2020 has felt like a new kind of year for all of us. Whether you have started working from home, lost a loved one, or felt isolated, it is possible that you have noticed certain shifts in your relationship with yourself. As we experience getting to know ourselves through this new time, it is important that we find new ways of practicing self-care. Intention setting is a great starting point in creating a self-care routine.

Intention setting is stating what you intend to accomplish as a commitment to yourself. It can be a way to help hold us accountable for our goals! Some benefits of intention setting are: reducing stress and anxiety, normalizing sleep schedules, greater sense of confidence, emotion regulation, and stronger ability to rely on self.

Intention setting is something that can be easily implemented from home. The best way to start intention setting is to choose a time of day that works for you to set your intention. Once you have committed to that time of day, develop your own way of intention setting. For example, you can write this down in a journal, in your phone, or, you can simply state your intentions out loud to yourself.

Two great opportunities to include intention setting in are during your morning or night routines. Since many people already have routines at those times, it can be easy to add it in. Some examples of intentions are: 

·      Today I will accomplish three things on my to do list

·      Today I will be loving and accepting of my flaws

·      Today I choose to see the challenges I have faced and recognize my strength rather than focus on my weakness 

As you create your intention setting routine, try to reflect constructively on what your intentions are based on previous experiences. One thing to avoid is all or nothing thinking. An example would be to reflect and say something similar to: “today was bad.” Defining the day as “all bad, or all good” does not leave room for interpretation or understanding. A great way to assess the day is by pointing out moments that felt good or went well and recognize the moments that felt challenging. 

This period of time has been riddled with stress and anxiety for many of us. Intention setting can provide a shift that has great benefits for handling the unique challenges that you may be facing. It can also be helpful in affirming the things you feel most confident about.

If you need any support with your self care routines or have any questions on intention setting, feel free to reach out to Hello@upsidertherapy.com.