Contents
In our daily rush, as we rush through tasks in various life roles, we usually operate on autopilot, which triggers the same patterns of thinking and reacting. As they are often unconscious and automatic, they become a trap in which we experience stress and difficult emotions such as anxiety, irritation, jealousy and guilt. Often, these feelings are accompanied by many critical thoughts about yourself, which trigger new vicious circles of stress. Is there an antidote to it?
The material was created as part of the #KOCHAJSIEBIE social campaign, encouraging Poles to change their habits – caring for mental and physical health that was severely strained during the pandemic. The action is carried out jointly by Medonet, Onet and United Nations Global Compact Network Poland.
The inner voice
Do you occasionally give yourself a few moments to reflect on your attitude towards yourself / yourself? What do you think about yourself, about your behavior towards yourself and others? About your attitude towards different situations or your own experiences? What does your inner voice sound like then?
Perhaps we often hear the voice of an internal critic who likes to compare us to others and exaggerate us, judging and evaluating what and how we do. He likes to rant about what we should be like, what and how to do or not to do even better. And very often it directs our attention to brooding over past experiences, pointing to failures and failures. While its job is to protect us and keep us safe, paradoxically, it very often contributes to our emotional suffering.
Or maybe our inner voice also sounds like an ally? It directs our attention to opportunities, encourages problems and turns failures into lessons, giving them a deeper meaning and meaning. It helps us appreciate and use our talents and skills. He supports in a kind way when we experience difficult emotions, bringing relief and compassion. Therefore, it cares for our psychological well-being and a sense of fulfillment in life.
Stopping
Experiencing difficult emotions is often stuck in a vicious circle. Interrupting it requires us to stop and be mindful. Basically, we have to start by pausing so that we become aware of what is really going on right now. In this way, we will notice and get to know not only the external world that flows to us through our senses, but most of all our inner world, which is created by our thoughts, emotions and what happens in our body. Being mindful of ourselves, we open ourselves to the flowing information, including our deeper needs, which is extremely important for building a meaningful life.
Access to recordings prepared by certified experts that will help you stop and look inside yourself can be found in the Polish Mindy application. Take advantage of the unique offer prepared in cooperation with the Medonet portal.
Acceptance
An important aspect is the attitude of accepting different parts of ourselves, our feelings and desires. The word acceptance means that we only recognize the fact that this is how things are now, that this is what we are experiencing now, this is how we feel. It doesn’t mean, however, that we want to always feel this way, like something we don’t like or adopt a passive attitude. It is not about tolerating what we disagree with. Accepting the facts that are happening now helps us make friends with each other and understand why we act the way and go through different situations. This understanding and cordial attitude can bring the comfort and letting go we need.
Also check: Luck curve. At what age are we the happiest and least happy?
Stress system
Our inner helper will develop as we regularly and consciously feed our soothing system; doing what makes us calm and relaxed, gives us a sense of security, freedom, cordiality, loosens the habit of judging ourselves and others, and helps build friendly relationships.
How to take care of it? At this point, we can stop for a moment, close our eyes, feel that we are breathing. We can let the breath flow in a calm and gentle way, gently put our hands on the stomach or chest and try to wish ourselves well – as we can wish for others – e.g. “may I feel good, may I be safe, let me experience peace and joy. let me be gentle with myself. It’s not about feeling something forcefully. In such a pause, we only cultivate the intention to develop a kind attitude. Let these be the words that best resonate with us.
What can help us with this? Books with exercises, applications on the phone with courses and internships available online, participation in workshops or support, for example, from a psychologist, to be able to individually look at our experiences and needs.
Also read: Quarrels are necessary, but quarrels in which we express our anger and anger
My compass
Becoming friends with each other, sooner or later, will direct our attention to what path we are taking and what map we follow. It will become important for us that what we do is consistent with us and our value system, so it will become important to get to know it and answer important questions: what kind of life do I want to lead? Based on what values? How do I want to live my time in this world? What do I want to develop and nurture in myself? What do I want to stand for in my life? Our internal compass can support us whenever we feel lost or overwhelmed.
Standing behind yourself
By developing mindfulness and kindness, getting to know our needs and important areas of our life, we create a solid foundation for important competences, which are setting boundaries and communicating your needs to others. It is extremely important in making friends with each other. Our inner helper can be an invaluable support in confronting the views of others and supporting our views when we feel their deep meaning. He will help us respect our opinions and show respect for other people, giving them the right to have their own opinions.
Find out more: What is assertiveness?
Healthy self-esteem
Healthy self-esteem is the result of consciously building a relationship with yourself based on the above-mentioned aspects. Thanks to it, we can be together both when we are successful and when we experience failure. We can be kind to ourselves and others, and when we hurt someone, make a mistake, we can sincerely apologize, draw conclusions and also be kind to ourselves, remembering that we will never be perfect, but we can be more and more kind.