If you slipped on your self-care routines a bit in 2020, you’re not alone.
Thankfully, 2021 is here, meaning we have an opportunity to re-engage with healthy habits and practice proper self-care.
Here are five healthy habits therapists themselves say they’re doubling down on this year:
Rebecca Leslie, Psychologist
I want to try incorporate rest daily. This can look like a 15-minute yoga video or sitting for 10 minutes between sessions and focusing in deep breathing.
Rest gives your mind a break. It gives your mind a chance to pause from thinking.
Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, Therapist
In 2021, I will be more mindful of checking in on others, focusing on healthy relationships, and letting go of the bad ones. Life is too short to spend it in the company of people who suck the life out of you.
Sarah Joy Park, Psychologist
Being gentle with ourselves when we are struggling actually allows to have more emotional resources to cope. Self-compassion also allows us to be gentler to others in return.
I know I want to continue to support a kinder, gentler world and I know it starts with me.
READ MORE: Superwoman syndrome: How trying to live up to an unachievable ideal can lead to mental health issues
Rachel Kazez, Therapist
When I’m feeling impatient in a relationship, job or anything else, I’m going to pay attention to pacing. That means reminding myself that everyone goes at their own pace.
That should make me feel patient and help me to match my effort and my expectations to the outcomes I hope for.
Kathleen Dahlen Devos, Psychotherapist
This year I’m committed to reminding myself that no one has higher standards for myself than I do. And the relief from finishing something in a timely manner is part of being kind to my future self.
How will you be practicing self-care this year? Share your tips with us here.
Compiled by Afika Jadezweni
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