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Finding Courage and Strength: A Review of “Courage to Change” by Al-Anon

Introduction: Living with a loved one who struggles with addiction can be incredibly difficult and painful. It can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and lost. Al-Anon is a support group that offers help and hopes to people affected by someone else’s addiction. One of their essential resources is “Courage to Change,” a daily reader book filled with reflections and meditations designed to provide comfort and inspiration. This article will review “Courage to Change” and discuss who would benefit most from this book.

Authors: “Courage to Change” is published by Al-Anon. This support group has been helping families and friends of alcoholics since 1951. The book was written by Al-Anon members and is based on their experiences, strength, and hope.

Who Would Benefit Most: “Courage to Change” is a valuable resource for anyone affected by someone else’s addiction. This includes family members, friends, and loved ones of addicts. The book offers daily reflections and meditations that provide comfort, support, and inspiration to those struggling to cope with the challenges of addiction. It can help readers find peace, serenity, and the courage to change the things they can.

Dealing with a family member with addiction can be an incredibly difficult and stressful experience that can impact a person’s boundaries, communication, and self-worth in several ways:

  1. Boundaries: a) Lack of clarity: Family members often struggle to define and maintain healthy boundaries with their loved ones struggling with addiction. They may feel guilty or responsible for their loved one’s behavior, leading to confusion about where to draw the line. b) Blurred lines: Addiction can cause family members to feel as though they need to be constantly available to their loved ones, leading to blurred boundaries and a lack of personal space. c) Resentment: Family members may struggle with resentment towards their loved one for crossing their boundaries, leading to tension and conflict.
  2. Communication: a) Fear and avoidance: Fear of triggering their loved one or causing conflict can lead family members to avoid communicating openly and honestly with them. b) Enabling: Family members may unknowingly enable their loved one’s addiction by not setting clear communication boundaries or avoiding confrontation. c) Misunderstandings: Communication breakdowns can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations that can further strain relationships.
  3. Self-worth: a) Blaming themselves: Family members may blame themselves for their loved one’s addiction, leading to guilt, shame, and low self-worth. b) Codependency: Family members may become so enmeshed in their loved one’s addiction that they lose their sense of self-worth and identity outside of their relationship. c) Lack of support: Lack of support from friends or family members can cause a person to question their self-worth and worthiness of love and care.

The Book’s Contents: “Courage to Change” is a daily reader book that offers 365 reflections and meditations. Each day’s reading focuses on a specific topic: acceptance, self-care, forgiveness, and gratitude. The readings are designed to be short and easy to read, making them a perfect resource for busy people.

The book’s reflections are based on the principles of Al-Anon, which include accepting the things we cannot change, letting go of control, and trusting a higher power. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and cultivating self-love and self-compassion.

Similar Sources: Many other resources are available for people affected by addiction. One of the most well-known is “The 12 Steps” by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). While “The 12 Steps” is written for people who struggle with addiction, it can also be a valuable resource for loved ones who want to better understand the recovery process.

Another resource is “Beyond Addiction” by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, and Nicole Kosanke. This book offers a science-based approach to addiction that focuses on the whole family, not just the addict. It provides practical tools and strategies for families to navigate addiction challenges.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This quote, often called the Serenity Prayer, is a central theme of “Courage to Change.” This principle can be applied to many aspects of life but is especially relevant for people affected by addiction which often struggle with helplessness and powerlessness.

Conclusion: Living with addiction can be incredibly challenging, but hope exists. “Courage to Change” is a valuable resource for anyone affected by addiction. Its daily reflections and meditations provide comfort, support, and inspiration, helping readers find the courage and strength to face the challenges of addiction. Other resources, such as “The 12 Steps” and “Beyond Addiction,” can also be helpful tools for those seeking support and guidance.

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How to live in the “Peaks & Valleys” of life

A review (and application) of Spencer Johnsons Book “Peaks and Valleys”:

Have you ever felt like life is a rollercoaster of highs and lows? If so, you’re not alone. Life is full of peaks and valleys, and navigating the ups and downs can be challenging. But fear not because Spencer Johnson’s book, “Peaks and Valleys,” provides a simple but powerful framework for managing the highs and lows of life.

Johnson tells the story of a young man who meets an older, wiser man in the mountains, who teaches him how to overcome obstacles and achieve success. The older man teaches the young man that life is a series of peaks and valleys and that it is during the valleys that one can learn valuable lessons and gain perspective.

So, how can we learn valuable lessons and gain perspectives in the valleys of life? Johnson suggests several ways:

First, he encourages us to embrace the valley. Rather than avoiding or denying life’s difficulties, Johnson suggests embracing them and seeking opportunities to learn and grow.

Embracing the valleys of life can be challenging, but there are practical ways that someone can implement this idea from “Peaks and Valleys” by Spencer Johnson. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and help them approach difficult situations with a more open and accepting attitude. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can help individuals embrace the valleys of life by encouraging them to sit with and observe their experiences without judgment.
  2. Seek support: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can provide individuals with a safe space to process difficult emotions and experiences. Seeking support can also help individuals feel less alone and give them insights and advice on navigating the valley.
  3. Reframe negative thoughts: Falling into negative thought patterns or beliefs can be easy when faced with a difficult situation. Reframing negative thoughts into more positive or neutral ones can help individuals approach the valley with a more open and accepting attitude. For example, rather than thinking, “this situation is terrible,” try reframing it to “this situation is challenging, but I have the strength to overcome it.”
  4. Look for growth opportunities: As Johnson suggests, the valleys of life can provide opportunities for learning and growth. When facing a difficult situation, identify what lessons can be learned or how they can contribute to personal growth. This shift in perspective can help individuals approach the valley with a more positive and proactive attitude.

Second, he suggests reflecting on past successes and failures. Reflecting on past successes and failures can help us gain perspective and learn from our mistakes.

Reflecting on past successes and failures can be valuable for personal growth and development. Here are some practical ways to implement this idea from “Peaks and Valleys” by Spencer Johnson:

  1. Keep a journal: Writing down past successes and failures can provide a record of personal growth and development over time. Additionally, reflecting on past experiences in writing can help individuals gain perspective and identify patterns or themes in their successes and failures.
  2. Seek feedback: Talking to trusted friends, family members, or mentors can provide valuable insights into past successes and failures. Others may be able to offer an outside perspective and identify strengths and weaknesses that the individual may not have noticed themselves.
  3. Identify patterns: Reflecting on past successes and failures can help individuals identify patterns or themes in their behavior or decision-making. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can make more informed decisions and avoid repeating past mistakes.
  4. Celebrate successes: Celebrating past successes, no matter how small, can provide motivation and confidence for future endeavors. Acknowledging personal achievements can help individuals feel more resilient in future challenges.
  5. Learn from failures: Johnson suggests that failures can provide valuable lessons for personal growth. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, individuals can reflect on what they learned from the experience and how they can use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.

Third, he recommends asking for feedback. Asking for feedback from others can provide valuable insights and help us identify areas for improvement.

Asking for feedback can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Here are some practical ways to implement this idea from “Peaks and Valleys” by Spencer Johnson:

  1. Ask specific questions: When seeking feedback from others, asking specific questions about a particular area of interest can be helpful. For example, individuals can ask for general feedback on a specific project, presentation, or behavior rather than asking for general feedback.
  2. Choose trusted sources: It’s important to choose trusted sources when seeking feedback. Individuals can ask for feedback from friends, family members, colleagues, mentors, or others they respect and trust.
  3. Be open to criticism: Receiving feedback can be difficult, especially if it’s critical. However, being open to criticism and approaching feedback with a growth mindset can provide valuable insights and help individuals identify areas for improvement.
  4. Follow up: After receiving feedback, following up with the individual to clarify any points or ask for additional advice can be helpful. Additionally, individuals can share how they plan to implement the feedback and ask for support or accountability.
  5. Practice active listening: When receiving feedback, it’s important to practice active listening. This means paying attention to what the individual is saying, asking clarifying questions, and expressing gratitude for the feedback.

Fourth, he advises practicing gratitude. Even amid difficulty, focusing on the positive aspects of our lives can help us maintain a positive attitude and gain perspective.

Practicing gratitude can be a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mindset and gaining perspective, even during difficult times. Here are some practical ways, with empathy in mind, to implement this idea from “Peaks and Valleys” by Spencer Johnson:

  1. Start a gratitude journal: Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life. This could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a supportive friend or family member, or the beauty of nature.
  2. Say thank you: Expressing gratitude to others can help strengthen relationships and improve your own well-being. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you note, a verbal expression of thanks, or a small act of kindness, saying thank you can help you feel more connected and appreciative.
  3. Notice the good: During difficult times, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of a situation. However, intentionally noticing the good, no matter how small, can help shift your perspective and boost your mood. For example, noticing a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a moment of laughter with a loved one can help you feel more positive.
  4. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help you stay present and cultivate a sense of gratitude. Focusing on your breath or a specific sensation in your body can quiet your mind and help you appreciate the present moment.
  5. Give back: Giving back to others can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude and meaning in your life. Volunteering, donating to a charity, or simply offering a kind word or gesture to someone in need can help you feel more connected to others and appreciate your blessings.

Fifth, he suggests taking action. Rather than becoming paralyzed by fear or uncertainty, Johnson suggests taking action toward our goals, even if it is a small step.

Here are the practical action steps for taking action towards your goals as suggested by Spencer Johnson in his book “Peaks and Valleys”:

  1. Identify your goals: First, identify what you want to achieve or accomplish. Be specific about your goals and write them down.
  2. Break down your goals: Break your goals down into smaller, manageable steps. This will make them less overwhelming and easier to accomplish.
  3. Take small actions: Take action towards your goals, even if it’s just a small step. It could be as simple as making a phone call or email.
  4. Focus on progress, not perfection: Don’t worry about being perfect. Instead, focus on making progress toward your goals. Celebrate small wins along the way.
  5. Stay motivated: Keep yourself motivated by focusing on the positive outcomes of achieving your goals. Remind yourself why you started and how good it will feel when you succeed.
  6. Adjust your actions: If your actions aren’t getting you closer to your goals, adjust your approach. Be open to trying new things and making changes as needed.
  7. Stay consistent: Consistency is key to achieving your goals. Keep taking action towards your goals, even when it gets tough.

Lastly, he advises us to learn from others. Studying the lives of successful people and learning from their experiences can help us gain perspective and insights into navigating the valleys of life.

Here are the practical implementation steps for learning from others, as suggested by Spencer Johnson in his book “Peaks and Valleys”:

  1. Identify successful people: In your field or area of interest, identify successful people. You can look for them in books, articles, online resources, or your personal network.
  2. Study their experiences: Read about their experiences, challenges, and successes. Look for common themes and patterns that contributed to their success.
  3. Learn from their mistakes: Identify the mistakes they made and learn from them. This can help you avoid making the same mistakes and save you time and effort in the long run.
  4. Adapt their strategies: Identify their strategies and approaches to overcome challenges and achieve success. Adapt these strategies to fit your own situation and circumstances.
  5. Apply their lessons: Apply the lessons you learn from successful people to your own life. Implement their strategies and approaches in your own work and personal life.
  6. Share with others: Share what you learn with others. Discuss your findings with colleagues, friends, or family members. This can help you gain new perspectives and insights and inspire others to learn from successful people.

Remember, learning from successful people is not about copying them. It’s about gaining insights and perspectives to help you navigate life’s valleys more effectively and achieve your own goals.

“The best way to get out of a valley is to climb toward a peak.”

Spencer Johnson

Overall, “Peaks and Valleys” provides a simple but powerful framework for managing the highs and lows of life and encourages readers to use the lessons learned during difficult times to achieve greater success and happiness. Rather than getting stuck in the depths of a valley, we can focus on climbing towards a peak and use the lessons learned during the valley to propel us forward. By embracing the valleys of life, reflecting on past experiences, seeking feedback, practicing gratitude, taking action, and learning from others, we can navigate life’s peaks and valleys with grace and resilience.

I hope you found this summary helpful and that it encourages you to read “Peaks and Valleys” for yourself. Remember, life is a journey, and every valley has a peak waiting on the other side.

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Helpful Healing Strategies from Trauma, Difficult Situations & Hard Moments of Grief or Loss (a Holy Mess Podcast)

I am so excited to guess again on the Holy Mess Podcast (see the link below). The show creator, Dani Sumner, has the #1 Christian Mental Health podcast on Spotify. This episode talks about healing from a body, mind, and spirit perspective. At the end of the podcast, I will lead you through a short meditation on how to “resource” safety from each perspective. You don’t want to mess with this podcast: Click here now!

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Couples who fight fair thrive!

When couples come together in marriage, they bring their own experiences and expectations. As time passes, these expectations can evolve and change, as can the relationship dynamics. However, when couples find themselves in a rut, communicating effectively and breaking through the barriers can take time and effort. This is where marriage therapy can be beneficial.

Marriage therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed to help couples better understand each other and improve their communication and relationship. Marriage therapy aims to create a safe space where couples can express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism. It can also guide how to manage disagreements and work together.

CREATE SAFETY:

The first step in marriage therapy is creating a safe communication space. This can be done by setting aside a specific time and place where couples can talk without interruption. Creating a safe environment where couples can feel comfortable expressing their feelings without fear of criticism or judgment is also essential. This can include setting ground rules like no name-calling or criticism and allowing each partner to take turns speaking.

Once the safe space is established, the couple can then begin to work on improving their communication. This can include learning how to listen to each other more effectively, understanding each other’s perspectives, and learning how to express needs and feelings constructively. Marriage therapy can also focus on teaching couples how to resolve conflicts healthily and work together to create solutions that work for both.

EXPRESS EMOTIONAL NEEDS:

In addition to communication, marriage therapy can also help couples work on their emotional connection. This can include exploring each other’s emotional needs and learning how to express love and affection better. It can also involve exploring past hurts and how to move past them to create a stronger bond.

The existence of conflict doesn’t indicate the end of the relationship. Couples who thrive know how to fight fairly and repair the disconnection between them. Disconnection is inevitable. Having the tools to reconnect is essential.

FIGHTING FAIR:

Fair fighting techniques can help couples resolve conflicts without resorting to name-calling or other hurtful behavior. Not only can fair fighting help couples reach a resolution quickly, but it can also help strengthen their relationship in the long run.

So, what are some of the best fair fighting techniques for couples?

  1. Set Ground Rules

Before any argument starts, couples need to set ground rules. This means agreeing not to resort to name-calling, personal attacks, or bringing up past grievances. Setting ground rules can help ensure that the fight stays on track and that both parties feel heard.

  1. Listen Carefully

When couples fight, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment’s heat and start talking over each other. But it’s essential to take a step back and listen to your partner’s words. This means actively listening and trying to understand their perspective instead of just waiting for your turn to talk.

  1. Take a Break

Sometimes a fight can get too heated, and it’s best to take a break. This doesn’t mean walking away and not returning but taking a few moments to cool down and collect your thoughts. This can help you approach the conversation with a clearer head and can help you find a resolution faster.

  1. Be Respectful

It’s important to remember to be respectful during a fight. This means no name-calling or belittling language. Instead, try understanding and use “I” statements to express your feelings. This will help your partner understand your perspective without feeling attacked.

  1. Find a Resolution

When it comes to fighting fair, the goal is to find a resolution. This doesn’t mean that one person has to be correct and the other wrong, but rather that both parties can come to a compromise. This can involve both parties making concessions or coming up with a plan that works for them.

Fair fighting is essential for any healthy relationship. It’s important to remember that while fighting is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be destructive. With the proper techniques, couples can learn to fight fairly and become stronger than ever.

Let Ron Huxley help you improve your communication skills and fight fairly today. Click here to set an appointment now.

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20 Ways to Forgive – Infographic

How to invite forgiveness to bless your life…

Forgiveness is both a decision and a process. Choose one of the ways listed in this infographic to implement in your life for one week. Assess how it has blessed you and then try a new way until you feel the weight of hurt and bitterness lessen.

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Top Tips for Resolving Conflicts in Your Relationships

No matter how much you like the other person, at some point, conflict is likely to happen. While most conflicts are fairly small (like trying to decide where to go out for dinner), left untended a conflict can fester and grow. That’s why it’s so important to resolve conflicts in your relationships before they have a chance to take on a life of their own.

How do you go about doing that?

1. Start by listening. But don’t just listen to the spoken words, but the feelings behind them. It’s the emotions that drive the conversation after all! By listening actively, meaning pausing to ask questions, clarify, and to reiterate what you think the other person is saying, you tell the other person that what they have to say matters. But more importantly, you’re letting them know that they’re being heard.

2. Look for the resolution over being right. Giving up the notion that you have to ‘win’ is where you start seeing the solutions. Conflict is not a competition.

3. Stay in the moment. Instead of focusing on what happened that brought you into this conflict, pay attention to what’s going on right now. Now isn’t the time for blame. Rather look for solutions.

4. Decide what’s important right now. That is called ‘picking your battles’ and is important in determining whether a thing is worth fighting over. Ask yourself if this is just an issue over a minor annoyance that will be easily forgotten, or if you have something deeper going on that maybe needs to be addressed.

5. Know how and when to disengage. That means being able to do what it takes to walk away. It might be forgiveness is in order. It might be that you’re just going to need to agree to disagree. Worst case scenario? It might be time just to let the matter go entirely. Whatever the case, there’s nothing to be gained by staying in the conflict. 

Resolving conflicts isn’t a hard skill to learn. By following these tips, you will discover how better to deal with conflict in every kind of relationship – whether business or personal. So take heart – a misunderstanding doesn’t have to mean the end of the world. Instead look at your conflict as a step toward better understanding that will, in turn, lead to better relationships in the long run.

Let Ron Huxley help you resolve conflict in your life by scheduling a session today or take a free course at FamilyHealer.tv

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Imagination Improves Relationships

How Can a Healthy Imagination Help Our Relationships?

There’s no doubt about it; relationships are hard. It can seem nearly impossible when you are trying to make two lives work together. If you are struggling in your relationship, it may be worthwhile to examine your imagination. Believe it or not, a healthy imagination can truly help your relationship. 

It has been said that “the world of reality has it limits; the world of imagination is boundless.” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau)

It has also been said that “imagination is more important that knowledge.” (Albert Einstein)

Imagination (Re) Ignites Passion

When you are with the same person for so long, it can often seem like the passion will fade, or maybe things will seem to get a bit boring. Well, imagination is one of the main ignitions of passion. If you improve your imagination, the passion in your relationship will improve as well. 

For example, you could cook your significant other a fancy dinner and serve it to them on a picnic blanket on the floor. Then use your imagination to imagine you are in Paris! You might just be surprised by how much fun the two of you have with imaginative ideas like this.  

Imagination bring hope back into hopeless situations. You don’t have to give up on your relationship situation. You can reignite the passion by igniting the imagination of how things could be…in the future.

Imagination Helps You Make Plans

One of the main indicators of caring about someone is making plans that involve them. Without a healthy imagination, it can be difficult to see past the dreariness of day-to-day life. If your relationship seems to be in a rut, then it’s time to tap into that imagination to create something fun for the two of you to do! Try to think of something you haven’t done before, and don’t be afraid to try something incredibly unique. 

Start small and take small risks in your relationship. Step out of the comfort zone. The effort itself will prove your willingness to try to change even if things don’t do perfectly for you.

Imagination Can Help You Through the Rough Patches

All relationships have rough patches, where you may not be happy with your partner or feel that you aren’t going to make it as a couple. Sometimes, if the relationship is truly worth it, you need to persevere to get there, and imagination can help you through that. Imagination can help you envision a future together where things are better. 

It can help you solve problems that are causing challenges in your relationship. It can even remind you of past times you have had together and how fun they were, even if things are currently difficult.

Whether or not you realize it, imagination is essential to helping your relationship last. Imagination is an integral part of passion, making plans, and surviving the rough patches that will inevitably come along. So if you are in a relationship that is currently struggling, it’s time to work to improve your imagination today. Even if you aren’t currently in a relationship, a healthy imagination is a great method of preparing yourself for future relationships that may come your way. 

Use Love Languages to be creative in your imagination

The 5 love languages was created by Gary Chapman and written about in a book by the same name. The languages include words of affirmation, quality of time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Speaking your partner or family members love languages makes them feel loved. We tend to speak our own love languages which may not match up with others missing the mark. Knowing others love language allows us to use imagination that has a more powerful influence for the future.

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4 Ways to Get Clear on Why You Care So Much 

Caring is an important quality in one’s life. What would the world be like if we didn’t have caring people? Too much caring can create problems, however. Overcaring can cause fatigue, burnout, or secondary trauma, enabling addictive behaviors, preventing healthy child independence, rejection and estrangement from loved ones, and so much more. Finding a healthy balance is essential to living a healthier, happier life. The first step in this process is learning WHY you care so much so that you can find that balance.

Here are four ways to help you get clear on why you care so much that you can use:

Reading

Sounds too simple, right? The truth is that it is that simple…mostly! There are a lot of books and devotionals for people who care too much. Melodie Beattie is one of my favorite authors. She wrote the books Codepency No More, The Language of Letting Go, and Codepence Guilt to the 12 steps. Another classic is Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend. I regularly recommend this book to families. Of course, there are other great reads, such as Women Who Do Too Much, Raising Empowered Children, Keeping Your Love On, Caregivers Survival Guide, The Heart of the Caregiver, and so many more.

In addition to books, there are YouTube videos and online courses that you can take to learn healthier caregiving lifestyles. Try one now at FamilyHealer.tv

Journaling 

You can use your computer, buy a specialized journal, or you can simply use a notebook you have created to journal. It’s up to you what type of system you use and whether it’s modern or analog. 

The important part is that you try to use your journal to express your thoughts, emotions, and stream of consciousness about a problem you’re trying to solve or a feeling you’re trying to explore without judgment or censoring. 

Write in your journal every day when you’re trying to understand why you care so much. You may end up discovering your life purpose or a new reason for getting up each day that you had not realized before. 

Become a Patron Sponsor of FamilyHealer.tv and get free journals and many more tools for living a happier life at FamilyHealer.tv

Meditation 

Before you use your journal, it can help to clear your mind using meditation. Meditation practice is all about not thinking and not judging your thoughts or feelings even as they still happen during the meditation. 

Each time you meditate, you can have a purpose of self-discovery or have a goal to clear your mind and relax. To practice this type of meditation, you’ll want to find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lay down. Then concentrate on your goals for the meditation, close your eyes, and start focusing on your breathing. 

Think about the situation you’re trying to understand for a moment, then clear your mind. If any intrusive thoughts come in, brush them aside by refocusing on your breathing. You mustn’t allow any outside information or sensation to distract you during this time. 

Try using an app, like Headspace, Calm, 10% Happier, Stop Breath Think, or Abide.

Therapy 

These days you’re so fortunate because you can get psychological therapy from the comfort of your home using your computer or smartphone. Numerous companies offer this service and varying price points, but you can expect to pay $60 or more per hour to get therapy. In addition, many insurance companies include several sessions as part of your benefits.

If you seek therapy, make sure you find someone experienced working with you on overcoming people-pleasing and putting yourself last in life. Remember, your wants and needs matter too. Most therapists can guide you through the self-discovery process to finally know what you want and feel good about it regardless of the reactions from other people. 

Any or all three of these methods help you become crystal clear regarding your motivations to seek approval from others and even help you stop doing it. Remember, what you want from life is important too, and following someone else’s dreams will never get you what you want and need to feel successful and, more importantly, satisfied and content in your life. 

Let Ron Huxley help you today by scheduling a therapy session online. Just click here to start!

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10 Ways To Implement Self-Care In Your Life

Self-care is often overlooked and pushed aside for more important, more pressing commitments. The truth is that self-care should be a priority. Without it, we cannot function at our optimum and therefore different areas of our life may be detrimentally impacted. The modern lifestyle is a busy one, with individuals often rushing between commitments, however, there are still ways you can implement self-care in your life. Here are ten ways you can add self-care to your routine so that you can maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com
  1. Identify what self-care is to you
    We all have different needs and different ways of unwinding. Identify what self-care is the most effective for you. It may be taking a walk and getting outdoors, or curling up by the fire with a good book. It may be surrounding yourself with good friends, taking a bike ride or soaking in a long, hot bath. Whatever it is, learn to define self-care for you as an individual so that you can better take care of yourself.
  2. Establish a routine
    Once you understand what self-care works for you, add it to your routine. Commit to engaging the activity regularly until it becomes a habit, something that is simply a normal part of your life.
  3. Get regular, good quality sleep
    Establish a sleep routine so that you are getting enough high-quality sleep. Sleep is a critical part of maintaining good health and should not be underestimated. By implementing a sleep routine, you can ensure that you are getting enough rest and are therefore optimally prepared to perform at your best.
  4. Eat a balanced diet
    Diet is an important part of self-care and has a significant impact on your health. Make sure to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding soft drink and processed foods.
  5. Exercise regularly
    Exercise if great for physical, mental and emotional health and should be a part of any self-care routine.
  6. Learn to say no
    The ability to establish boundaries can be important to self-care. Rather than simply saying yes to everything until things become unbearable or seemingly impossible, learn to say no when you are busy or feeling under pressure.
  7. Get organised
    A little organisation can go a long way in regard to your self-care. Implementing strategies to be more organised can really help reduce your stress and improve your mental health.
  8. De-clutter your environment
    Get rid of the rubbish and excess goods in your house; a cleaner, less cluttered space is great for your mental health as it will help to reduce stress levels.
  9. Schedule time to yourself
    It can often feel like we are being pulled in a million different directions. Make sure to schedule time for your self-care and donít allow this to be interrupted.
  10. Take a break
    If things are getting too much, take a break. It might be taking a few days off work, getting a away for the weekend or taking a longer vacation; regardless of the length, sometime simply stepping out of the environment can be great for perspective and self-care.

Schedule training on self for your organization today by contacting Ron Huxley, LMFT at rehuxley@gmail.com