Struggle
There are days when I struggle; like today. Instead of berating myself for not living up to my expected daily standards, I’m practicing compassion.
I have a lot going on, and while the intention of this blog is not confessional, I do think I am not alone in feeling less energetic on days of struggle.
Here are the practices I use to embrace resilience on days of struggle:
- Give myself credit for all of my achievements that day. No achievement is too small or meaningless to be included. This helps to reframe negative thinking and encourages compassion.
- Set an Intention on my Insight Timer app. Insight Timer has fee content as well as paid content. I’m not an affiliate. I just enjoy the courses and meditations available, as well as the ability to set a daily intention. Currently, I have set intentions for 104 consecutive days!
- Exercise for 20 minutes. I tell myself 20 minutes is only a couple of 10 minute blocks of time and I can get through them. On days of struggle, I don’t set the fitness bar too high-I just want to move, stretch, and feel better.
- Eat as least one healthy meal that day. Even if I gorged on candy, I still try to have one healthy meal to remind myself that I can make healthy choices even when I don’t feel well.
Keep Going
Days of struggle are challenging. It is ok to not feel productive. And it is ok to be proud of small achievements on days of struggle. Getting in a few healthy habits on such days can help reframe struggle into more of an affirmation of resilience.
So, if today is a struggle day for you, think of your achievements and healthy choices and give yourself credit for the resilience to keep going.
What do you do on your days of struggle to feel more resilient over challenges? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
Reality Bytes 