When a new year begins, most people tend to get overzealous with their plans to get healthy, get out of debt, and/or make other big changes in their lives. It sounds so easy to create a diet, budget, or any other kind of plan. Then, inevitably the days go by and the goals seem harder to meet, and our plans fall to the backburner. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
While lofty New Year’s resolutions may be hard to keep, one goal I highly recommend sticking to this year is incorporating self-care and wellness into your lifestyle. And, you shouldn’t wait for a special day or month to begin doing this. It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated, and you should start today, even if you’re reading this long after the New Year has started. Below you’ll find some tips and ideas you can use that will help you prioritize your personal mental, physical, and emotional well-being with ease.
Physical Health
- Park further away from the building and/or take the stairs – Just a few extra steps can add up quickly. Perhaps get a pedometer or use a walking app to track how many steps you’re taking daily
- Choose healthier foods – The calories we consume add up fast. What we eat can have an impact on our mental and emotional health too. For example, a diet high in sugar can lead to feelings of depression and cause difficulty in cognitive functions
- Have a dance party – Regular dance parties not only help you move your body more, but they feel good. Life should have more fun, don’t you think? At least once a day turn on the music and dance a bit. Get the kids involved for even more fun
- Swap your shower for a relaxing bath – Relaxing in the tub is about more than cleanliness. The warm water can stimulate your blood flow alleviating pain from stiff joints and muscles. Ask your doctor about adding herbs, oils, and Epsom salts for even more physical benefits*
Mental and Emotional Health
- Write in a journal about your day – Sometimes just writing it all down can help you think more clearly about the situations you encounter on a daily basis
- Record your goals – Achieving our desires often feels easier when we write them down first
- Meditate/pray/sit in silence/take a cat nap – With the hustle and bustle of life, taking just 10 to 20 minutes to yourself alone can help you recharge your mind
- Confide in someone – Whether it’s a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, religious leader, etc… having someone you can confide in can often help you relieve mental stressors, improve your confidence, and help you manage your emotions better
Self-Care and Wellness Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
When some people think of self-care and wellness, they imagine spending obscene amounts of money on pedicures and massages. Or they picture needing to secure a babysitter to get away for long periods of time. Not only can this add to stress and financial strain, but it also isn’t exactly necessary if the goal is just to take better care of yourself.
The reality is, it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Self-care and wellness is simply about taking a little more time to focus on yourself, and what your mind and body needs. Believe it or not, it can help you with any goals you may have for the new year, or any time of the year. When we feel better, we are better equipped to handle the changes needed to make things happen. When we take care of ourselves, we can do more than we’d ever dreamed of.
* Ask your doctor if you have diabetes, sensitive skin, heart problems, infections, etc…