2019: The Year of Self-Care

It’s the new year, and for many, a time to revisit goals and start new resolutions. Some resolutions are lofty, others are vague, but not all are easy to build into a habit. How many of your resolutions include incorporating more self-care in the upcoming year? Though it is not the most popular resolution, consider incorporating more self-care into your daily life as part of your mental health treatment plan.

Self-care is critical in maintaining yourself grounded and level-headed, but is often overlooked. As we are faced with many opportunities for screen time, accompanied by busy schedules, we do not always step back and think about what we can do to help ourselves. Self-care means different things for everyone– for some this may include more time for exercise, while others may find they benefit from starting a meditation practice. Whatever form of self-care you choose, its purpose should serve you and can be dynamic as your needs change. Self-care aims to improve your physical, mental, and/or emotional well-being, and optimally, should develop into a daily habit. Can’t find time to do something for yourself? Even five minutes of time dedicated to taking care of yourself can help! Too many things on your to-do list to add yet another task? See this as a nice reward for yourself and not a task, as your well-being is worth investing in, and something to enjoy! Already have other resolutions in mind? Work with your current resolutions to incorporate self-care. Need ways to practice self-care? See this list from tinybuddha.com to get some ideas!

Take a moment to reflect on what kind of self-care you could use today, whether it means cleaning out your car or spending time at the spa, and challenge yourself to incorporate more of these activities into your life. As Benjamin Franklin said, “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water”. May you find enjoyment in caring for yourself and may your well remain full this upcoming year.