There’s nothing better than opening that fresh new calendar, and envisioning the untapped days, weeks and months lying ahead of us in the new year with hope and positivity. Just like a new journal, a new year brings the chance to start afresh and this is a gift that we shouldn’t take for granted. And, with all the ups and downs we went through in the past year, this new start feels more essential than ever. That’s why self-care is one area we’ve committed to prioritizing, even more so than we already do.
Now, this year we have the shared intention to become healthier, happier versions of ourselves, so we’ve curated a self-care handbook to kickstart this new year on a great note. After all, as we’ve realized over the years, taking care of ourselves is never selfish. It’s a necessity. And, we want you on this journey too.
We think that every great day begins with a mindful start. Even if a lot of us can’t be described as morning people, dedicating the first few minutes of our day to ourself can do wonders. We use these moments to sit quietly, close our eyes, take deep breaths, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. These intentional moments of peace prepare us mentally and emotionally for the challenges and victories that might come our way.
Contrary to what we like to believe, we are what we eat! Therefore, yes, we need to choose healthier options this year. Our bodies deserve to be fueled by the best we can give. This doesn’t mean you should have severe diet restrictions but eating wholesome, nourishing foods that taste as good as they are beneficial. So this year, we’re eating more fruits, greens, proteins, and enough water.
Did you know that we often talk to ourselves more than we do to others? Imagine the power that our words have over our mind. This is why we should be gentle on ourselves and make sure that our self-talk is always positive and encouraging. Our personal favorites are daily affirmations that boost our spirits and fuel our dreams. Some of ours are: I am capable. I am resilient. I deserve happiness. Try it out!
This one is one of my favorites— indulging in soulful escapes. A little escape goes a long way in recharging our souls. You could read a book, try out a new dance routine, or even take a walk in your neighborhood – whatever sparks joy, go ahead and do more of it. We believe in making time for play, and truthfully, the joy you will derive from it will be worth it.
Lastly, reflection helps in tracking growth and it’s best done through journaling. We jot down our thoughts, challenges and wins to track our journey, celebrate our victories, learn from our hurdles and set new intentions for the path ahead. We even have our NayLiving gratitude journals available at our online shop. You’d love it.
Let’s make this year one where we choose us – Our health, our joy, our growth. Our journey towards a better 2024 starts here. You might stumble sometimes and that’s perfectly fine. Just revisit this post, pick yourself up and start again, because self-care isn’t a one-day affair, it’s a lifetime journey.
We’re all in this together. Here’s to a brighter, better, healthier year ahead!
