I thought I’d sit back and wait until some of the new year’s fuss settled before offering any suggestions. You know what I mean. All that talk and pressure about making healthy resolutions and kicking bad habits to the curb. Social media posts and television commercials remind us that we wanted to lose a few pounds we most likely gained over the holidays or begin that exercise program we have put off all year. The good news is, we are not broken and we do not need to be fixed. Let’s celebrate a new year, same you theme and focus on self-care, wellness and joy.
While I admit, I do love the promise of a clean slate and declaring a few healthy intentions at the start of the new year, I find radical restrictions or daunting resolutions seldom last and I defiantly do not enjoy them.
January (or any month of the year you choose) can be your start to wellness. Look for opportunities and adventures that will enhance the quality of your life and lead you to a healthier lifestyle.
Take stock
Grab a piece of paper (I love the old-school method of pen and paper, but feel free to use whatever system you like) and list all the things you love about your life right now. That’s right, I’m not going to ask you to tell me how much weight you want to lose or that you promise me you will eat more veggies. (veggies are really good for your thought so maybe ponder adding more to your daily intake) Write down what you are most grateful for and then go back and think of ways to have more of that or a plan to keep what you have. For example, if you are grateful for your health, you could write down things that you might start doing that will keep you healthy and strong. If you are grateful for your job, you might jot down a few ideas that would help you enjoy your job more or experience less stress.
Expressing gratitude opens the door for more of everything you love and sets the tone for the months to come.
Do I really have to journal?
No, but I truly recommend it. A journal can be your best friend, one that you can share your wishes, thoughts, ideas, and dreams with. Find a beautiful journal that you take with you on journeys, while waiting for an appointment, and most importantly, to start your day with. Research tells us that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goal or dream if you write it down…so write it all down! Journaling can also help boost creativity, boost your memory and enhance creative thinking.
Spiritual tune-up
A healthy spiritual life can add a touch of bliss to our lives and have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. A happy and healthy spiritual life can be derived from religion, meditation, or time spent quietly in nature. It is something that brings you great joy and deep peace. For me, I feel the greatest spiritual healing when I spend time in nature. I do a sort of walking meditation where I start by expressing gratitude, praying, and then simply walking often repeating a mantra. For you, staying in touch with your spiritual life may come on Sundays at church. Wherever you find it, hold on to it and carve out time to experience it often. The benefits of spiritual health are numerous such as lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, a sense of peace, improved concentration, and illness prevention.
A year of Self-Care
Instead of promises, diets, and unrealistic resolutions, I propose a year of self-care. Self-care means taking excellent care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually. If this feels like an elaborate excuse to get a massage then so be it. Whatever makes you feel deeply relaxed, less stressed, more at peace, healthier and happier, do that. Break it down into monthly, weekly, and daily activities that make you feel good and that you enjoy. Make a plan to do at least one thing a day that you know to be a form of self-care. Try stacking a healthy habit to your self-care ritual such as when I take a soak in the tub, I sip on a large glass of water.
Everyone’s idea of self-care may look a little different. I find painting and sketching deeply relaxing but the thought of either of those activities might fill you with dread. Make a list self-care list to keep and slip it at the beginning of your planner or create a file for it so you can easily refer back to it. Include everything that you enjoy doing such as hobbies, visits with friends, or massage that you have been thinking of trying or even ones you know you love but never have enough time for.
- Self-care is the art of taking care of yourself. It helps reduce chronic stress, lowers high blood pressure, offers self-awareness, and can lead to new healthy habits. If self-care brings on thoughts of selfishness, stop right there. Remember, you cannot properly take care of others if you do not first take care of yourself. Write down in your new journal, “you can’t pour from an empty cup” if you need a reminder or permission.
I hope this new year, is your best year! I wish you peace, love, and all good things.
You deserve it.
much love,
