We recently connected with Andrea Restivo and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing confidence and self-esteem requires a combination of mindset shifts, self-reflection, and intentional actions. These are just a few steps that have helped me.
• Identify your strengths: Recognize your positive qualities, skills, and accomplishments. Focus on these strengths and remind yourself of them often.
• Challenge negative self-talk: Notice when you’re thinking critical or limiting thoughts about yourself. Challenge those thoughts by reframing them in a positive and realistic light.
• Set achievable goals: Break goals into smaller, attainable steps. Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way.
• Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes self-compassion, exercise, and healthy habits.
• Seek support: Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who appreciate you.
• Embrace imperfections: Nobody is perfect. Acknowledge your imperfections and accept them as a natural part of being human.
• Learn from failures: Instead of dwelling on failures, extract lessons and growth opportunities from them.
• Practice mindfulness: Stay present and engaged in the moment. Mindfulness can help you develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with yourself.
Remember, building confidence and self-esteem is an ongoing process. Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself as you work on developing a stronger sense of self-worth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hey there! I’m Andrea, a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, and Movement Specialist who’s passionate about helping others heal through movement and meditation. I’ve had the privilege of teaching yoga in amazing locations like Africa, Greece, Italy, and Mexico, and I’ve worked with incredible individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges like Bipolar, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Depression, and Personality disorders.
What sets me apart? I’ve walked a similar path. I understand the struggles of mental health firsthand, and I’ve found my own healing through movement therapy. That’s why I’m all about creating a safe, non-judgmental space for others to explore their own healing journey. My clients tell me they connect with me because I get it. I’ve been there. And I believe everyone deserves a chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life – mentally and physically. So, let’s move, breathe, and grow together!
Besides my private clients and clinical work I’m getting ready to help launch a space through The Lifestyle Collective, a wellness center, where you can come see your therapist, get your acupuncture or chiropractic work done, see your nutritionist, or workout with me through yoga or fitness.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Ah, what a great question! Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three qualities that made a significant impact are:
1. Empathy: Understanding and relating to others’ struggles has been vital in building connections and creating a safe space for my clients.
Listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and cultivate compassion. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes.
2. Adaptability: Being able to adjust my teaching approach to meet individuals’ unique needs has helped me effectively support those with diverse challenges.
Embrace lifelong learning, stay curious, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Continuously educate yourself on various approaches and modalities.
3. Resilience: Overcoming my own mental health struggles has taught me the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and perseverance.
Prioritize your own well-being, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. Practice self-kindness and acknowledge your own strengths and accomplishments.
By focusing on developing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, individuals early in their journey can lay a strong foundation for supporting others and fostering meaningful connections. Remember, growth is a continuous process!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back, breathe, and prioritize self-care. Here are some strategies that help me:
1. Mindfulness: I practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm my mind and body.
2. Break it down: I divide tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, focusing on one thing at a time.
3. Take breaks: I give myself permission to take short breaks, doing something that brings me joy or relaxation.
4. Reach out: I connect with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor for support and perspective.
5. Self-compassion: I remind myself that feeling overwhelmed is normal and that I’m doing my best.
6. Prioritize sleep and exercise: I make sure to get enough rest and engage in physical activity to clear my mind.
7. Set boundaries: I learn to say “no” or “not now” when necessary, protecting my time and energy.
Remember, feeling overwhelmed is a signal to pause, reassess, and take care of yourself. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control and find a sense of calm in the midst of chaos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelifestylecollective.com/
- Instagram: @restivo_yoga
