10 Ways To Implement Self-Care For The New Year

December 30, 2022|Animal Lovers and Med Team, Personal Growth, Positive Thoughts, Self Development, Self Help, Self Mastery

Self-care is often overlooked and pushed aside for more important, more pressing commitments. The truth is that self-care should be a priority, especially in our modern world. Without self care, we cannot function at our optimum levels and therefore different areas of our life may be impacted in a negative way. Now is the time to decide to put your self care at the top of your priority list. Here are ten ways you can add self-care to your routine so that you can maintain your physical, mental and emotional health so you can get back on track for the New Year.

1. Identify what self-care means to you

We all have different needs and different ways of unwinding and feeling cared for. Identify what self-care is the most effective for you. It may be taking a walk and getting outdoors, or curling up by the fire with a good book. It may be surrounding yourself with good friends, taking a bike ride or soaking in a long, hot bath. Whatever it is, learn to define self-care for you as an individual so that you can better take care of yourself.

2. Establish a routine

Once you understand what self-care works for you, add it to your routine with no excuses. Commit fully to engaging the activity regularly until it becomes a habit, something that is simply a normal part of your life. Do not make any excuses or your routine will never change. Say the following... I will add my own self care to my daily routine and will not accept less.

3. Get regular, good quality sleep

Establish a sleep routine so that you are getting enough high-quality sleep. Sleep is a critical part of maintaining good health and should not be underestimated. By implementing a quality sleep routine, you can ensure that you are getting enough rest and are therefore optimally prepared to perform at your best. Consider how you sleep best and put those actions in to practice.

4. Eat a balanced diet

Diet is an important part of self-care and has a significant impact on your health. Make sure to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding soft drink and processed foods. Also, drink plenty of water.

5. Exercise regularly

Exercise if great for physical, mental and emotional health and should be a part of any self-care routine. For best results, you should focus on activities that you enjoy. Exercise is not only applicable to going to the gym. You can obtain quality exercise from taking up a physical hobby, dancing, karate, running, swimming etc. Be creative and do something you love! Even better, do a physical activity you used to do as a kid!

6. Learn to say no

The ability to establish boundaries can be important to self-care. I have preached on this before and will not stop placing value on the art of saying no. Saying no is a necessity in life to having healthy boundaries. Rather than simply saying yes to everything until things become unbearable or seemingly impossible, learn to say no when you are busy or feeling under pressure.

7. Get organized

A little organization can go a long way in regard to your self-care. Implementing strategies to be more organized can really help reduce your stress and improve your mental health overall. Do whatever you need to do. You may need to get labels, pretty bins, or even throw things away that don't have a place.

8. De-clutter your environment

Get rid of the rubbish and excess goods in your house; a cleaner, less cluttered space is great for your mental and physical health. It will greatly help to reduce stress levels!

9. Schedule time to yourself

It can often feel like we are being pulled in a million different directions. Make sure to schedule time for your self-care and don’t allow this to be interrupted. Some ideas are meditation, baths, take yourself on a date. Just do something, or nothing with yourself.

10. Take a break

If things are getting overwhelming, do not be afraid to take a break. It might be taking a few days off work, getting a away for the weekend or taking a longer vacation. Regardless of the length of the break itself it is important to pace yourself and be mindful when you need to step away. Many times, simply stepping out of the environment and sitting outside can be great for gaining added peacefulness and perspective!

Happy New Year! The time is now to make your self care a priority!

Until next time, be well.

-The Indigo Phoenix