Taking good care of yourself
It’s not all about getting enough exercise, proper nutrition or sleep. Although these are all important, reflection is also a powerful way to take care of yourself. One study in particular involving Norwegian doctors found that after being given the opportunity to mindfully reflect, these doctors levels of burnout declined significantly. The decline in their burnout was noted during the short term after the study and continued over three years.*
The Proof
These types of studies show how reflecting (without blaming or judging yourself or others) will give you great insight into yourself and challenge you to look at situations from a different perspective. Reflection practiced on a regular basis (especially with at least one other person) can help you learn from the past, get to know yourself and your values.
What to avoid
Rumination, on the other hand, involves repetitively looking at something the same way, over and over again, which can cause us to focus on everything we may have done wrong, therefore inducing guilt and shame. Rumination is distinctly unhealthy. It leads towards discontent and unhappiness.
How do I start reflecting?
Everyone has a different way of reflecting. Some choose to reflect with their friends, family members, spouses or co-workers. Sometimes this practice is intentional and sometimes stories are shared in passing. Others journal their thoughts and observations to have a foundation to reflect on later. Still others pray and reflect on a more spiritual level.
The key is to not let your reflection turn to self depreciation. Undervaluing or belittling yourself gets you no where. In fact, paying attention to your critical inner voice causes low self esteem and confidence. Believe me, I’ve been caught in that trap before! I have to make sure every day that I don’t fall into it. Here are some steps you can take to help you develop your own form of reflection.
1st Step
This first step will help you stop your stream of destructive thoughts before they become a river. You need to stop tearing yourself down and start building yourself up by becoming conscious of your critical inner voice. Pay attention to when you slip into a bad mood. Pin point the thoughts that led you there.
2nd Step
Take control of your thoughts and prevent burnout by consciously choosing not to listen and instead choosing how you will think and act. Remember that you are in control of your thoughts, not the other way around.
No one wants to burnout! We have our whole lives ahead of us to enjoy. I’m going to assume here that many of you have numerous other people who depend on you staying in great mental, emotional and physical shape. So I want to ask you one question.
What reflective practice will you do going forward?
Please share with me below and join the conversation. I’d love to hear from you! If you like this post, would you LIKE it and SHARE it on my facebook page? xo
With Joy!
Amy
*Social-Psychological Interventions in Education: They’re Not Magic. Review of Educational Research