Welcoming the New Year can be a bit of a relief. It’s a time of year when I actually have some breathing room to reflect on the past year and plan for the year to come. After all the holiday feasts, gifts and celebrations; sometimes we need to de-stress afterwards. The tips below are no demands for resolutions that will burden you with guilt. No promises that easy steps will change your life around this year; but instead simple things you can incorporate into your daily routine that may make your life just a little better.
Take a deep breath: Wake up in the morning with a deep breath and a grateful heart. Stop rushing and give yourself time to breathe. Hold it for a moment, and then exhale. Feel more relaxed? Breathing exercises are one way to relax. Being relaxed can help ease stress. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Your body also reacts when you relax. For example, your muscles may be less tense and more flexible.
Go on a walk: Take a walk or do some other activity. A dose of fresh air can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Sunny-day bonus: Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which help to fight stress. Bodies were meant to move.
Declutter/clean/redecorate: There’s something really calming about not having a whole lot of clutter around my work space and home, so I’m always looking for ways to remove things that no longer serve me. The New Year is the perfect time to declutter your closet and your pantry/cupboards. Start by slowing getting rid of the junk food in your cupboards and fridge so that you can replace it with healthier options in the new year. Take down all the Christmas decorations, rid your home of excess clutter, clear your inboxes, make sure your work and/or school schedules are in order for the following week or month. It is also a great time to breathe some new life into your home and office spaces. Try incorporating flowers into your space as this can have a positive effect on your mood. This in turn reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. I personally love candles so I always have these in my home.
Selfcare – skincare/bodycare routine: It is so important to have some “me” time every once in a while. Having a selfcare routine, especially at night helps you set a clear boundary between work and rest which we all need in our lives. With the right routine, you can start the next day feeling prepared and refreshed instead of overwhelmed and sluggish. It is so important to plan out an evening routine that helps you wind down and gives you something to look forward to. One thing you can do is to have a nice warm bath while listening to soothing music. I always take my makeup off before bed, and my typical skincare routine includes double cleansing, mask, toner/essence, serum, night cream and eye cream. I consider skincare to be a relaxing ritual, so I make sure to do this every night.
Rest: Sleep is so important. Just taking time to rest can make all the difference. If you’re constantly pushing yourself to the point where you lose sleep and neglect your health, the outcome of your work will never truly be the best you can produce.
Put your devices away: Put them on do not disturb at least an hour a day or before bed. Take that time to unwind, to clear your mind and to connect with whoever is around you and to even connect with yourself. Cell phones and social media will make you feel connected, but it’s important to cultivate real relationships. There are lots of places to gather with friends. What really matters is the quality time. It’s equally nice to treat your mind to wonderful writing or even reading a novel. It gives you a quiet, inspiring, intellectual beginning to the day, too.
Make a list/set goals/reflect on your productivity: Instead of New Year’s resolutions which aren’t exactly a recipe for success (IMO), try setting even a couple goals each month. Brainstorm some actions you could take to get you closer to what you want. Then choose one goal to start with. Design some do-able actions that you can get started on right away. Build in accountability. Plan to celebrate progress, even on a small scale. Ask yourself: Is your current productivity strategy working for you or do you need to try another method?
How do you de-stress and reset after the holidays? Share in the comments below.
Ann-Marie x
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