🌷 Self-Care Sunday 🌷

Spring has sprung and today we are going to SPRING into action! Whip out your journal from last week where you should have jotted down a list of "tweaks" you could start implementing to the benefit of your mental self care. (If you missed last weeks activity just check it out here and catch up real quick - standupaj.org/post/self-care-sunday-10 )

Okay now you have that list in front of you and it is time to move on to the next tips, we are actually going to complete the remaining 4 tips as they will go by quick and should be done together! Okay let's dive in, but first...

✎ CONSIDER THIS! "Think: How can you incorporate the things that made you smile and laugh into your day now? Or, the everyday routine that helped you get the rest you needed? Or, start talking to yourself and setting boundaries in a way that supports you again?

Once you know what you want to work on, start breaking those goals down and revisiting routines that have worked for you in the past."

Self Reflection Questions:

👉Circle the top 3 that sound like they would have the greatest impact. These can be eventual goals.

👉Star the two that sound easiest or most fun to achieve. These can be your first tweaks because early success will fuel long-term success and keep you out of the "should" zone.

👉Create tiny SMART goals from these. SMART means specific, measureable, action-based, realistic and time anchored. Make a chart, enlist an app, or put star it on your calendar. (Adults like stars, too.) Then decide how you will celebrate your win. This wires your brain for more!

👉Put your next self check-in meeting on your calendar now!

Okay! You did it! You've made the first steps to enact real change in your day to day life. These won't be huge shocks to your life, but a slow and steady journey of prioritizing your mental health. It is the beginning of you being able to recognize how you can spend energy in ways that will improve your well-being. Be sure to check out the full articles below now that you have completed all the steps!

Articles for reference, spoilers of what's to come so try not to look ahead yet!:

10 tips on how to find your 'sweet spot' for self-care

Shine Article - Why Reflecting On Your Past Self Care Is So Important

#standupaj #prevention #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness

🌜 Self-Care Sunday 🌛

This week we are reflecting on our past and taking baby steps toward a plan of action for making our mental health top priority. Getting hung up on past mistakes is not the goal here, instead filter what things you have done for yourself that has been a positive move for your self care and leave the rest where it belongs, in the past. Next is our action plan. Finally starting to put our mind to making self care a reality and not just an idea.

✎FIRST CONSIDER THIS! "Tracking your most cared for self helps you establish a baseline of happiness and health set on your terms and no one else's. It can help you reflect on routines or habits you need to incorporate again into your life. Plus, it can help you break down your self-care journey into small, approachable steps."

Self Reflection Questions:

👉Now -- what has worked in the past to help me get to my best self? What typically recharges me physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually? What do I need more of in each area?

👉Brainstorm a list of possible tweaks to move me closer to balance. Don't stop until you have at least 10. Get creative, have fun. Consider double and triple benefit ideas. For example, walking with a friend outside gives me time in nature, exercise and social connection energy.

This is a practice best done on paper so that you can look back and remember the headway you made with brainstorming. Consider googling "mind map" as a way to get your thoughts onto paper. It may help get the thoughts flowing on paper and be quite beneficial to your self care plans.

Articles for reference, spoilers of what's to come so try not to look ahead yet!:

10 tips on how to find your 'sweet spot' for self-care

Shine Article - Why Reflecting On Your Past Self Care Is So Important

#standupaj #prevention #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness

👉Self-Care Sunday👈

Last week we identified our personal strengths and what within our life holds the most value and importance to us. Today we move on to #2 & #3 for our self care reflection. So bust out that note pad or journal or find some alone time to consider these next questions:

✎FIRST CONSIDER THIS! “If you’re pretending to be positive but inside you’re fearful, that can create even more turbulence,” explained Dr. Deepak Chopra, a clinical professor of family medicine and public health at the University of California, to CNN’s Julia Chatterley. “You have to get in touch with your emotions.”

Self Reflection Questions:

👉Who am I at my best? Learn your healthiest, happiest, strongest mindset so you can practice it.

👉What has derailed me? Another way to ask it: What historically depletes me physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually? What do I need less of in each of those areas? These are not topics to be tackled over night. Discover what you need and make small achievable goals to complete the big picture. What's most important is identifying that you need to prioritize your needs and beginning the journey to reaching those personal goals.

Articles for reference, spoilers of what's to come so try not to look ahead yet!:

10 tips on how to find your 'sweet spot' for self-care

Stress But Less CNN Article

#standupaj #prevention #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness