Getting yourself out of a negative head space
Being kind to ourselves, something that for some reason can be rather difficult. I used to tear myself apart. I used to critique and criticize myself constantly. I was in such a negative headspace, I could do nothing right in my eyes. This time in my life was when I was lost, when I was seeking control. This was when I valued myself by how much I could workout and how perfect and clean my eating was. But nothing I did was ever good enough. I constantly told myself I wasn’t pretty enough, I wasn’t smart enough, I wasn’t skinny enough, basically I just wasn’t enough.
It’s taken a while and it’s been a hard road but I have gotten myself out of that negative space. I am now proud of things I have accomplished and have overcome. I don’t value myself on my appearance. I know that I am enough and I remind myself of that often. But the thing with negative thoughts is that they can easily sneak back in. It doesn’t take much, maybe you spent too much time scrolling on Instagram and suddenly you’re comparing yourself to everyone out there and those negative thoughts start to creep in. What’s dangerous about these thoughts is they can have a snowball effect. Suddenly they have overtaken your mind and you can’t seem to quiet them down.
This happened to me recently. I was sick for two weeks and everything was thrown off. I wasn’t working out, I was eating every comfort food in sight, I was spending hours a day on Instagram and i wasn’t spending time with friends. The combination of this all led me down a road of picking myself apart. Suddenly I was doubting my worth. Every other girl on Instagram was prettier than me, more successful, made more money, had more fun. I started to look in the mirror and think ugh. I started looking at my body and hating what I saw.
Since I’ve been down this road many times before I am able to pick up on it. I noticed what was happening and wanted to stop it as quickly as i could. But that’s the thing, once those thoughts get into your head it’s not as easy to get them out. I started thinking of ways i could bring myself back to reality, bring myself back to a place of self kindness and compassion. I’ve come up with some tips that help me and hopefully they can help you if you ever find yourself trapped in a place of self doubt.
As soon as you wake up in the morning think of 3 things you’re grateful for.
Along with your gratitude tell yourself three things you love about yourself, out loud.
Limit your time on social media and only follow people who inspire you and lift you up.
Spend a little extra time on self care. Take a long bath, indulge on your favorite treat, spend some time watching a silly show.
Reach out to friends and family. Have a phone call or a coffee date with someone you love.
Repeat these affirmations, write them down, sticky note them to your mirror. I am enough. I am beautiful. I am smart. I am uniquely me and that is wonderful.
I really hope you find these tips helpful and you can use them to pull yourself out of a place of negative self talk and doubt. We are all amazing and offer something unique to this world and we must be proud of that! If you ever want to chat or talk about your struggles I am always here to listen so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or DM. Have the best day ever and remember, you are enough.