The stories of our life frame our potential for self-care or self-harm, resilience or fragility, and set us up for an array of behavior that can life affirming or diminishing. The original saying was, “whatever doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger” but no more. Instead we are surrounded by messages that say questioning social beliefs is dangerous, that disagreements on a single issue can end life-long friendships, and that instead of freedom of speech we must watch everything we say in order to avoid offending someone.
Exploring thoughts from “Coddling of the American Mind” we will look at how these changes are undermining our society and each of us as individuals. Utilizing the ideas of untruths and truths we will discuss the importance of self-care.
Untruths
- What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker
- Always trust your feelings
- Life is a battle between good people and evil people
Referencing “Coddling of the American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt.
Truths – A Basis for Self-Care
- Learn from consequences and yes, even mistakes
- Question your feelings, but don’t dismiss them
- Life is a lived experience through many intersectional identities
Self-Care Recommendations
- Daily Mindfulness Practice – use an app such as WakingUp, Insight, or Headspace to support your practice.
- Daily Movement – 20 minutes such as a walk, bike ride, yoga, weight training or hiking
- Sleep Routine – set up a routine that helps increase the quality of your sleep, use an app such as Headspace, Relax Melodies or Sleep Cycle
- Most Important remember to PLAY!