Happy new year!

How did you fare in the self-care department last year? Was taking care of yourself part of your goals? If you were to rate your self-care practice from 1-10 with 10 as the highest, how would you rate yourself? 

Oftentimes, we are willing to be with others and yet we fail to give ourselves a much-needed break.  We take ourselves for granted, when in fact, self-care should be on the top of our list. The good news is it’s never too late to create new habits that address our holistic well-being. 

Start the New Year by incorporating any of these self-care practices that we’ve rounded up for you! 

Start your day right

Recall the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning. Do you reach out for your phone to check social media or your emails? Instead of doing so, how about allotting at least 15- 30 minutes of your time to fully wake up and process what you are going to do for the rest of the day by yourself.  Whether it’s preparing your breakfast, watering your plants, meditating or taking a leisurely walk, as long as you are in the moment doing these activities, go ahead! Activities that allow you to exercise being in the present help you set the tone for the day. 

Sweat it all out 

Our brains produce “happy” chemicals whenever we do physical activities. Make it a habit to squeeze a simple workout into your day. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout right away. Explore different physical activities that will make you sweat. The important thing is that you are able to commit to the regimen even on those busy days. Consistency is the key! 

Invest in your personal growth and development

Learning is a never-ending process.  As human beings, we have an innate calling for knowledge— this thirst is part of our blueprint!  Take an online course that you are drawn to in your free time or pick up a book during the weekend. You can also join immersive programs if you feel you will learn more through hands-on experience. 

Take up a hobby 

Engage in a hobby. Hobbies are great for your mental health. Use this time to do things that give you pleasure like photography, playing an instrument, gardening, or whatever strikes your fancy. Having a hobby is a great way for you to set a balance between work and your personal life— most importantly, it’s a break from your daily routine. 

Walk barefoot and hug a tree

We sometimes forget that we are part of nature. Walking barefoot and hugging a tree can help us ground ourselves and remind us that we are part of mother nature. This simple practice will remind you that you are connected to everything around you. Such an acknowledgement gives us a sense of harmony with our surroundings instead of feeling alienated as a result of modern living.  

Shift to a sustainable lifestyle  

Have you been meaning to shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle? Start by mindfully investing your time in finding ways to reduce waste that’s detrimental to the planet. For example, say goodbye to plastic straws or disposable plastic bags. Use reusable utensils instead of plastic when you head out for a picnic. You can be your own eco-warrior one step at a time.  

Prepare your own food

There is so much joy generated from mindfully preparing your food.  Take time to go to the farmer's market in warmer weather. You can also directly buy from farmers and ask them how they grow your food.  With this in mind, preparing your food becomes a type of gratitude ritual. 

Create your “me” space at home

This can be tough especially when you share the space with your family or a roommate. Even if you have a small space, try to find a nook that you can call your own. Though we are social beings, time for ourselves is needed for introspection so that we can process our experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Use this space for meditation, a hobby, or whatever feeds your soul. If you live with others, let them know that this is your sacred space. This is also a great way to teach others to respect boundaries and privacy. 

The more that you pay attention to yourself, the more you can be there for others in return. Always remember that you cannot create space for others if you have no space for yourself. 

May you have a wonderful year filled with lots of self-care, self-love and creative, quiet time!