The new year is in full swing! Now is a better time than ever to begin your new year's resolutions. New Year's resolutions can be big or small, depending on what your goals are. Self-care is a great New Year's resolution, because who better to prioritize than yourself? A healthy mindset especially is important when making and achieving your goals. If you start with self-care, other goals will slowly seem more achievable. If you don't know where to start, here are some ideas on how to reset your mind and take care of your body during this new year.
- Step Outside for Fresh Air
When you are feeling stressed, it helps you to get outside and into nature. Whether it is a 30-minute walk, going biking, hiking, or just sitting at a local park, it can offer peace and tranquility to the mind. Make a resolution with yourself to get outside a few days a week to help relieve stress and get some fresh air.
3. Read!
Reading is one of the easiest things you can do to unwind and de-stress. Reading a book before bed, rather than watching TV or scrolling through social media is a great option for when you want to get out of your head. (It's even better with a cup of tea or coffee.) Find a book that suits you; maybe this is a murder mystery, or a book on leadership development. Either way, as long as you are happy reading it then you are doing something good for your brain!
4. Build a healthy sleep schedule
Getting enough sleep has many potential benefits for you. This includes helping your skin to stay clear, boosting your immune system, preventing weight gain, and boosting heart strength. Sleep can also help you feel ready for a new day! Aim for 7-8 hours a night to function your best throughout the week.
5. Clear out those negative thoughts
When we hold onto our negative thoughts, we can often lose track of the positives in our lives. Journaling your thoughts and feelings for the day can help you refresh for the next day. Write down everything you are feeling and then take some time to reflect. Overthinking can cause more harm than good, so journaling is a great alternative to holding it all in.
7. Reevaluate and Change
If there is a part of your life that you want to improve, you have to be open to change. Letting go of expectations of people releases the need to keep negative energy around you within your job and your relationships. If you are facing constant negativity in these aspects of your life, take charge and make a change. You will thank yourself for embracing the uncertainty.
8. Out with the Old, In with the New
Cleaning your living space is a great way to refresh and get rid of anything you don't need such as clothes, or things you don't use anymore that take up space. An easy way to get rid of clothes you don't wear anymore is by turning your hangers backwards. When you've worn the item, turn the hanger the right way. At the end of 6 months, if you haven't worn it, toss it! If your work environment is cluttered, you may not get a lot done, so be sure to organize and keep track of important tasks using a planner or calendar.
We hope you've enjoyed the ideas we've gathered on how to practice self-care throughout the new year! It is always important to remember to put yourself first, while still caring for those around you. Stay strong this year and crush those goals!
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Created with images by iqbalnuril - "self care write task activity" • Pexels - "cold sneeze sneezing"