“Whether you think you can, or can’t, you are right.” Henry Ford
Our best chance of success in managing and reducing stress is first understanding that our mindset is everything. We are complex beings layered with years of beliefs, values, identities, inborn traits, thoughts, habits, routines, and rules that make up who we think we are.
We can rewire our brains and nervous system over time with evolved thinking and action (neuroplasticity). We first must believe that we can change, then take action to become more. We can tell a different story about who we are and how we relate to stress.
A growth mindset alone is not enough. We need to protect time every day for self-care practices to tune into our bodies and minds and learn how to self-regulate and listen. Establishing a morning routine and ritual to protect time and invest in self-care habits every day is the foundation.
Waking earlier each morning, not looking at your phone and avoiding tech gives us space to connect to our center without any outside mental noise or distraction. Space to look inward and practice becoming familiar with who we truly are. When we start the day in silence, we create greater resilience to manage whatever obstacles the day may bring.
Most people I work with notice the difference very quickly of where the day lands if they don’t protect their mornings for self-care and eventually, rarely miss a morning practice.
In part 3, I’ll share specific practices that help us manage stress and self-regulate in the moment while creating greater self-awareness and healing over time.