Well, things have been hectic lately with the coronavirus, stability issues, and my crazy routines, but I’m managing to hang in there. On the other hand, my math grade is suffering from not being able to understand a good bit of the things going on. Either way, I’m trying my best to stay afloat. So with that being said, I would love to share some therapy tips and things I have learned over these past few weeks. I hope you find them beneficial.
1. Affirmations: Affirmations are important because they remind you of positive things. I have some affirmations for myself that I say in the mirror everyday: I am a work in progress, I am capable of amazing things, and I am beautiful. These affirmations help me stay positive in these hard times. If I keep saying these affirmations to myself, then soon I will really believe that they are true.
2. Coping Skills: This is a big one because many do not have coping skills. These are very helpful tools to have in your tool kit. It can be as simple as saying affirmations, drawing, meditation, writing, etc. Anything that gets you in a good space that helps you from the situations that are going on around you.
3. Routines: Routines are very important because they keep you stabilized. I personally have my own routine that I try to follow. If I don’t follow my routine, then I tend to want to sleep all day which isn’t healthy at all. It can be as simple as putting what you want to study beside you so you don’t have to use too much energy. You’ve got to conserve energy, but also stay active!
4. Keep a journal: Journaling is very important because it can help you release your thoughts, anger, sadness in a healthy way. There’s something I do which is a gratitude entry. It’s where I put things I am grateful for, and things that I have completed today. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on good things we have done, but doing this really helps.
5. Question your thoughts: Are they rational or not. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself of if you’re unsure if your thought is rational or not: Is it based on fact? Does it protect my life and health? Does it keep me out of trouble? Does it get me what I want? Does it let me feel the way I want to?- If there’s two or more no’s, then it’s probably irrational. So then that’s where we can turn it into something more rational. For example: I will never get better….instead try: I will get better eventually, but right now things are hard.
-Maple <3
This was very helpful for me. I have recently being feeling lost and I believe stating affirmations like you mention will help myself be centered. Thank you!
Okay, thank you so much for this. First of all, I have been unintentionally doing some of these, so that made me feel more sane. For instance, I journal everyday and have a gratitude entry. Journaling definitely helps, and it allows me time to be honest and messy. And finding something to be grateful for daily does a lot, even if I am in a bad mood and put something bordering sarcasm. But this is a great list to have, especially now. Discerning rational thoughts from irrational ones does a lot, even if it is difficult. And I feel like we often overlook the importance of affirmations and routines. Thank you for this, and I will look back on it again. I hope you and your math grade feel better with every day. (: