Self-Care in the New Year
Re-connect with an old hobby (or start a new one). My wife recently re-discovered her love of knitting. As a child, she learned the basics from her grandmother, and as an adult she’s discovered so many resources from videos and online communities. Perhaps it’s time to learn musical instrument?
Practice a “mindful minute.” Find moments to observe externally around you and internally within you. Try to identify what’s happening or what you’re feeling without judgment. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Say “No.” While toddlers love saying the word “no,” adults may sometimes need a reminder that saying “no” is a form of self-care. Saying “no” does not mean you are selfish, it means that you are prioritizing your well-being.
Connect with others. Humans are social by nature (yes, even introverts!). Is there a person on your contact list that you have been meaning to reach out to and have not heard from in some time?
Write down a positive affirmation. After my son learned to write his name in Kindergarten, there was a period of time when he would write his name on Post-It notes and stick them all over the house. While it’s not necessary to take it to this extreme (we’re still finding Post-It notes in random places), posting positive affirmations or inspirational quotes in a visible area can help lift your spirits and stay motivated.
Nourish your spirituality. Spirituality relates to having a sense of purpose, reflecting on how we are connected to everything else. Recognize the people, places, and things that are life-affirming and bring you joy. Reflect on what you enjoy about your chosen field: what drew you to the work in the first place?
Recognize that self-care looks different for everyone. Some items on this list may resonate for you more than others. Self-care isn’t just a checklist, but a practice that will continuously need to be revisited, adjusted, and incorporated into your daily life. Experiment open-mindedly and find what works best for you!