1. Movement doesn’t mean progress – As the back to school routine of life overtakes many of us, it can be easy to settle into a routine that requires a lot of activities – sports, church, school, etc. While all of these things can be good, when your schedule is packed full there is little time to rest and recuperate. Here are a few suggestions for creating space for pauses:

• Wake a little earlier than the rest of the house and have a quiet minute to yourself

• Find a park and sit along under a tree or on a bench

• Take intentional breaks at work to clear your head and continue on with your day

2. Our comfort zone can limit our capabilities – Fear can cripple many of us to inaction and forever keep us within our ’safe bubbles’. Stepping out of your comfort zone is an important part of expanding your abilities as well as your trust in yourself. Here are a few ways to get out of your comfort zone:

• Embrace a new hobby

• Consider doing something that scares you (check out: 100 Days without Fear)

• Eat a meal by yourself in a restaurant (only if you are not accustomed to doing so)

3. Looking back can help us move forward – Reflection can impact the way that you engage with the world around you in the present and future. Reflecting about the positive things in your life and the things you are grateful for can create a positive outlook. Reflecting on the lessons that you have learned from past

• Create a gratitude habit in your day, perhaps journaling at the end of the day for the specific things you are grateful for that day

• Spend an extended period of time writing a letter to your past self, extending grace and mercy by recounting how your life has changed today

• If reflection leads to a traumatic area of your life, we encourage you to seek help in processing these difficult emotions

4. Find strength in a higher power – As a faith based counseling center, Wellspring stands firm in our believe that God alone provides the strength that we need to do all things (Philippians 4:13).

• Make a habit of listening to faith based music in your home, car, work, gym, or anywhere you are (Philippians 4:8)

• Dive into God’s word daily for reminders of his love, your value, and your future (Psalm 119:11)

• Surround yourself with like-minded friends who you can call on for prayer or support in a difficult time (Matthew 18:20)