Happy New Year? Tips for Moving Forward
“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.”
-Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
2016 is finally over BUT many of us don't feel relieved or in the mood to celebrate. After a very rough year, it's normal to feel like curling up in a ball and just wanting to hide. I get it. With everything going on in the world right now ....sometimes getting out of bed can even feel like too much effort.
When you are feeling sad and anxious about the future, it is normal to isolate yourself from others. You may also avoid getting into action around things you ‘should’ do because you don't believe it can really make a difference. During times where you feel really stuck please remember this:
You are NOT your struggles. However, whatever you don't understand or work on, you will risk becoming. It isn't easy to move forward when everything feels like so much work. This is why I am here to help you get started.
Here are 5 tips to help you move forward in 2017
1. Take a Social Media Break: While social media is a significant part of our daily lives, it also isolates us from others, often shares false information and will frequently put us in a position to compare ourselves to others in an unhealthy way. Research out of the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between time spent on social media and risk for depression: As the former increases, so does the latter.
2. Accept Yourself Where You Are Now: One of the most important qualities I think anyone can have is acceptance. It's easier to move through tough emotions when we aren't busy fighting them. Feel, deal and heal is the way to go, no beating yourself up allowed.
3. Take Good Care of Yourself. Remember to get enough rest and sleep. Sleep at least 6 hours and not more than 9 hours. If you are having difficulty sleeping and/or waking up, I recommend acupuncture, physical activity, meditation and/or making an appointment with a trained clinician to help address the origins of your sleeping patterns.
4. Breathe and Tell Yourself, "This is hard but I have gone through tough times before and I will get through this by taking things one step at a time." If you look at everything you have to do, you will become overwhelmed. Remember you can only do 1 thing at time and focus exclusively on that one thing, write down the steps and create a plan. Accomplishing small things will help decrease anxiety.
5. Don't go through it alone. Find someone who you trust and who can listen and accept you without judgment. It's been said before that 'unsolicited advice will often feel like criticism.' You need to be heard. Sharing our truth is very therapeutic. Find the right person who can support you (not someone who needs to give you advice). Ask yourself, 'Who in my life is trustworthy AND is also a great listener?'
Can you relate to this post? If yes, please send me an email, and let's set up a complimentary phone call.