Photo by @theheartdept for unsplash.com
At the end of the day, one of the main goals of self-care is to feel good.
One of the best ways I’ve found to feel good- especially when I’m not feeling good- is to focus on the little things.
After a lot of trial and error, I’ve developed these 3 mini-strategies to help me focus on the little things when I want and need to:
This one is similar to Activity #1 from my Top 10 Self-Care Activities.
While "big picture" might sound in conflict with the little things, when I’m frustrated I almost always am overreacting to something in the present that really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme- AKA the big picture.
How will I feel about this 5 minutes from now? 5 days from now? 5 weeks from now? 5 months from now? 5 years from now?
This strategy helped me this morning when my dog peed on me and threw up twice before 9am.
When you think big picture, you realize that this frustration you’re feeling is probably just a little thing.
And that most of the other "little things" we take for granted in life are actually pretty good (think health, people that love us, where we live, basic necessities, being better off than most of the world, etc.)
A strategy I use to appreciate the little things regularly is to:
For example, here are a few I’m loving right now:
By knowing my top little things, not only do I enjoy them more in the moment, but I also get to enjoy the anticipation of them happening. 2x the fulfillment.
To get started on this strategy, make a quick list of some of the little things that bring you joy. Don’t think too hard.
Then, try to incorporate these every day or every week. You deserve it.
Because the better you feel, the better you’ll be able to serve others in your work and life.
If I get stuck in a mindset where the little things are frustrating me (it happens), this 1 Level Up strategy helps me reset.
For example, let’s say my wifi stops working.
If I use the 1 Level Up strategy, I think something like "how lucky am I to have access to and be able to pay for high-speed wifi 99.4% of the time?"
If my flight gets delayed, I think something like "how lucky am I to be able to travel?"
If you try these strategies, let me know which one resonates with you.
50% Complete
220 Weekly provides tools and inspiration that helps you engage students and encourage their success.
Enter your name and email in the form and we'll start you off by sending you 3 worksheets your students can use to take control of their future by:
Help your students become the best version of themselves whether they’re at home, in the classroom or learning from a distance.
We'll never share your info. Unsubscribe anytime.