The New Year sparks new beginnings and an instant refresh of self. The stress, chaos, and toxicity that the past 12 months brought into our lives can finally be lifted off our shoulders (albeit temporarily) and we can finally slow down, take a deep breath, and start anew as 2019 begins.
Here are things you should try to incorporate into your everyday routine starting this January for a more mindful, freer, and happier you.
Journal your thoughts for the day
Declutter your mind and let everything in it escape you through written words or sketches on your journal. Find a cozy spot, put on some music or set aside a warm drink, and let all your thoughts out in any way you like. Don’t be pressured about making your journal pretty for Instagram — that’s not exactly self-care. In releasing your negativity and unraveling the ties and knots in your mind, you’ll have a clearer sense of things and be at peace.
Do something else other than scroll your social media feed
Social media is a black hole; once you’re in it, you’re trapped in it for as long as it takes. Set your phone aside facedown or disconnect it from the internet, and find something else to do with your time that’s more meaningful or worthwhile. You’ll be amazed by how much you would have done with the time you have every day if you only stopped gluing your eyes to your phone’s screen.
Sleep in sometimes
Get proper rest, if you haven’t been lately. Don’t feel guilty about waking up past noon or choosing to take long naps during the day. We all need it sometimes.
Watch that Netflix show you’ve always wanted to
Browse your “To Watch” list and find that one show you’ve been meaning to but never seemed to have the time to. It pays to unwind especially when the stress is getting the best of you.
Cook or bake something from scratch
There is fulfillment in cooking or baking something at home for yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, either. Even by frying a simple egg or making your own hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows with cinnamon and sprinkles, you will feel so at ease and so proud of yourself.
Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself
Do an online purge every once in a while. Scroll through the list of accounts you follow and hit that unfollow button on those that either make you feel bad about yourself or harm your perception on things. It could be accounts with a picture-perfect feed that you always compare your life and feed with, or online shops that tempt you to spend more money than necessary, or friends who make you feel forgotten. Just baby steps to lessening the negativity you get online!
Organize and declutter your bedroom and workspace
It sounds really tedious, but its effect on your mental health, mood, and wellbeing is so significant. The more physical clutter you have and see in your life, the more you take it with you wherever you go. In your journey to having a centered and mindful life, start where your day begins — in your bedroom!
Take out all the junk and clutter that’s been sitting on your shelves or on the floor for ages. Clear your closet of things you don’t use or wear anymore. Throw out things you’ve hoarded because you thought they might be useful or for sentimental purposes, but have never seen more years. It will take time, but you’ll realize how uplifting the whole process is every step of the way.
Don’t stick to a routine!
The worst thing you can do is to trap yourself in a routine you’re pressured to follow. If some things from this list don’t work for you, then don’t do them! Do what makes you feel good about yourself, or things you know will help you out in this self-care journey. After all, it’s about YOU. And you deserve all the great things.
How do you practice self-care? Share them in the comments section below!
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