5 Ways to Become More Gentle With Yourself
Orlando Therapist Shares: 5 Ways to Become More Gentle With Yourself
You may be going through something in your life right now that has you feeling anxious or depressed. You might be working through some difficult trauma or life-altering event and as a result, you have spent a great deal of time beating yourself up.
As an Orlando Therapist who specializes in anxiety and trauma, I see how my clients speak to themselves when they feel highly anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed out. They will express how they feel as though they aren’t enough, they’re emotionally drained and just overwhelmed. Well, when you’re going through these tough moments I remind my clients that you must take some time to pause and reflect.
We all go through stormy days but we are all deserving of being kinder and more considerate with ourselves. The simple tools shared in this blog will hopefully become part of your self-care routine so you can continue to go through life’s difficulties with some grace.
1. Take a Break From Social Media.
Do you sometimes disconnect by scrolling on your phone? Before you know it you’ve spent 30 minutes on Facebook, Instagram, or Tik Tok aimlessly scrolling through. Social media gives you just a small glimpse into the lives of others and still, it can be hard to not compare yourself.
So next time you’re looking for a quick distraction consider taking a break from those applications and instead spend 30 minutes on something that brings you peace. I recommend journaling, meditating, diving into a book, or writing a list of ten things you are grateful for! These activities will help ground you which in return will help you be more gentle with yourself.
2. Honor Your Bodies Needs.
Just like you water a garden to help it grow, take a moment to acknowledge what your body may need. This can look like resting without guilt, enjoying your favorite dessert without shame, or canceling plans without remorse. When you allow your body to indulge in what it needs, it can recover properly. Don’t ever feel guilty when you pause and take a break.
3. Start Letting go of Your Past.
Are you holding on to something that happened in your past? If so, you’re probably punishing yourself for it more often than you think. That feeling of regret, shame, or remorse that you’re holding on to only leads to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, changes in your sleep schedule, a shift in your appetite, headaches, and muscle pain. Try letting go of your past and instead gently remind yourself that your past is a beautiful part of you, and it has led you to where you are today.
4. Make Life Easier for Yourself.
Start by looking at your task list and remove any errands or commitments that may not be necessary. Don’t take on more responsibility when you already have plenty. Moving forward, be more mindful of things you agree to so you don’t allow yourself to be spread thin. Most importantly, start saying no to things more often.
Make time for things that actually energize you and bring you joy. If possible, prioritize doing something once a week just for yourself. Check out this self-care blog to learn more about the importance of self-care.
5. Ask for Help if Needed.
You can’t expect to be able to handle everything life throws at you. Remember it’s ok to stop and ask for help. When you’re ready reach out to a friend, a loved one, or a therapist and let them be there for you. Give yourself some grace and acknowledge how honorable and brave it is to seek support.
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About the Owner of Mindful Living Counseling
Orlando Therapist, Lauran Hahn, LMHC, specializes in working with clients that are struggling with anxiety and trauma. She also helps clients heal from and stop getting into toxic relationships. Lauran has a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist as well as a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. She helps people feel calm in their body, at peace their mind and connected in relationships.