Netflix & Chill is Self-Care? 5 Surprisingly Awesome Ways to Nurture Your Mental Wellbeing (Without Leaving the Couch)
Category: Misc.
Face it, folks: Your brain, much like your holiday fruitcake, has been through A LOT lately. Between the festive frenzy, the annual avalanche of “shoulda, woulda, couldas,” and the existential dread of watching another year slip away like sand through your fingers, it’s safe to say your mental wellbeing might be resembling a slightly stale gingerbread man – cracked, crumbly, and in desperate need of a sugar rush.
But fear not, weary wanderers of the emotional wilderness! Tri-Star Counseling is here to serve up some resolutions for mental wellbeing that are less “train for a marathon” and more “snuggle in with a good book and a plate of warm cookies.” Because let’s be real, sometimes the best resolutions are the ones you can actually stick to without falling face-first into a vat of self-loathing.
Topic Of Discussion
So your holiday cheer has officially fizzled out, replaced by a vague existential dread and a desperate craving for sweatpants. Don’t worry; that’s just your brain doing its annual post-party self-sabotage routine. But before you declare yourself a certified Grinch and swear off glitter for life, listen up: Netflix and chill can actually be self-care!
Yes, you read that right. Curling up with your favorite show and a plate of (judgement-free) cookies can be a legit way to boost your mental wellbeing. But before you build a blanket fort and disappear into a movie marathon, let’s explore some other surprisingly awesome ways to nurture your mind without ever leaving the couch. Because let’s face it, adulting is hard, and sometimes the only resolution you need is to master the art of horizontal therapy.
Get ready to ditch the pressure, embrace the weird, and rediscover the joys of self-care that don’t involve kale smoothies or sunrise jogs (unless that’s your jam, then you do you!). This is your official guide to crushing your mental wellbeing goals from the comfort of your couch – because sometimes, the best resolutions are the ones that involve zero pants and maximum chill. Now grab your remote, your fluffiest throw blanket, and prepare to get cozy with some awesome mental self-care tips that won’t make you want to hurl yourself into a pile of wrapping paper.
Resolution-ish #1: Unfriend Your Inner Critic (Seriously, Just Block Them)
Think of your inner critic as that annoying uncle who always asks about your dating life at Thanksgiving dinner. You know, the one who loves pointing out every hangnail and questionable life choice. Now, imagine you could hit the mute button on them. Glorious, right? Well, guess what? You can! The next time your inner critic starts tap-dancing on your insecurities, hit the mental mute button. Replace their snarky commentary with some self-compassion. You wouldn’t talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself, so treat yourself with the same kindness. (P.S. Self-compassion is linked to lower stress and depression.)
Resolution-ish #2: Schedule Some “Do Absolutely Nothing” Time (Netflix and Chill is Self-Care Too)
In this hustle-and-bustle world, we’re conditioned to believe that productivity is the only path to happiness. But here’s the truth bomb: sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental wellbeing is absolutely nothing. Think of it as giving your brain a spa day without the cucumber water. Put down your phone, ditch the to-do list, and just be. Studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center show that regular “mindfulness breaks” can reduce anxiety and improve focus. So go stare at a wall, contemplate the meaning of life, or nap like a champion – whatever your “nothing” looks like, embrace it. (Because let’s be real, Netflix and chill is basically meditation for introverts.)
Resolution-ish #3: Find Your Tribe (But Don’t Force It!)
Humans are social creatures, even the introverts who pretend they prefer the company of dust bunnies. Connecting with others is vital for our mental health, but that doesn’t mean you have to join a Zumba class you’ll hate just to avoid being the solo act at the party. Find your tribe, the people who get your strange jokes and appreciate your slightly off-kilter worldview. Whether it’s a book club of fellow bibliophiles or a Dungeons & Dragons group where you can unleash your inner dragon-slaying badass, surround yourself with people who make you feel good about being you. Research from Brigham Young University suggests strong social connections can boost happiness and combat loneliness. It’s a double win!
Resolution-ish #4: Move Your Body (Even if it’s Just to Get Another Cookie)
Exercise. Blah blah blah. We all know it’s good for us, but let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of moving further than the fridge is enough to induce a paralyzing existential crisis. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to run a marathon to reap the mental benefits of movement. Find an activity you actually enjoy, even if it’s just dancing around your kitchen in your pajamas while singing karaoke to Britney Spears. Just get your body moving, and your brain will thank you with a sweet little dose of endorphins. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that regular physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. Who knew dancing in your PJs could be so therapeutic?
Resolution-ish #5: When in Doubt, Seek Help (We Don’t Bite… Much)
Let’s face it, sometimes even the best resolution-ish tips need a little professional backup. If you’re struggling with your mental wellbeing, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a therapist – that’s what we’re here for! We’re not here to judge. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you on your journey to mental wellbeing.
Wrapping it Up!
So there you have it, folks: 5 “resolution-ish” tips for mental wellbeing that won’t make you want to throw yourself face-first into a vat of holiday leftovers. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the name of the game. Take tiny steps, celebrate your wins (even the microwave pizza triumphs), and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Because let’s be honest, sometimes even the fluffiest blanket fort and endless reruns of Friends can’t quite cure a case of the existential blues.
That’s where Tri-Star Counseling comes in. We’re not here to judge your sock-wearing habits or the questionable amount of glitter clinging to your clothes. We’re here to listen, offer support, and equip you with tools to navigate the sometimes-crazy rollercoaster of life. So ditch the pressure, embrace the chaos and tiredness, and if you’re feeling like your mental wellbeing could use a little extra TLC, reach out! Give us a call or check out our website to schedule an appointment – because sometimes, the best resolution you can make is investing in yourself.
Remember, your mental wellbeing matters, and you deserve to feel awesome, even if your holiday fruitcake didn’t turn out quite right. Now go forth and conquer that emotional desert, one Netflix marathon and self-compassion session at a time!
Brent Metcalf, LCSW
Photo by Alin Surdu on Unsplash
