The quest for perfection can be all-consuming. Impossibly high standards and a relentless inner critic make it hard to relax. When there's no room for error, it's tough to take risks, be creative, or simply live in the moment.
While there's nothing wrong with high standards, when it starts to impact your wellbeing, it's time to make some changes. Having struggled with perfectionism myself, I know how tough it can be to let go. But I also know that it's possible—with a little (OK, maybe a lot) of self-care.
If perfectionism is stressing you out, try these three self-care practices to put it in its place:
1. Unplug
No phone, no internet, no social media. Just you and your thoughts. It's scary, I know. But it's also eye-opening.
When we're constantly plugged in, we never give ourselves a chance just to be. Spending hours stuck in a perpetual comparison trap and feeling like we have to publicly promote every detail of our day can make us forget what's truly important.
As perfectionists, this is especially dangerous. When we're constantly comparing ourselves to others and living in a state of "never good enough", it's tough to find contentment.
Disconnecting for a day, or even a few hours, can help you recenter and remember what's truly important to you. So alert your friends and family that you'll be off the grid and enjoy some digital detox time.
2. Get lost in a creative activity
Perfectionism often goes hand-in-hand with the fear of making mistakes. But making mistakes is essential for creativity. So pick up a paintbrush, start writing that book, or sign up for that dance class you've always been too scared to try.
The goal is not to create a masterpiece but rather to enjoy the process and let go of the need for perfection. So if you find yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and remind yourself that creativity isn't about "getting it right." It's about self-expression, exploration, and experimentation.
Expect mistakes—and embrace them! The more you enjoy the ease of creative flow, the more you'll find yourself seeking it out in other areas of your life.
3. Spend time in nature
There's something about being in nature that can instantly ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Maybe it's the fresh air, the sound of the waves, or the beauty of the surroundings. Whatever it is, there's no denying that nature has a powerful effect on our
wellbeing.
So if you're feeling a little down and need a pick-me-up, take yourself on a nature break. Go for a hike in the woods, sit by the ocean, or just take a leisurely stroll through your local park.
Allow yourself not to have an end goal here or something you're trying to achieve. Leave that Apple Watch at home and let nature work its magic.