Ways to Beat that February Slump

 

Why not dedicate the month of February as a month for love? Make the choice to focus on Valentine's Day and self-love, as a prompt for improved self-care and heightened self-compassion.  

 

If our energy, motivation, and mood dip during the winter, and gloomy weather, heavy workloads, shorter days, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lead us down a path to overwhelm and burnout, now is the time to alter our perception.

Look Below For Ways to Beat that 

February Slump

1. Develop cozy rituals that encourage us to connect with loved ones. Make dates and chat with friends or family, or go to a concert, museum, play, or other beautiful cultural event with them. Sharing joy and pleasurable experiences with others makes it multiply. 

2. Start or end the day by writing out a gratitude list. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way in helping us accept where we're at, see and count our blessings, and find ways to love ourselves through a bad mood or rough patch. 

3. Practice slow living and reserve time and space to look inward instead of outward for comfort. Winter is a great time to retreat, restore, and reboot our spirit through prayer, reflection, rest, and contemplation.

4. Meditate (even for 2 minutes), practice deep breathing, or simply watch clouds roll by to relax and soothe jagged nerves.

5. Unplug from technological devices to recharge. Identify specific distractions, whether they’re notifications on phones or a cluttered workspace. Establish a distraction-free zone by turning off your phone during work hours and keeping work area organized and clutter-free.

6. Contact a friend or acquaintance you sense might need encouragement. When we reach out to help someone smooth out the rough edges, it momentarily gets our minds off ourselves, and makes us feel useful.

7. Learn something new by taking a short online course, watch a TED Talk, or attend an in-person course at a cooking or music school. When we tap into a creative outlet, our change of pace activity may make us feel inspired and more alive.

8. Assemble a Vision Board to visualize people, places, and things we want to draw into our lives in the future. Positive thinking and positive wishing are powerful tools for change.

9. Set achievable daily goals, and acknowledge progress, including "baby steps."

10. Affirm our goodness, lovability, and value as a human being and compose a few affirmations to honor ourselves. When we truly believe we are enough, it fosters increased self-contentment and self-esteem. 

11. Treat ourselves with self-compassion by being kind, loving, and caring (tender loving care). One study indicates loving ourselves unconditionally helps us feel emotionally safe and secure within ourselves. This sense of security helps us be our true, authentic self, with little fear of judgment or backlash from others.

12. Enjoy winter activities and embrace the beauty of the season by engaging in outdoor activities including ice skating, skiing, or simply making a giant snowman.

13. Look forward to the coming season by sketching out possible goals. Envision those positive things you can do to boost mood and motivation as the seasons evolve.

14. Prioritize sleep and treat rest as a key element for good health, not as a luxury. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (7-9 hours). Create a cool, dark, quiet, and clutter-free bedroom, and establish relaxing bedtime routines like avoiding screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed. Here's a Gentle Self-loving Sleep Meditation by Julie Peters, one example of a relaxing way to prepare for a gentle night's sleep. 

Pick and choose activities and self-care practices that resonate for you. Want to spice up living? Perhaps you'll embark on a self-discovery adventure and try on a few self-care techniques that are new to you.

Some of the best ways to beat an emotional, physical, spiritual, or mental slump is to focus on small, actionable steps to reduce stress including body movement (walk, stretch, build a snowman), change of scenery (get outside or go to a movie), practice gratitude, and connect with a friend. Simple functions including showering, listening to or playing music, or doing a 5-minute de-clutter task can boost endorphins and shift our perspectives.

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Which self-care practices have you neglected over the holiday season and beyond? Does that serve you well? How can you be more consistent about doing them now? 

When I have a self-care lapse, I like to remind myself that I can start my day over any time I decide to do that. 

What helps you change your attitude or behavior, when you've started the day on the wrong foot? Please explain.

What things help you beat the blues, no matter what season it is? Please share.

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This post is offered for entertainment and educational purposes only, and is not intended as health advice. Check with your health care providers if you are suffering from SAD or other mental or physical health issues.

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Amazing Affirmations and Tips for Self-validation

Research reported in Clinical Psychological Science indicates that taking time to think kind thoughts about ourselves has psychological and physical benefits.

Post updated 01/25/25

Being loving and gentle with ourselves helps us see ourselves more honestly, and admit our shortcomings and assets. 

Self-love encourages us to be flexible, and gives us confidence and freedom to change aspects of our makeup that no longer serve us well. 

Are you considerate, tender, and supportive  of yourself all the time?

At various moments during the last couple of weeks, I have gotten in my own way. I felt emotionally drained and unhappy. 

I know I'm not alone in feeling off-kilter. It appears that most of my friends, family, business contacts, and acquaintances are finding it hard to find peace and feel centered in the midst of the world situation. There is so much uncertainty. 

Yet, I haven't felt stuck in despair.

One of the most amazing methods I continue to use to  center myself is to recite and repeat affirmations aloud daily. I write out new ones or use ones that are tried and true. 

I've discovered from personal experience and research, conducted as a health and lifestyle writer, that affirmations have healing power, and research backs this up. 

When we express these positive statements aloud each day, it puts a positive spin on things, elevates  mood, and comforts us. 

This post presents 

Amazing Affirmations and Tips for Self-validation 

Why is that important?

Self-validation means to accept our internal experience as it is, and acknowledge we have a right to think and feel as we do in each moment. 

When we honor and cherish ourselves, even the fear of identifying and owning difficult emotions and working through them, can be overcome. 

We also need to get in touch with how often and to whom we go to for validation. This knowledge helps us understand our motives better. 

Do we rely on others more than we count on ourselves for approval and to make us feel worthy?

This post shows us ways to surrender thoughts, ideas, and expectations that other people, places, and institutions can see and acknowledge our true value. 

Additional ideas will show us ways to accept full responsibility for validating ourselves.

Let's devote attention and look inward to identify and feel anger, sadness, grief, anxiety, self-consciousness and doubt. Let's be more authentic, and admit we're having a difficult time. 

When we don't stuff, minimize, or label our feeling as bad, eventually they pass. That clear space we've created helps us get along better with ourselves and others. 

Another technique that helps center us, is to take steps to improve the quality of our self-talk. 

The words we use when we refer to our thoughts, feelings, and actions or inaction, helps us notice a lack of motivation, depression, boredom, progress, strengths, self-judgment, and successes. 

We humans are social animals, and a basic need is to seek and want companionship from others. 

However, when we buy into negative chatter either from ourselves or others, we do ourselves a disservice. Read more at 5 Things to Do to Change Negative Self-chatter.

Treating ourselves with self-compassion is an especially helpful self-care practice, especially when we can't seem to complete projects, make mistakes, feel vulnerable, or less than. See 9 Practices to Help You See You are Enough for additional ways to take better care of ourselves.

I believe treating ourselves with self-compassion and high regard is the most powerful self-care policy we can ever adopt.

Tip: Write a love letter to yourself. Why not include pictures of you and the things you love to do? Record many reasons why you are so in love with you.

10 Amazing Affirmations and Tips 

for Self-Validation

1. My breath is my superpower, and I breathe-in self-love and release all traces of self- doubt and disapproval.

2. I look inward for my sense of self-worth, joy, and approval. 

3. I treat myself with self-compassion and high regard, because I know it's the most powerful self-care practice I can ever adopt.

4. Any path I choose is an adventure and an opportunity for personal growth.

5. I acknowledge and accept painful and joyous feelings and know my emotions indicate I am a passionate person.

6. I'm mindful of my thoughts, feelings, and actions, and experience them with a nonjudgmental attitude.

7. I am worthy of self-care and set aside time each day to have fun, relax, and nurture mind, body, and spirit.

8. I look in the mirror and see someone who is authentic, courageous, and willing to do what it takes to grow and prosper each day.

9. My thoughts influence how happy I feel and I choose to feel joy right now!

10. I radiate health, happiness, harmony, and thrive. 

Click on the following link to see additional affirmations I wrote. They highlight things to say to  Create Positive Energy and Health with Affirmations.

Include self-care practices such as prayer, meditation, exercise, and journal writing in daily or weekly routines. When we use any of them, it helps reduce stress, and renews joy in daily living. 

Do as many or as few as you like. Each one helps us feel more grounded and present in today.

A big advantage of slowing down to look inward, is it helps us connect to our personal vision and principles. 

Taking time to tap into our higher wisdom, shifts our focus from dependency on others to increased self-sufficiency.

Another important key to self-validation is to find a calling/purpose and go after it. 

Some great ways to start on that are to investigate fields of study, take courses, get a degree, and/or work or volunteer in an area that intrigues us. 

We feel greater life satisfaction when we pursue our own dreams, sense the value in what we do, and shine our light freely. Let's sparkle so the unique beauty that is inside can be seen, especially by us.

Knowing and aligning with our life purpose allows us to focus on what is truly important to us, rather than seek approval or direction from others.


We can make the decision, fresh each day, to use affirmations and healthy lifestyle tips to enhance our sense of well-being, self-sufficiency, and self-compassion to enrich our lives.

Do you say affirmations for self-validation? Is it a regular practice? Please comment in the space provided below.

Which self-care tips resonate with you? Please share your ideas about that in the comments section below.

I value my blog writing and your feedback. I read every comment, and appreciate your visit. Please put no links in your comments, as they won't be published that way.

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Wishing you a happy day and many chances to affirm your goodness. 

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Create Positive Energy and Health with Affirmations

It's a new year and new decade, and this post will show how to use positive energy of affirmations to enhance your sense of health and well-being. 

Take a few days to look at the big picture. 

Self-appraise the stress and satisfaction levels you experienced in the past year.

Then evaluate and record details about the gap between your current energy level and health, and hoped-for future health.

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One simple way for us to be kind to ourselves as we change self-critical messages about past health habits or sloppy or inconsistent self-care routines is to apply self-compassion. 

Let's use a caring mindset to consider the information and affirmations below. 

Following is a definition of what an affirmation is, research about why affirmations work, and original affirmations. 

Affirmations are positive statements that are recited and repeated aloud to confirm and reinforce that something is already true and bountiful in our lives.

Research from a study published in "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology," indicates temporal landmarks, including a new year, new decade, or birthday, are powerful markers of time. These reference points are perceived by most of us as opportune times to experience the "fresh start effect."

Science backs this up. Study participants who used a temporal landmark to motivate them, had a positive energetic response, and gained momentum to follow through with their future-oriented wellness goals.

Affirmations recited at a temporal landmark are energetic powerhouses. 

Affirmation recitation helps shift thinking, creates "feel good vibes," and helps us see challenges are opportunities to grow.

A study published in "Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience" details how affirmations help convert negative thoughts to more positive ones.

Now on to my original affirmations

I release events, conflicts, stress, and worries from the past easily and effortlessly. 

I am an Optimist and my Self-confidence Attracts Abundance.

Exercise, Nourishing Food, and a Self-compassionate Attitude Keeps my Body, Mind, and Spirit Strong, Flexible, and Energized.   

I radiate health, happiness, harmony, and thrive.

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I encourage you to write your own affirmations. Then, recite them aloud to keep the momentum going.

Please comment below and re-share on social media. 

Thanks for visiting and please come back again. I post on the 1st and the 15th of each month. 

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy, and Harmonious New Year!



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Come to Journal Tips for Self-compassion Workshops!

"Self-compassion is the act of accepting all parts of ourselves and treating ourselves with lovingkindness. A self-compassionate mindset helps us connect to our humanness, acknowledge mistakes and shortcomings, and perceive experiences as opportunities to heal and grow." Nancy Andres

Self-compassion is a self-care practice I've been relying on to walk through my grief, since my son died at the end of last year.

I'm prepared to share ideas and tips that helped me let go of self-judgment, critical thoughts, negativity, and guilt. 

One of the most effective tools I've discovered to improve my mood is to journal write about things I'm grateful for, count my blessings, and record those things I feel will help me be kinder to myself. 

Scientific research backs this up. Studies show troubled people can get major relief from focusing attention on good things in life. Those who did enjoyed a higher percent of happy days, felt optimistic, and expected the best. They were also more satisfied with their lives, which they perceived to be more meaningful, and they felt more connected with others each day.

Here's where you come in. You'll have an opportunity to learn what things can be used to support and empower your thinking and behavior. 

Whether you're suffering from the end of a relationship or career, transition from one stage of life to another, or just want fresh ideas about how to treat yourself better when you feel less than, I can help you. 

September is a great month to use self-compassion and you are in luck because... 

I am facilitating two self-compassion workshops. I'd love to meet you at either one. 💗

You're Invited to "Journal Writing Tips for Self-compassion and Personal Growth with Book Signing for Colors of Joy " 

Come to an interactive workshop with games, fun activities, and an opportunity to meet Nancy Andres, author of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.

When: Sat Sept 14, 2019 2:30 PM-3:30PM, book signing after

Where: The Seasoned Woman, 5460 E. Broadway Blvd. #300, Tucson, AZ

Reservations are on a first-come first serve basis and complimentary. Please go to the Seasoned Woman’s Website and Click on the Link for Events to reserve your place. 

For Nancy Andres’ bio, event schedule, and wellness ideas see her Website. 💗

You’re Invited to “Journal Writing Tips for Self-compassion and Personal Growth with Book Signing for Colors  of Joy.”

When: Sat. Sept. 21, 2019 between 2-3 PM Book signing afterward

Where: Literate Lizard Bookstore, 1575 W State Rte. 89A,Suite D, Sedona.

Call 928-325-2971 or email theliteratelizardsedona@gmail.com to RSVP

After the workshop meet Nancy Andres, author of Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance and Bliss. Colors of Joy provides tips and ideas to help you thrive!

Nancy Andres is a Health and Lifestyle Writer, Author, and Wellness Blogger. When she’s not working, she enjoys walking and hiking on Tucson trails and paths, has her nose in a book, is cooking whole food plant-based meals for friends and family, or is savoring dark chocolate. 😄

      Please comment below. 

Do you understand why self-compassion is so important? Explain.

Do you know simple ways to feel heard, cherished, and understood by you?

What techniques do you use to coax yourself to try something new, change a bad habit, or reframe how you look at things you see as failures? 

Do you think a self-compassionate attitude would help in these situations? Why?

I read and appreciate every comment, yet do not publish those that include links. Thanks for understanding. 💗

Come to a workshop and learn how journal writing prompts, affirmations, and fun activities can help that precious person who is you appreciate, approve, and be awe-inspired by you.

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