New Year for You

The holidays are over. After all the merrymaking and getting together with loved ones, perhaps you're feeling a little sad. Or, if you were a busy elf in charge of different things (decorating, cooking, gift buying, gift wrapping, clean up), you might be happy that they're over. Maybe even a bit drained?

Those of you who are parents or caring for parents (me) will probably understand what I mean. Don't get me wrong--I love spending time with my family, but having the pressure of making the end-of-the-year holidays (from Halloween to New Year's) enjoyable for everyone really takes it out of me, both physically and mentally.

It seems like after the togetherness of the December holidays, many of us tend to focus on ourselves in the New Year with resolutions (I prefer calling them intentions). It's important that we remind ourselves that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for our own well-being. As they say on planes, put on your own oxygen mask first before you help others.

Keep in mind that self-care can be anything you enjoy doing that relaxes your mind and your body. It can be something that makes you feel well physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. There are other types of self-care, such as financial and educational, but the bottom line is that self-care is about taking care of you. 

Interested in learning more about self-care and ways to help yourself? Here are some articles I recommend:

• 5 Types of Self-Care for Every Area of Your Life Very Well Mind
• 50 self-care activities to do when you don't know where to start Mental Health America
• What is self-care? Global Self-Care Federation

Wishing you a peaceful and mindful new year from the perch.