HOW I'M TAKING CARE OF MYSELF THIS YEAR
Over the years, I’ve taken on some pretty ambitious New Year’s Resolutions. There’s nothing wrong with that, but they can be tough to maintain. I do love the reset that a new year can bring, but as we move through the beginning of 2023, I’ve tried to be a little more intentional with setting realistic and practical ways for me to take care of myself on a daily basis. Here are my main takeaways:
Journaling
Writing in my journal is not a new task I’m taking on, but I am wanting to be more consistent with it as a daily practice. It’s a great opportunity for me to process the events of the day in the evening or even set my intentions for the day when I wake up. I think it’s also important for me to shift my relationship with tasks such as this. I’m trying to remember that anything I put in there is valuable, so even if I just doodle one day, I’m still quieting my mind and funneling my energy into something calming.
Fresh Flowers in my home
In the seasons of my life that have felt incredibly hectic and stressful, I notice that the house is more difficult to keep clean and a dreariness starts to fall over everything. When I bring fresh flowers into my home, it immediately brings me joy and helps the space feel alive! If I need a little pick-me-up throughout the week, I’m going to allow myself to bring fresh flowers around. Maybe I’ll even plant some new flowers in our yard this year!
Spa Time
I know that self-care is much more than just pampering yourself or taking the night to soothe your body with a luxurious-feeling bath, but I want to romanticize this element of my life a bit. If I’m feeling stressed out, I want to be able to allow myself the time and care of a warm bubble bath. Maybe light some candles and play soft piano music. Even romanticizing skincare each night with a cozy headband and music on as a wind down for the night. These are not practices that requires me to buy anything new; I simply have to be willing to pause.
Drinking Water
This one might be old news for you, but I can always use a reminder to drink water. If I’m running around and on the go, I’ll try to bring a water bottle with me. For Christmas, one of my friends actually got me a Stanley Tumbler, and I’m not going to lie. I get what the hype is about now. It keeps my drinks cold throughout the day, and as long as I fill it up, I tend to keep it with me wherever I go. 2023 is going to be a year of hydration!
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
Cooper and I recently got these color changing lightbulbs for our bedroom, and I can’t even begin to tell you what a big difference that small change has made in our nightly routine. The blue hue gives our room a cozy vibe as we’re getting ready to sleep. If blue is not your color, choose one that suits you! There are so many out there, and I’m just now learning more about how light can affect mood. Check out this article for more info!
Trying New Things
I think we all become a little more of a creature of habit as we get older. I choose the same makeup when I run out or opt for the same colors that I know I’ll love in my wardrobe. But I want this year to be about trying new things. I think it’ll be good for me to experiment a bit! One small step I’ve been taking in this direction is to find travel-sized perfumes and see if I like a new scent. It’s a fun way to switch things up, and it helps me to break up my usual habits a bit.
Fresh Air
Nothing new, but something I want to do more of in 2023: get outside! Anytime I go for a walk around the park, a hike, or even just take our pups for a short walk around the block, I always feel so much better when I’ve touched grass. There really is something to just getting out and being around trees and sunshine that boosts my mood. It’s so easy to get caught up working inside, so here’s to taking more pauses to literally stop and smell the roses.
Taking care of yourself is going to look different for everyone, and though these things don’t have a ton to do with physical wellness and health, they are just as important when it comes to fostering emotional and psychological health. Our brains and bodies are worth pampering a bit, so take an hour out of your day to do something that brings you joy, makes you feel special and relaxed, or simply allows you to clear your mind.