The New Year is right around the corner. With it comes resolutions. While most New Year’s resolutions involve weight loss and fitness goals, this year you should create resolutions involving self-care. What’s self-care? It’s activities you do to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Make these seven self-care resolutions in 2019:
1. SCHEDULE SELF-CARE CONSISTENTLY
Lots of times, self-care is merely treated as an afterthought, which makes it even harder engaging in self-care. Resolve to schedule in self-care on a regular basis. Create calendar invites or phone alerts to help you follow through.
2. DETOX FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
People who frequently check their texts, emails, and apps tend to be more stressed. That’s why it’s important to take a break from your smartphone regularly. Make a resolution to take a break for a few hours in the evening to chill out.
3. CUT OUT TOXIC PEOPLE
Your environment has a significant influence on your mental health, so it’s crucial that you surround yourself with loving, supportive people. If you have any family members or friends that are negative or critical of you, you should take steps to remove them from your life.
4. BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
Most people only see doctors when they’re feeling under the weather. But it’s important to be proactive about your health all the time, which means scheduling regular wellness visits and exams. Don’t forget about your mental health, too — carve out time to see a therapist on a regular basis.
5. ESTABLISH GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE
Sleep plays a huge role when it comes to maintaining mental and physical health. Too little sleep can cause you to become tired, anxious, and depressed. That’s where good sleep hygiene comes in. Set a resolution to create a healthy sleep schedule, ensuring that you get between eight and nine hours of sleep each night.
6. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Regularly practicing mindfulness has been shown to increase happiness while decreasing stress and anxiety. Mindfulness exercises range from expressing gratitude to being creative. Discover what forms of mindfulness you need in your life, and schedule in a few minutes per day to practice it.
7. SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS
Being outdoors can have a calming effect. Research shows that spending time outside decreases negative thinking. Try hiking once or twice a week, or go for a stroll in a nearby park. You’ll notice a huge difference in your mood.
Here’s to a new you in 2019!
In 2019 set some new goals for yourself, including looking after your mental and physical health. The key to engaging in self-care on a regular basis is to pencil it into your schedule, and only doing activities that truly bring you joy.
