The New Year is quietly creeping up on us. If you are like me, you are just getting through the hype of Holiday shopping, large crowds, long lines, and sitting in traffic for longer than expected, all to see your loved ones smile. Or perhaps you are preparing for your company’s holiday party, with nothing to wear and little to no desire to hang out with your co-workers during after hours. So now you are feeling exhausted. Burn-out is an understatement, and you are struggling with putting yourself back together or lack of motivation to because you are all caught up in the holiday madness. Often times we focus on the needs of others while neglecting our own. First, recognize that self-care is not selfish. It just means that you decided to take ownership of taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.
I am going to share with you five tips of getting over the hump and ending this year with putting YOU first again.
Here are a few tricks and hacks to help you get through the madness this month:
CREATE A LIST: I’m sure you’ve read this suggestion many times. But I am here to strongly urge you to sit down and write a list of things that you must get done before the year is out. Whether that’s making time to go to your Dentist for an oral check-up, visit your OBGYN to be sure that everything is fine. Or maybe you need to stop procrastinating and head to your local hair salon and trim off your dead ends. Writing things out helps you to declutter your thoughts and while becoming organize. Many times, I’ve found it easier to focus on self-care once I have things in order, it’s much easier for me to relax and focus on myself.
DISCONNECT: Disconnecting is indeed a gem that is not utilized enough. This can be a tough thing to do for some. It is easy to become consumed with what everyone else is doing and assume that everyone else will have a “perfect holiday.” Most are sharing snippets of their happy moments. But finding a way to tune out all the noise of your surroundings and the voices of others and move towards what feels right. Disconnecting allows for you to listen to your innermost desires and what your mind and body are asking you. Whether it is for the year, one week, three days or two hours, start where you are comfortable and what’s ideal for you and disconnect for a short period. During this time you are able to take a moment to reflect on what’s going on around you and inside of you; that way you are able to make the necessary changes that are needed.
REWRITE YOUR ROUTINE: To develop healthy habits, you must break poor habits. If you are like me, doing more of the same becomes boring. Switch things up from time to time. One way to create a healthy habit is by creating a new self-care routine. Doing more of the same can have both positive and negative results. Self-care can involve many different activities such as exercising, taking a hot yoga class, binge-watching your favorite shows, or taking your pets for a long walk in the park. Just make sure to do something radical! An example, I practice self-care three times a week. I go into my spare bedroom, lock the door and meditate, light candles, exfoliate and just reflect. So when rewriting your routine, be sure that it is something that ignites your passion and peace within you.
PAUSE AND PREPARE: Most of us are really good with the multi-tasking thing, which is why self-care requires you to set a healthy balance between who you are an individual, a professional and caretaker. Set some boundaries, SLOWDOWN! And pause. Prepare for who and what you want to become in the new year. Recreate your ideal self for the new year. Ask yourself "What do I want to see different? What do I need to do to make it happen? How can I focus on myself more?" You’ve earned the right to relax.
GIVE YOURSELF ANOTHER CHANCE: Learn to be a little kinder and gentler with yourself. We are all doing the best that we can forgive yourself for all of the times you’ve neglected yourself. Forgive yourself for not completing some of your goals and plans falling through. Find a way to refocus and not give up on yourself. Detach and let go of the guilt attached to this year and begin living out the life that makes you feel amazing and that you truly desire.