New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration and looking forward to the future. Presented with a bright, fresh year it seems like anything is possible. And anything really IS possible...just look at how 2020 turned out! As an organization coach, I know that this is the best time to look inward and focus on self-care by doing a New Year’s reset. Strong self-care practices can make you happier, healthier, and better able to handle stress. And couldn’t we all use a little more health and happiness in the new year? So, let’s take a look at the easiest way to do that. Because after 2020, we should all take a break from doing hard things. 

DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

Ideally, in order to support your whole body health, you should incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. But how in the world do you add one more thing to your already packed schedule? Do what you can with what you have. Take a look at your schedule and see where you can add some quick self-care practices alongside things you are already doing anyway. This process is called habit stacking and it’s hands down the easiest way to add new items to your routine. 

Add things around mealtimes, hygiene routines, or scheduled activities/meetings. Choose non-complicated activities that are low stress, make you feel good, and are good for you. This part is key! If you enjoy them, they will re-center you and help reduce stress and anxiety. Get up and walk around the room. Stretch. Drink a glass of water. Doodle. Do some journaling. Knock out a quick meditation sesh. See how many mountain climbers you can complete. It really doesn’t take a lot to have a big impact! Remember that self-care doesn’t have to take up huge blocks of time. 5-15 minutes is a good place to start! 

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

You do not have to be “on” every day. It’s ok if your schedule slips, the kids watch too much tv, or you’ve ordered takeout for the third day in a row because you just can’t even with the cooking right now. Giving yourself grace is a form of self-care. As a matter of fact, it might be the most important form of self-care you can do for yourself. Why’s that? Because with grace comes forgiveness. And forgiveness is psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually impactful.

By granting yourself grace, you release your guilt, shame, and embarrassment so that you have the energy to move on to more positive emotions. What a relief! Let go of negative self-talk, comparison, and disappointment by lifting yourself up and focusing on what you were able to accomplish instead. For example: “I was so busy this week with clients that I needed to order takeout three days in a row just to handle it all!” This small mindset shift takes the focus off of the perceived negative aspect and moves it to the positive part of the events. And let me tell you, it works wonders!

DO 3 THINGS EVERY DAY THAT BRING YOU JOY

There are some productivity experts that will tell you to cap your to-do list at three things or do the three most important things you need to do first thing each day. Ah, the power of three! I’m here to remind you to do three things every day that bring you joy. Engaging in activities that bring you joy is a very important part of self-care. 

This does not need to be difficult or complicated. It doesn’t need to take up a lot of brain space or time. Does singing show tunes while doing dishes bring you joy? Honey, belt it out! Does putting on your favorite perfume make you feel like a million bucks even though you’ve been laying low for months and no one is going to smell you? Spray away! Does uninterrupted time at your craft table make your heart burst? Get it scheduled first before any other obligations. Be protective of these three things because you are important.

GET ORGANIZED

Most self-care practices focus on doing something for yourself today. But being organized is self-care for yourself in the future. When you invest a little time and energy in getting organized, days are more streamlined, items are easier to find, and schedules are better able to accommodate surprises. You end up having less stress and fewer irritations. And if you’re anything like me, you’re all about that life!

But getting organized is not always intuitive. Sometimes it takes the help of a professional to see things that you can’t. That’s where I come in! Creating order out of chaos is my superpower! If you’re in the Denver area, I offer socially distanced in-home professional organizing services according to current CDC guidelines. I also offer organization coaching by phone/text, Zoom, or Marco Polo so that you can get clarity, accountability, and motivation for your organization project.

REACH OUT

One of the hardest parts of 2020? Not being able to see friends and loved ones. There is a tremendous power that comes from interacting with other humans, which is why being socially distanced is so hard! Now is the time to reach out to those you love and ask them if they are doing ok. Write them a letter outside of the obligatory Christmas card. Plan a socially distanced coffee date. Arrange for a fun paint ‘n sip Zoom art class. Whatever you are able to do, make the effort. The holidays are already a difficult time for a lot of people. Layer it with all of the added stress of 2020 and the situation can be worrisome.

Which brings us to the best part of 2023: the fact that it’s almost over! 

Need help with organizing or implementing self-care practices? 

Contact Keli at 720.476.0844 or [email protected]