The start of a new year is often a time when we choose to make grand resolutions, which we somehow or other seem to abandon come February.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we make them too unattainable or that we set too many of them. With this kind of approach, our goals soon overwhelm us, and we promptly return to our lives as they used to be prior to the resolution.
Instead of choosing January 1st as the perfect time to change something about your life, why not choose to make self-care your priority for this year?
And no, I don’t mean the scented candles and bubble baths kind of self-care. I mean self-care that will help you enjoy your life more.
Here’s what I have in mind.
1. Consider What You Really Want
This is a resolution you can apply to the major aspects of your life as much as the tiniest ones.
You can consider what you want to achieve, which goals you want to set, and where you want to be this time next year. But you can also consider the small things. For example, you might have been buying the same brand of ketchup for half a decade just because it’s the same brand your parents used to buy when you were a kid. And that doesn’t mean you can’t try something else. Do you actually like the ketchup, or is it just a habit?
2. Vow to Sleep More
Sleep is likely the most underrated activity of our age. We give it up at the drop of a hat, never truly considering the consequences.
Sleep is the one thing that can help you live a better life. It will improve your mood, mental health, immune system, cognitive abilities – there is practically no aspect of your life it won’t affect for the better.
Consider using a cooling mattress to get the best possible night of uninterrupted sleep. It will prevent you from waking up as often.
3. Consider How You Start Your Day
What you do first thing in the morning can often determine how you’re going to feel about the rest of your day.
To start your day on the right foot, think about the activities that you actually enjoy and that truly benefit you. Or, better yet, try out different variations of a routine for the length of a week.
Don’t just trust what other people say about morning routines. For instance, you may hear that the best thing is to wake up and get up. If you, like me, prefer to stay in bed for a delicious 20 minutes, read the news, journal, watch YouTube – do just that.
4. Consider What You Own
We live in a society that compels us to own quite a bit of stuff. However, none of it can make us genuinely happy, and some of it isn’t even enjoyable.
Go through your possessions critically and consider what you need, what you never use, and what needs to be replaced. This will be a very lengthy process, so don’t imagine you’ll get it done in a year.
Donate what you truly don’t use or need, and have fun buying new items, like cutlery, pillows, or slippers. Just ensure you don’t overspend the money you don’t have. Set aside a small portion of your monthly budget for this activity, and make it about fun. Don’t turn it into a chore.
5. Do a Digital Detox
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all spend way too much time online. Taking some time off will do wonders for your state of mind.
You can do a day a month without social media, for example. Don’t give in to the FOMO, and delete your social media apps if you feel you really need a break from it all.
Final Thoughts
Self-care is not just about pampering. It’s more about listening to your thoughts and needs. It’s about giving in to what you require to feel better about life rather than just going through the motions of living. Take the time to be more present, and you’ll notice you become more attuned to the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
