10 Things To Do To THRIVE in 2022

Thrive • December 28, 2021

At Thrive Wellness, our passion is in our name. Collectively, we strive to help individuals and their families thrive — not just survive. As we transition into a new year, we thought we’d round up some of our top tips and tricks to help you thrive in 2022.

1. Replace resolutions with purposeful intentions.

Start the new year inspired, not overwhelmed. While it’s great to have personal goals, putting too much pressure on yourself can actually interfere with your growth. Influenced by external expectations, resolutions are often unreasonable, rigid, and relentless, resulting in adverse effects that can impede momentum and harm one’s mental health. On the other hand, intentions are rooted in meaningful internal motivators. Intentions can gently guide an individual to cultivate change mindfully by allowing for self-compassion, reflection, and flexibility. If you’re looking to make lasting changes, set intentions instead of resolutions to set yourself up for success , and remember to practice celebrating progress over perfection along the way.

2. Let go of self-destructive behaviors and make space for healthier habits.

When embarking on your journey to self-betterment, it’s often helpful to first identify and eliminate any behaviors that simply do not serve you. By thoughtfully and honestly reflecting on thought patterns and actions that hinder your health and happiness, you can pull the weeds of self-destructive behaviors and plant seeds for healthier habits to grow in their place. Learn how to relinquish harmful habits and replace them with healthier alternatives.

3. Wave farewell to fad diets and say hello to intuitive eating.

In a world contaminated by diet culture, it’s no wonder that our relationships with food and our bodies are out of whack. Misinformation about what we should eat and how we should look litters the media, consumes our conversations, and shatters our self-regard. In the chaos of confusing and conflicting messages, we tend to forget that our bodies are built to instinctively inform us about what they need for nourishment and when. Even so, the signals our bodies send us are often muted by the misleading external messages amplified in our society. The good news is that it is possible to reclaim your relationship to your body and the food that you fuel it with. Take your power back and foster your well-being through intuitive eating .

4. Move your body in ways that you truly enjoy.

Results-based exercise is often unexciting and unsustainable for many. Working out to reach a certain number on the scale or to fit into a size that is unrealistic for your body type takes the fun and freedom out of the experience, which can ultimately discourage you from being active at all. Instead, try a variety of physical activities and focus on adopting those that make you feel good. In other words, rather than exercising for outcomes, embrace mindful movement to boost your mood and well-being . Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for doing what feels right for you. 

5. Enhance your life with mindfulness.

Mindfulness is more than just a trendy buzzword — it’s a state of being that can strengthen the mind-body connection and make a big difference in your daily life. Mindfulness practices can help you relieve stress, self-regulate your nervous system, and build resilience from within. Practicing mindfulness invites you to be fully present and in the moment, rather than ruminating in the past or worrying about the future. Whether it’s meditation, breathwork, or mindful movement, even the most simple strategies can significantly impact your overall health. What are you waiting for? Dive in and discover mindfulness practices that promote your well-being .

6. Take sleep hygiene seriously for a good night’s rest.

Restful sleep is essential to overall health, yet statistics show that many people suffer from insufficient and disrupted sleep. While diagnosed sleep disorders and issues that arise from other health conditions typically require the guidance of a professional, there are simple strategies that the average individual can implement to sleep more soundly. Sleep hygiene encompasses one’s bedroom environment, sleep-related routine, and habits. Improve your sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep experience and enhance your health.

7. Speak to yourself as you would speak to a loved one.

Most of us would not knowingly use our words to make our family members and friends feel poorly about themselves, cause them to question their worth, or excessively punish them for mistakes. So, then, why do we unrealistically strive to be perfect, unreasonably doubt and criticize our actions, and obsessively beat ourselves up? Be mindful of how you speak to yourself, nip negative self-talk in the bud, and try using positive affirmations to shift your perspective. Get started with these body-positive affirmations and self-confidence affirmations for victims of bullying (or anyone who could benefit from believing in themselves more, which is everyone).

8. Say yes to yourself.

It’s time to acknowledge and accept that self-care is not selfish. Setting reasonable boundaries in relationships, employment environments, and social settings is not selfish. Preserving your peace of mind, honoring your values, and prioritizing your well-being is — you guessed it — not selfish. While being a “people pleaser” can make both you and the recipient feel good, be careful not to neglect your own needs when saying yes to others. Unfair compromises can lead to resentment, burnout, and self-abandonment. Offer to help others when you can share your time and energy without sacrificing your own well-being. When you say yes to yourself , you can improve your relationships with yourself and others.

9. Learn as much as you can, as often as you can.

Awareness and education go a long way when it comes to wellness. Check out our “Thrivebrary” to peruse a collection of our health professionals’ favorite books for better well-being . Turning the pages of a good book can help you turn a new leaf in life. Additionally, develop a better understanding of health insurance for mental and behavioral health to get the most out of your coverage. Arm yourself with knowledge to advocate for the health care you need and deserve. The more you explore new information, insights, and inspirations, the more understanding you become of yourself, others, and the world around you.

10. Reach out for help when you need it.

No matter what you are going through, know that you are not alone. When family and friends aren’t equipped to sufficiently support you, seek professional guidance from educated experts who are trained to help. The stigmas surrounding mental and behavioral health are false and fading. There is no use in suffering alone and no shame in seeking help. You deserve to live your best life!

Thrive Wellness is a holistic healing community comprised of psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, mindful movement specialists, and more — all dedicated to improving the health of our clients and communities. If you or a loved one would benefit from outpatient therapy , eating disorder treatment , or perinatal mental health programs , please reach out to learn more about our services.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

July 17, 2025
As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.
June 27, 2025
How school breaks can mask or amplify eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD symptoms and how to intervene
June 4, 2025
Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.
More Posts

Start your healing journey today

NEXT STEPS

Are you ready to find hope? We can't wait to connect you with the care you need. To get started with us, please reach out using the link below.   

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →