Write out the things you need to do on a big sheet of paper. This will declutter your mind and help you feel more in control.
Step outside of your comfort zone to try new things. This will allow you to grow and improve. You can also use books to learn and develop yourself.
1. Set Goals
One of the most important self-help tips is to set goals. Goals help you stay focused and motivated. When choosing your goals, make sure they are attainable and relevant to you. For example, if your goal is to practice daily happiness meditations but you work full-time and have a family, it may be challenging to achieve this goal at first.
Write your goals down and display them where you can see them. This will keep you accountable to achieving your goals. It can also be helpful to break down your goal into manageable steps. For example, if your goal is meditation, the first step may be researching a local class or signing up for a YouTube channel. Each action you complete brings you closer to your goal.
2. Take Care of Yourself
In these extra-stressed times, self-care is crucial. This may include exercise, hygiene, sleep, hobbies and more. It can also mean seeking professional help when necessary.
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to enjoy your quirks, a mantra espoused by many recent self-help titles like Felicia Day’s Embrace Your Weird (2019). This echoes a popular Buddhist principle, taken by controversial academic Jordan Peterson and others, that “we must do the things that scare us.”
Another way to cultivate resilience is to read and watch inspiring books and movies about strength in harrowing circumstances, such as the memoir Unbroken, about World War II prisoner of war Louis Zamperini. You can also find inspiration from many of the most famous quotes on resilience, such as Eleanor Roosevelt’s admonition that “we must do the thing we think we cannot do.” These micro habits may prevent all-out burnout in times of crisis, says wellness and leadership coach Cynthia Ackrill.
3. Listen to Your Body
When you take the time to tune in to your body, it can tell you so much. It might tell you that it is hungry, tired, cold or hot. It might ask you to rest, move or meditate.
It is often hard to hear our bodies’ signals because we are so busy and overstimulated. According to Panthea Saidipour, LCSW, Manhattan psychotherapist, we tend to discount our internal cues because they seem so small and insignificant.
A helpful practice is to set an alarm on your phone or put a reminder on your calendar to check in with yourself throughout the day and notice how you feel. Ask yourself what you need right now, whether it is food, water, a blanket or exercise and then honor that need.
4. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude might sound like a cheesy cliche, but it’s actually a powerful practice that can boost your mood and help you stay present in difficult situations. It can also improve your relationships and give you a more positive outlook on life.
One way to practice gratitude is by making it a part of your daily routine. For example, if you enjoy a morning cup of tea or going for an evening run, make gratitude a daily habit by thinking about the things you are thankful for during those activities. Over time, you might start to associate those things with your daily joys, allowing you to feel even more grateful.
Another way to practice gratitude is by focusing on someone in your life who makes you happy, such as your best friend or the barista at your local coffee shop. Then, thank them with a text, call or letter.
5. Practice Self-Care
Practicing self-care is less about a one-time treat like scheduling a spa day and more about establishing regular habits that make you feel good. Whether it’s writing down what you’re grateful for, meditating or treating yourself to a DIY neck massage (as suggested by therapist and wellness coach Cynthia Ackrill), the goal is to develop practices that help prevent stressors from turning into all-out burnout.
To achieve better results, it’s also important to be discerning about which self-help books you choose. Look for ones that espouse principles and aims that actually lead to happiness and temper optimism with realism. If you’re struggling with a particular problem, consider working with a therapist who can help you change ingrained negative patterns of thought and behavior. The benefits of doing so are long-lasting.