#35 Take Better Care of Yourself: Overcoming the Frustration

Take better care of yourself. How many times have you promised yourself that you would, only to find that days, weeks, or even months later, you haven’t made the changes you intended? It’s easy to feel frustrated when you look back and realize that you haven’t taken better care of yourself. But there’s good news—change starts now! Here’s how to overcome that frustration and set yourself on a path to better health and well-being.

Change Your Mindset

The first step in taking better care of yourself is deciding that it’s a priority. Right now, make the decision that you will take better care of yourself from this moment forward. This commitment is the foundation upon which all other actions are built. Changing your mindset is crucial because it helps you break free from the inertia that has kept you stuck.

Interrupt Negative Thoughts

Whenever the thought bubbles up that you haven’t taken care of yourself, squash it immediately. Interrupting these negative thoughts can prevent them from spiraling into a cycle of guilt and frustration. Here are some physical actions you can take to shift your mind instantly:

• Snap your fingers: This small action can disrupt your current thought pattern.
• Clap your hands: The sound and movement can jolt you out of negativity.
• Stomp your feet: This grounding action can help you feel more present.
• Spin to the right or left: This movement can create a sense of novelty and reset your thinking.

Physical actions can be surprisingly effective in shifting your mental state. They act as a circuit breaker, halting the flow of negative thoughts and giving you a moment to reset.

Change Your Environment

Intentionally changing your environment can also help you reset your mindset. If you find yourself stuck in a negative thought pattern, try moving to a different location:

• Walk to another room: Changing rooms can change your perspective.
• Walk down the hall at work: A brief walk can clear your mind and offer a new outlook.
• Look at something new: If you can’t move, then shift your entire body to look at something different. Don’t just move your eyes or head—turn your whole body on purpose to “look” at something new. This full-body movement can be refreshing and invigorating.

Embrace a New Season of Self-Care

Decide right now that you’re entering a new season in your life—a season dedicated to achieving your health and well-being goals. Embrace this change with enthusiasm and optimism. Start small, if needed, but start now. Here are some actionable steps you can take to begin your journey:

• Set specific goals: Outline clear, achievable goals for your health and well-being. Whether it’s drinking more water, getting regular exercise, or improving your sleep, having specific targets will keep you focused.
• Create a routine: Establishing a daily routine that incorporates self-care activities can help make them a habit. Consistency is key to long-term success.
• Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your efforts. Whether it’s friends, family, or a health coach, having a support system can make a big difference.
• Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing into your daily routine. These practices can help you stay grounded and focused on your well-being.

Remember, the journey to better self-care is ongoing. It’s about making continuous, incremental changes that add up over time. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep moving forward. By changing your mind and embracing a new season of self-care, you’ll find that taking better care of yourself becomes not just a goal, but a fulfilling and sustainable way of life.