July 2023 Newsletter
“Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine.”
–Oprah Winfrey
Can Weather Affect Your Mood?
Weather is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, influencing everything from our clothing choices to our outdoor activities. But can it also affect our mood? As we endure scorching summer temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, the question arises: How exactly does weather impact our emotional state? Does hot weather make us more aggressive, and does rain make us sad?
Help Me Recover from a Setback!
We’ve all felt the sting of disappointment after falling short. But beating ourselves up only hurts more. Read on for expert ways to rebound-FAST.
Acknowledge the Hurt
It’s important to accept the often conflicting feelings, says expert Catherine Bracken, PhD. For example, you may feel hurt and anger, or regret and relief, if part of you is ambivalent about the goals you set. Though your emotions may seem contradictory at first they’re all valid. Taking a moment to acknowledge everything you feel will deepen your understanding of yourself so you can begin to problem-solve.
Be Kind to You
Self-compassion boosts resilience by increasing your motivation, says expert Tracy Hutchison, PhD. Tap in to the idea of common humanity by reminding yourself that everyone stumbles. Self-compassion lets us be realistic about challenges while also seeing the potential in those roadblocks because they may steer us onto a better path.
Hone In On Your Values
While goals are changeable, values are higher-level aspects of who you are, says Bracken. Reflecting on the value tied to the goal can help you overcome a setback. For example, if you didn’t get a job you wanted, ask yourself which of your values it represented. It might be your desire to lead. Then focus on how you can act on that value, perhaps by helming a volunteer committee. Even if we fall short of a goal, pinpointing our values helps us find other ways of acting on what matters to us.
Talk to Yourself this Way
Uttering one simple word can get you right back on the proverbial horse after a disappointment, promises expert Polly Campbell. One of my favorite strategies is simply using the word “yet”. Instead of saying, “I’ll never find a diet that works for me” you might say “I haven’t lost the pounds yet, ” or rather than “I’ll never overcome X challenge”, tell yourself, I just haven’t figured it out yet. Once you use this word, your brain instantly looks for solutions.
Celebrate Your Wins
Building resilience means savoring your victories, encourages Hutchison. Think back on all the ways you’ve changed or made progress over the past year. Such wins can include shifting the way you think or becoming more aware of others. Simply being empathetic or learning to see something from another perspective counts as a win because it means you’re growing.
Look Ahead to the Future
The tiniest steps after a setback often triggered the most momentum, notes Campbell. Just identify the next right action she urges. This could be grabbing a cup of coffee to get you going again. Even sending a friend a text of appreciation can move you forward because small acts of gratitude energize us and make us more future oriented. Setbacks can be a good thing because they mean you’re trying and pushing yourself.
Womens’ World, July 9, 2023
