Mind your mind

I encourage you to make your own list too — it’s important that we take care of ourselves during the hectic convergence of the pandemic and the return to classes!

The app was created by a clinical psychologist who used the basic principles of an evidence-based treatment called dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). It teaches skills to help you cope during a crisis.

Here’s some of my favourite books, with a brief description and a quote.

Over the years, I have been told everything from “you should exercise and eat healthy” to “binge-watch Netflix and eat popcorn.”

When we are aware of our internal experience, we can use our skills to ground ourselves and remind ourselves that we are safe.

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, “mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present, and nonjudgmentally.”

What I like about Dr. Neff’s work is that she acknowledges that in our society, we often want to feel “special and above average” in order to feel worthy, but self-compassion is available to everyone.

If you feel stuck right now and wonder if self-esteem is a problem for you, I invite you to do a self-esteem check up. Be honest with yourself.

What’s great about a mason jar is that you can leave it on your desk, beside your computer or on an office shelf.

In the past couple weeks, I’ve been “therapist shopping.” That being said, I know exactly what I’m looking for. If this is your first time accessing counselling, here’s a few tips on how to get started and important factors to keep in mind.

A wellness plan is, first and foremost, a way to cope ahead with the future if challenges were to arise. It provides insight and acts as a guide when you find yourself struggling.

For me, having fun is somewhat a hard thing to do. But it’s a coping skill that will help you regulate your emotions. It will increase feel-good hormones in your body, allow you to create meaningful memories, and remind yourself that there is hope out there.

"The main point to remember, though, is that without emotions, none of us would be alive today. Sometimes when I am experiencing an uncomfortable emotion (anger, fear, shame) I try to remember that."

Being self-aware and knowing how to manage our emotions is key because it can help us learn how to listen to our body, reducing our stress in the process.

Living according to your values should be “vitalizing, uplifting and empowering.” Values are something you do, not something you have.