Welcoming in the new year and self care

Prioritising our own self-care is crucial for preventing burnout, building resilience, and creating a foundation for a healthier year by establishing routines, setting boundaries, practicing self compassion and nurturing helps both our mental and physical well-being. Through creating small, consistent habits like exercise, hobbies, and adequate sleep can help us to manage post holiday stress and set's a positive tone for the months ahead. 

So why is self care so important?

• Helps to combat burnout: The festive season often leads to over commitment, self-care helps you recharge before you crash. We may often become exhausted or run down due to the busyness of the build up to December.
  

• Boosts mental health: It addresses post-holiday blues, anxiety, and the pressures of unrealistic resolutions by fostering calmness and focus.
  

• Builds resilience: Learning to say "no" and setting boundaries protects your energy for what truly matters to you.
  

• Creates stability in day to day life: Re-establishing routines (sleep, exercise, breaks) provides structure after December's chaos and helps us to begin our regular daily cycles again.

• Fosters self-compassion: Treating yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend helps manage imperfections and setbacks, helping us to build our resilience and self esteem.

So how can I learn to practice self compassion and kindness?

• Schedule "Me-Time": Dedicate time for quiet moments daily, mindfulness meditation, yoga, reading, hobbies such as crafting or creating, walking, baking, painting, or journaling.
  

• Nourish Your Body: Focus on balanced nutrition, drinking plenty of water, and consistent, enjoyable physical activity that you enjoy.
  

• Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours to improve mood and health whilst establishing a wind down routine before bedtime which includes time away from electronics which can stimulate our brains and affect our sleep rhythms.
  

• Connect (and disconnect from over stimulus): Reach out to others but also set boundaries to avoid over-scheduling.
  

• Be gentle towards yourself: Acknowledge that progress isn't linear and be kind to yourself when things don't go perfectly.

  
  

• Five Tips for Good Mental Health this year!

  
  

  1) Be kind to yourself and others. Many of us are harder on ourselves than we would ever be to another person. Practise self care as discussed above.

  
  

  2) Dedicate time to unwind and recharge can stop you from burning out too quickly. Give yourself to take a slower pace of life, learn what type of things help you relax and feel calm.

  
  

  3) One of the most powerful forms of self-care is learning to say no. It's not about shutting people out but ensuring your own needs are prioritised and doing things for others are not at a detriment to yourself. 4) Say No to New Year’s Resolutions. New Year’s resolutions can often feel overwhelming, especially if they’re grand or unrealistic. Instead, focus on small, kind goals that prioritise self-care and connection. “If you want to set goals, make them gentle and achievable,”.

5) When Possible, Live in the Present Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in regrets about the past or worries about the future, but

neither is real—only the present moment is.