As I write this the sun is shining brightly and it is perfect weather to take a hike. But it may no be so for you. So what can you do that is healthy and part of self care? When I ask my clients this question they normally have some activities they have enjoyed in the past, but because they are stressed, anxious or depressed it might be hard for them to get motivated. There's the dilemma! Doing healthy activities you love can assist you greatly in lowering depression, anxiety or general stress.... but at these times you may not be motivated to do these activities! What can you do? I have written here many, many times about the importance of changing the way we thing about things, events, ourselves... Here is a perfect opportunity to use your thoughts to motivate yourself.
Instead of saying to yourself, "I don't fell like doing _______, because I am stressed, anxious or depressed" you can start practicing saying to yourself, "I AM doing this activity because I KNOW I will feel better." Now it sounds simple, but negative thoughts can feel very strong so I invite you right NOW to practice saying"I am going to do _______________ right now because I KNOW I will feel better!" Practice saying this over and over as you get ready to leave your house and get going!
It really does work, changing your thoughts- it just takes lots of practice.
