New Year’s is a time when we often find ourselves setting “resolutions.” What is a resolution really? Resolution is defined as a decision to do something or not do something. We set these “resolutions” and may follow through for a while, but then most of us lose focus sometime in February or March. We often feel guilty once the resolution is lost. Because of the loss of resolutions, I prefer to learn how to set “intentions” throughout the year as a way to come back to something I intend to do. Intentions allow us some flexibility without the guilt that comes with resolutions. One intention we frequently forget about is the intention for self-care. Self-care focuses on all the aspects of taking care of oneself, not just physical health. Everyone’s need for self-care and what that may look like is different. Below are some parts of self-care to consider in your New Year’s “Intentions” as you consider setting this as an intention for yourself.
Self-care:
- Physical health and well-being–healthy eating that makes your body feel good and movement that restores, rejuvenates
- Emotional health–setting boundaries in relationships where needed; asking for what you need; activities that restore emotional energy
- Social activities that re-energize
- Individual time to reflect
- Connection with others that brings joy and peace
- Mindfulness activities to learn ways to breathe for more calmness
- Learning ways to stay in the present when life takes you to anxieties of the past and the future
As you set your New Year’s “Intentions” this year, consider setting an intention for self-care in a way that brings wholeness to body, mind, and spirit. When you sway from your intention, find a way to come back to it and explore any challenges in finding your way back. Whole self-care is a lasting intention we all need throughout the year.
Written by Andrea Miller
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