The end of the year can be a busy time filled with anxiety, grief, excitement, and everything in between! As the new year approaches, many look for a fresh start and ways they can improve themselves. When New Year’s resolutions are set, we sometimes find ourselves struggling to keep them. No matter what we choose to do in the New Year, it is important that self-care is sprinkled in there! Here are some helpful tips and practices to get you starting 2023 in an intentional way:
Set attainable goals: If you are planning on setting a New Year’s resolution make sure it is achievable. Set SMART goals! (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) Setting a goal like “feeling better” is setting yourself up for failure. What can you specifically do to feel better? How often can you do it? Is it something you are capable of doing? How much time do you think you need to reach this goal? Having a more specific goal like practicing a new coping skill for anxiety twice a day is definitely lighting a path to guide you in the New Year!
Practice gratitude: It is hard to ignore how difficult these past few years have been, but we can still find ways to feel grateful for all the good we still have. Practicing gratitude looks different for everyone, so do what works best for you. This should not feel dreary, but the intent is to lift the spirit and reframe those negative thoughts. You can keep a gratitude journal bedside and write a few things you are grateful for every morning and/or night. You can also practice gratitude through meditations or writing letters to those that you love.
Practice self-compassion: This is a big one, folks! Self-compassion is exactly what it sounds like: giving compassion and loving kindness to ourselves (in a way you may be used to giving others). Rather than discouraging and beating ourselves up, self-compassion is all about supporting and encouraging ourselves especially during a difficult challenge. Try writing a love letter and providing affirmations to yourself or giving yourself that physical and supportive touch you may need. My absolute favorite place to explore self-compassion exercises is https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/
Make connections: Reach out to your loved ones in the new year. Go explore a new cafe with a friend you have been meaning to see. Try that new hike you have been meaning to go to with your partner. At the very least, give your loved ones a call. The pandemic caused so much disconnection, so find ways to reconnect and create more intentional and meaningful relationships this year!
Do what is best for you: This sounds easy but it can be a bit tricky when we are caught up in the busyness of our lives. Listen to your body and slow down when you need to. Take breaks when you get overwhelmed. Go to therapy. Be in nature. Be with loved ones. Not everyone has the same strategies when taking care of themselves. You might ask yourself: what am I missing right now that I need and value that could bring me joy or peace? Do your best to provide yourself with whatever that is.
We hope these tips help guide you in being more intentional about yourself and your relationships in the New Year!