cry through his fingertips on the piano or pound out his anger by playing more aggressively . As he took time to express his feelings and give himself space , he was able to help his neighbors do the same . We can also find outlets for artistic expression . Mister Rogers encouraged children to draw , exercise , play music , use puppets , and engage in whatever creative outlet that suited them . Likewise , I often encourage my clients to try something new , like expressing themselves through Play-Doh or art
Encourage Yourself Mister Rogers took time to encourage himself . He kept words of affirmation he received from loved ones in his planner or up on his wall to gently remind himself that he could be loved for who he was . He was not surrounded with uplifting words by accident — this was his habit . What is your favorite quote ? Consider putting it on a Post-it note on your computer monitor , on a note in your phone , or in your planner . It can be therapeutic to tap into your own wisdom in moments when unpleasant or painful emotions take hold .
Rest The same Mister Rogers who produced more than eight hundred television programs and wrote barrels of songs and several books also rested . He told his journalist friend Tom Junod that he slept eight hours a night from 9:30 p . m . to 5:30 a . m ., and that he took a nap in the afternoons . He practiced activities that helped put his mind , his heart , and his soul to rest — this likely made it easier to get a nourishing night ’ s sleep .
Of course , this is not all Mister Rogers did — he had many other adaptive habits , like his humor ,
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