Things to try

Shame unfortunately convinces many that they are unworthy or unlovable. Take time to praise and love yourself; for example, write down three things you like about yourself every day.

Visualization can have a powerful impact on your wellness or psyche. If you're in a funk or not feeling particularly inspired, try taking moment to think back on the last time you felt truly joyful. What sparked it? Is it a person, a place, a situation? Is there something you can do for yourself today that will maybe inspire that same emotion? Investing in your own personal joy is always worth it.

Write about how you’re feeling—not only what makes you happy, but also what triggers stress or pain. Experiencing a range of emotions helps regulate stress response, which can mean a healthier immune system. Journaling can also help you take action—you can identify things you want to do more or less of, identify situations you want to change or get help with, and figure out ways to deal with stress in the moment if you know what situations to look out for. While it is tempting to just use your computer, it can be more beneficial to go back to the old pen and paper. The good news is, you only need to journal a few times a week, for 10-20 minutes to get benefit.

Take a few minutes (even just 5-10) to sit in silence and focus solely on your breath as you inhale and exhale. This is a simple way to calm your mind and body and can help shift your focus to the present moment and give your mind a rest from negative thoughts. It may take some practice, so don't beat yourself up if you catch your mind wandering—noticing when this happens is actually a great sign. All you have to do is refocus and keep going, which is a skill in itself.

To create a clear end to the work day, try doing things like putting away your work materials, stepping away for another activity, or following away-from-work communication rules you define with your coworkers (like setting expectations you aren’t available for meetings, calls, or email replies after a certain time).