Psychologists and experts reveal their tactics for a healthier, less divisive 2021 🆙

The time of year has come again when it is customary to analyze our lives to determine what can be improved or what needs to be changed. In short, the time has come to make good resolutions for this 2021.

While browsing the web I came across an article from NBC News, whose editorial team interviewed a group of psychologists and asked them what tactics they would use to set and stick to their New Year's resolutions. The article is in English, but I summarized it for you in Spanish. So, if you want to get some inspiration for your good intentions, are you still reading the article?

1. Find moments of peace every day

Psychologist Mary Rourke advises her clients, as well as herself, to try to cut back on their commitments. Her goal for 2021 is to do fewer things and to do it intentionally, that is, to be aware of what she is doing and to be convinced that she really wants to do it. To achieve this, Mary believes that it is necessary to find moments of peace during the day to think about what is being done.

2. Look for joy instead of happiness

Mental health counselor Monte Drenner says he has two goals for the new year. The first is to seek joy and not happiness, since joy is a continuous state of mind, while happiness is evanescent and circumstantial. The second purpose instead of seeking a state of continuous satisfaction that does not depend so much on the environment that surrounds him, but on his ideals and his work.

3. Treat time like money: in moderation

Shannon Battle, a consultant by profession, recommends treating time like money: Set a budget. Actually, time is an even more precious resource than money: if you are good and lucky you can earn as much money as you want, but the time you still have available on this Earth will never increase.

4. Pay attention to the media you consume

Family counselor Paul L Hokemeyer recommends that you carefully select the content you view on social media. He came to formulate this after the 2016 US elections: the hostility and vulgarity of political confrontations, on television and on social networks, made him anxious, depressed and angry. For the future, therefore, he has decided to consume content that promotes empathy, understanding and compassion, fundamental characteristics for our psyche, for our relationships, for families and the nation.

5. Become aware of resistance to change

Dr. James S. Gordon has no plans to do anything new, but 2021 gives him the chance to let go of what he no longer needs. His purpose is therefore to abandon the resistance to change that prevents it. To do this, he must become aware of this resistance, which is expressed in the following experiences:

body stiffness
Reduced comprehension
Defensive tone of voice.

Dr. Gordon's strategy is to use these symptoms of resistance as cues to become aware of one's resistance, relax, and finally accept the change in stride.

6. Practice gratitude more often

Psychologist Sharon Saline finds herself moving from one task to the next on her to-do list without pausing for a moment to appreciate what she's just completed. Therefore, her strategy for 2021 is as follows: Every day, before bed, she wants to write in her journal 3 things that she is grateful for from the day that just ended, so that she can focus on the positive things and get more satisfaction. from to them.

7. Gather new insights

2019 was a divisive year for everyone. So by 2021, clinical psychologist Clinton Moore has set a goal of learning something new, from a new person, every week. It means 52 new perspectives on the world by the end of the year.

8. Exercise your creative mind

Rebecca B. Skolnick, a clinical psychologist, has set a goal for 2021 to accomplish something, big or small, every week. According to her, exercising the creative part of her mind helps her see things from a different perspective, process emotions, and generally feel calmer. To do this, she enrolled in an art class and compiled a list of museums and exhibitions to go to for inspiration.

9. Find time to nurture your friendships.

Recent research shows that people with a strong and active group of friends have better physical and psychological well-being. So the therapist and neuropsychologist Rita Eichenstein made a list of dear friends and interesting people to walk, visit museums and go to the beach, in order to strengthen the friendship.

10. Talk less, listen more

Brent Sweitzer's goal for 2021, professional consultant, is to listen at least twice as much as he talks, both with his clients and in personal relationships. He decided to do it because listening is a powerful tool that allows us to transform people: by listening attentively to another person, we transmit our love to him, making him understand that what he expresses deserves our attention.

conclusion

Definitely an article full of tips, strategies and food for thought. It is always interesting to know how professionals and experts are managed. What are your resolutions for 2021 instead? Leave a comment and maybe you'll share the article with a friend.

Source: NBCnews