This might really be one of the most important things I’ve written to date because it affects all of us due to society placing extremely unrealistic standards on us. We’re constantly being told that we need to be thinner, more prosperous, and have more things.
This has led to a generation of people who are incredibly anxious and lack self-esteem. We need to take a step back and slow down.
We need to learn how to take care of ourselves. This article will discuss the importance of taking care of ourselves and how it can help reduce our day-to-day anxiety and stress.
Societies standards
The world of consumerism has created an environment of instant gratification, where expectations are high, and people often feel overwhelmed and exhausted. To take better care of ourselves in this fast-paced world, let’s take a step back and assess our values, needs, and wants.
Exploring double standards
Our relentless pursuit of perfection and adherence to strict standards often leads us to believe we are protecting ourselves from failure. However, this mentality can have the opposite effect.
- By setting unrealistic and unforgiving standards for ourselves, we create an unsafe and unsustainable environment.
- This is because our relentless standards do not allow for mistakes or setbacks.
- They do not allow for the human experience of growth, learning, and self-improvement.
Instead, they create an environment in which we constantly strive for an unattainable goal, leading to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness when we inevitably fall short.
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Furthermore, these harsh standards often translate into unhealthy and unproductive behaviors, such as overworking, procrastination, and avoidance. They can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
How to Create a Safe and Supportive Environment For Yourself:
- Set realistic and achievable goals: Rather than setting unrealistic and unattainable goals, aim for challenging but achievable ones. This will help you feel motivated and energized rather than overwhelmed and defeated.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding, especially when making mistakes. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it is a natural part of the learning and growth process.
- Take breaks and prioritize self-care: Take breaks and prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and relaxation. This will help you stay energized, and focused and avoid burnout.
- Seek support from others: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues. Having people you can turn to for guidance and support can make a big difference in your well-being and overall success.
- Learn from your mistakes: Rather than dwelling and beating yourself up, try to learn from them. Take pauses to reflect on what you could have done differently and how not to make the same mistake.
- Give yourself permission to make mistakes: It’s important to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth. Don’t be overly hard on yourself when you make a mistake – instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
“Instead of being overly harsh on yourself, try to be understanding and compassionate when you make mistakes or face challenges. Remind yourself that everyone has flaws and that it is normal to feel negative emotions at times. Try to speak to yourself in a kind and caring way, and practice self-care by taking care of your physical and emotional needs.”
— HELEN
