In a world where self-care is often reduced to superficial indulgences, it’s essential to recognize its profound impact on personal growth and development and dealing with mental health struggles. It can help us become a better person and be a powerful catalyst for change. We’ll focus on three specific strategies that can drive this change.
Learn how to manage stress
When we are under stress, we’re not good for those around us and even for ourselves. We can get moody, so we easily snap at someone, even if we don’t mean to. Stress can drive our actions, like excessive indulgence in food, alcohol or anything that doesn’t serve us in the long run. It affects our emotions, behaviour, actions and our health.
So, the path to becoming a better person through self-care is to learn how to manage stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t mean we can’t learn how to manage it. The first step is to identify areas of stress – is it work-related stress or stress caused by an event in your personal life? Then, you should identify the triggers, events, situations or people that trigger stress or stressed-out response.
The final step is to list out tools you can use to calm your nervous system and reach a state of calm. It can be as common as yoga or breathing exercises, as you will focus on specific movements or breathing and redirect your thoughts during the motions. It can equally be an activity you enjoy that has a calming effect on you.
Spend time in reflection
Distraction is easy, and we all know it. Especially in times when we need a quick solution to drive our mind away from our thoughts, beliefs or actions. But what would happen if you decided to spend time in reflection as part of your self-care rituals? Reflection, whether guided with the help of a psychotherapist or one you do on your own, can be beneficial if you’re having mental health struggles.
If you can, find a therapist who can aid you on your path of self-reflection. Professionals at Free Your Body Centre know how to equip you with the tools needed to teach you how to slow down and gain deeper insights into your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
If you feel like this is something you’d like to do on your own, get into journaling. Journaling is a great practice that grounds and centres us and teaches us how to be grateful. Spend time in reflection every day on different topics or areas of your life. Write your thoughts down to appreciate the positive aspects of your life, even if you’re struggling today. Through self-reflection, you’ll identify which areas you need to improve to become a better person.
Discipline is the highest form of self-love
Discipline is not merely a means to an end; it is the ultimate form of self-care that nourishes our bodies, minds, and souls. By embracing discipline daily, we unlock the transformative power of self-love and cultivate a deeper sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Is there a goal you want to achieve? Break it down into actionable steps and use discipline to achieve this goal. Remind yourself that progress is never linear; there are ups and downs. Sometimes, you’ll be more disciplined than on other days, but it’s important to persevere.
Also, discipline is there to help us sustain long-term happiness. While fleeting pleasures may bring temporary happiness, true fulfilment stems from the disciplined pursuit of meaningful goals and values. With discipline, you’ll also nourish self-respect as it involves honouring our commitments, setting boundaries, and prioritising our well-being above instant gratification. By treating ourselves with respect, we set the standard for how others should treat us. Ultimately, when you know that you can rely on yourself and your actions to support your goals, you become a better person through the highest for of self-love.
These three strategies might seem simple, but they are not. Mastering them is the path to elevating your entire life experience. Start your journey to becoming a better person today by implementing these practices and committing to your growth and well-being. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s essential for becoming the person you aspire to be.
QUEERGURU’s Lifestyle Editor PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine. Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.
Labels: 2024, Drive the Change: 3 Self-Care Strategies to Personal Transformation, Lifestyle Editor, Peter Minkoff, tips
