- Start your day with inspiration. You can find motivating videos on YouTube or social media. You could make a journal with inspiring quotes, advice, and stories to turn to when you need motivation. You could even wake up early to do something you love. Start out not thinking of what needs to be done but of what you are capable of doing.
- Set attainable goals. Your body is your mind’s support system, so meeting a health or fitness goal can make you feel happier and more confident. Setting a goal about school can help motivate your studies. You can even make a simple goal to spend more time with a friend or family member. These small goals give you a picture of your abilities, not just your challenges.
- Check in with yourself during the day. If you’re having a particularly stressful moment, find a way to refresh and motivate yourself. This could be a motivational video, some prayer or meditation if you’re religious, or simply a quiet moment by yourself. Deep breathing can also help calm you down by regulating your nervous system. Take time to remind yourself that you matter.
- Make a to-do list. If you feel overwhelmed by everything you need to get done, try writing out a to-do list. Just writing things down can make the tasks seem less impossible. You’ll feel more organized and prepared.
- Be kind to yourself. If you can’t finish every task or live up to every expectation, be patient with yourself. Don’t let setbacks discourage you. You can do amazing things, but no one can do everything at once!
- Find a way to process. People have different ways of processing difficult situations. For some people, it helps to talk to a friend, family member, counselor, or pet. Others like to write in a diary or journal. You could even reread part of a book where a character has similar feelings to yours. Find something that helps you process difficulties.
- Go to bed mindful. Set a time to go to bed, watch a show, read a chapter, or do some other relaxing activity. Find what allows you to wind down and go to sleep without a worried mindset. Your rest is your refuel, and even a short night can be an effective rest when your mind is relaxed and grateful. End each night thinking about the blessings, not the stresses, of the day.
These are habits that are worth building, even if you try and fail. You may feel rejected, but you don’t have to live in rejection. Remember that no feeling is permanent, and you can get through even the hardest moments!