You’ve made it through the festive holiday season and now the last leg of the year is here. New Year’s Eve. If you’ve already started making your list of resolutions, it might be time to tweak the list a little. If this is the year you’re going to lose twenty pounds or quit smoking cigarettes, that’s great to keep in mind. However, while focusing on physical goals is imperative, it’s time to give more attention to our emotional health. How we perceive ourselves is essential in leading healthy and happy lives. Psychotherapy Westchester NY services can work with you to construct a resolution list to make 2017 your best year yet.
Improve your self-talk
You may be the go-to confidante in your social circle because of your skills in sympathetic advice-giving. But what about the advice you give yourself? Oftentimes our own self-talk differs quite a bit from what we say to our friends when talking about their issues. Start being more kind to yourself and less hard on yourself.
Resist negative thinking and overanalyzing
Many people believe that negative thoughts are a realistic and practical way to think about life. But, excessive analyzing and ruminating over negative feelings and anxious thoughts is in fact unhealthy and impractical. Whether you’re pondering about something presently going on in your life or something you’re anticipating for the future, try to focus on distracting yourself with healthier activities. Occupying our mind with something positive and challenging, like a puzzle or exercise, is a great way to resist negative thoughts.
Forgive yourself
It’s inevitable that we’re all going to mess up at some point in our lives. And probably more than just a couple times. Maybe you did or said something in your past that you aren’t proud of. Perhaps you allowed someone to take advantage of you even though you knew that person’s intentions were immoral. If you’re still angry at yourself for these types of things that happened, it’s time to forgive yourself. Human beings make mistakes. It’s time to remove the negative connotation from the word ‘mistake’ and switch it to the term ‘learning experience.’ Acknowledge that what happened in your past was not ideal behavior. Accept it and move on from it. Stop blaming yourself and resolve to do a better job in the future. This is self-forgiveness.
Take good care of yourself
Striving for perfection is impractical and unhealthy. But, giving yourself a set of standards by which to follow can make you become the best version of yourself. This can include getting enough sleep, eating enough fruits and veggies, and partaking in regular exercise. This also can mean taking care of your physical appearance. If you look good, you will feel good. This isn’t to say you should focus only on looks. But, taking the time to be well-groomed can give you that mental boost of confidence to be your best self.
These four resolutions can be wrapped up in one simple phrase: be kind to yourself. You’ve worked hard in your life, whether for your career, your relationships, or anything else you deem as important in your life. New Year’s resolutions that focus on emotional health will make the beginning of 2017 the start of the rest of your life. If you need professional guidance in helping to become your best self, contact our team of licensed psychotherapists at the Counseling Center. Psychotherapy Westchester NY services are here to give you the guidance you need in any aspect of your life, from specific issues to self-exploration. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (914) 793-3388.
