

Please find the full article at Psychology Today.