Wellness Glow-Up: 10 Signs You Are Healing
Photo Credit: Autumn Goodman
It’s a special moment when you first realize that you’re healing and your mental health is improving. That feeling of restored hope, clarity, or strength signals the dawning of an important transformation in our lives. But how do we recognize these moments? In this blog post, I want to explore some key points related to wellness glow-ups - those seemingly small but life-changing shifts - so that you can spot them as they start to take shape within the framework of therapy. Let us dive into recognizing what it looks like when progress starts taking tangible form!
You are Acknowledging Your Feelings
Emotions are the language of the body. They are signals that our body sends out to us, urging us to pay attention to what is happening within. However, far too often we ignore these signals, telling ourselves to push through our feelings or brush them aside. The truth is, acknowledging our emotions is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. By recognizing and validating our feelings, we open ourselves up to a world of self-awareness and growth. So the next time you feel overwhelmed or upset, take a moment to tune in to yourself and honor what you feel. It may be uncomfortable at first, but in the long run, it can change your life for the better.
You are Regulating Your Emotions
Managing emotions is a crucial element of our mental and physical well-being. Emotions can range from feeling pleasant to unpleasant and they can have an impact on our daily actions and decisions. Therefore, it's important to regulate our emotions to ensure better control over our life experiences. Taking steps like practicing mindfulness, journaling, or seeking professional help can be incredibly helpful in regulating your emotions. By understanding our triggers and potential stressors, we can learn to manage our emotions in a healthier way which can promote positive outcomes. Remember that regulating our emotions is not about suppressing them but about finding healthy ways to cope with them. So take a breath, focus on your feelings, and practice self-care to support your journey toward emotional regulation.
You are Building Healthy Coping Skills
It's so important to develop healthy coping skills that can help us manage life's challenges and the key to coping with stress is to develop new approaches that work for us individually. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, talking to a friend, or finding a new hobby, there are many different ways to cope with difficult situations. By taking the time to explore new coping strategies, we can build resilience and become better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way. So why not start exploring new, healthy, coping skills today? Your future self will thank you for it.
You are Noticing Behavioral Changes
Have you ever noticed how your behavior shifts in different situations? It's important to be aware of these changes so that you can better understand yourself and how you react to certain situations. Pay attention to how you communicate, your body language, and even the words you use when interacting with others. By noticing your behavioral changes, you can start to identify patterns and adjust your behavior accordingly. This can lead to better relationships, improved communication, and a more fulfilling life. So take the time to notice the subtleties of your behavior and see how it can make a positive impact on your life.
You are Feeling More Confident
Like any other skill, feeling more confident is something that can be gained through continued practice. We can boost our confidence though practicing self-love, setting small achievable goals, and focusing on our strengths. It's important to remember that confidence is not a destination but rather a journey. Throughout this journey, there will be ups and downs, but the key is to stay optimistic and keep moving forward. Celebrate your accomplishments and learn from the pitfalls. By doing so, you'll not only feel more confident in yourself, but you'll also be more resilient to face any challenges that come your way. So take a deep breath and know that confidence is within your reach.
You are Investing Time in Self-Care
Taking care of ourselves often takes a backseat to busy schedules and deadlines. However, investing time in self-care is not just beneficial but also crucial for our overall wellbeing. Setting aside time for self-care is a necessary ingredient for a healthy and fulfilling life. Prioritizing self-care can involve indulging in activities that bring us joy, connecting with loved ones, setting boundaries, and saying no to unnecessary obligations. By prioritizing our own needs, we not only have more energy and resources to offer others but also deepen our sense of self-awareness and self-love.
You are Taking Accountability For Your Actions
Taking accountability for our actions is an essential aspect of personal growth and development. It means being responsible for our decisions, actions, and their consequences, and not blaming others for our mistakes. It takes courage and humility to admit when we’re wrong, but the rewards are immense. By taking ownership of our actions, we may gain people's respect, build trust, and foster healthy relationships. Moreover, it helps us learn from our mistakes and make better choices in the future. Even when things don't go as planned, we can take comfort in the fact that we did everything in our power to make things right. So, next time you find yourself in a tricky situation, remember that taking accountability is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.
You are Prioritizing Healthy Habits
When we get caught up in on-the-go living, what's often left in the dust are healthy habits. When this happens, it’s time to take a step back and prioritize. And while it may seem easier said than done, there are some simple yet effective tips to help make healthy activities a part of our daily lives. For starters, try carving out dedicated time for physical activity, whether it's following along with a 12 minute workout video on YouTube or taking a brisk walk during your lunch break. And don't forget about healthy eating habits - swap out unhealthy snacks for fruits and veggies or opt for lean protein sources. Putting our health first isn't always easy, but incorporating healthy habits into our daily routines is a step in the right direction.
You are Accepting People As They Are - Including Yourself
In a time where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us to be someone else or to look a certain way, it's easy to feel like we don't measure up. But the truth is, we are all unique and valuable just the way we are. Accepting people as they are - including ourselves - is one of the most important things we can do for our mental health and happiness. It's about recognizing that everyone has their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, and that's what makes us interesting and diverse. When we embrace our own differences and learn to love ourselves, we become more accepting and compassionate towards others. So let's celebrate our individuality and embrace our so-called “flaws.” After all, they are what make us beautifully human. When we recognize our own humanness, we are able to see the humanness in others.
You are Reconnecting With Loved Ones and/or Beloved Activities
As life gets busy and responsibilities pile up, it can be easy to lose touch with the people and activities that bring us joy. But now more than ever, it's important to prioritize reconnecting with our loved ones and beloved pastimes. Whether it's reaching out to an old friend for a catch-up call or revisiting a hobby that's been on the back burner, making time for these meaningful connections can provide a sense of comfort and fulfillment. It may take some effort to make time, but the rewards of rekindling those relationships and rediscovering those passions are well worth it. So pick up the phone, dust off that old guitar, and let yourself be swept up in the joy of reconnecting.
Remember that everyone’s healing journey is different and this is not an exhaustive list of all the ways to recognize healing but they are powerful tools to support our journey back to safety and balance. Furthermore, healing is not always linear - there will be plenty of highs and lows but all of these tips can help you to make small changes in your life that will positively contribute towards your mental health. Such healing is not easy or instantaneous, but by taking the time to create thoughtful rituals that honor the self, there will be moments of recovery and growth upon which we can build an optimistic outlook for the future. Wherever you are in the healing process Paper Cranes Counseling is here for you every step of the way. Inviting others into your story can make all of the difference - contact us for your free consultation today!
Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. They have openings for individuals that are working through matters of identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Contact them at www.papercranescounseling.com