As we goodbye and good riddance to the dumpster fire of a year that was 2020, let’s make 2021 our year for self-care. As an organization coach, I know that self-care is even more valuable than we give it credit for. Strong self-care practices can make you happier, healthier, and better able to handle stress. And couldn’t we all use a little more health and happiness this year? So, let’s take a look at the easiest way to do that. Because after 2020, we should all take a break from doing hard things. 

UPDATE YOUR ROUTINES

Ideally, in order to support your whole body health, you should incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. But how in the world do you add one more thing to your already packed schedule? The easiest way is to habit stack. Habit stacking pairs new habits with ones that are so ingrained you do them without thinking. This way you have a greater chance of success when incorporating the new habit.

Take a look at your schedule and see where you can add some quick self-care practices such as after brushing your teeth or before eating lunch. Choose non-complicated activities that are low stress, make you feel good, and are good for you. This part is key! If you enjoy them, they will re-center you and help reduce stress and anxiety. Remember that self-care doesn’t have to take up huge blocks of time. 5-15 minutes is a good place to start! 

Grab this FREE MINI EBOOK to update your morning and evening routines ASAP. I’ve also included a bonus template to create your perfect routines as well as two Spotify playlists to get you in the right mindset.

CELEBRATE SMALL MOMENTS OF JOY

Joy can come from surprisingly simple things if you open your heart to it. I encourage you to slow down and find these little pockets throughout the day. Listen to the breeze, feel the sun, hear a child’s laughter. Opening yourself up to joy is a very important part of self-care.

This does not need to be difficult or complicated. It doesn’t need to take up a lot of brain space or time. It’s more about being centered and allowing yourself to feel appreciation and love even when things aren’t going so well.

GET ORGANIZED

Most self-care practices focus on doing something for yourself today. But being organized is self-care for yourself in the future. When you invest a little time and energy in getting organized, days are more streamlined, items are easier to find, and schedules are better able to accommodate surprises. You end up having less stress and fewer irritations. And if you’re anything like me, you’re all about that life!

But getting organized is not always intuitive. Sometimes it takes the help of a professional to see things that you can’t. That’s where I come in! I exclusively offer virtual organization and coaching services designed to take you from cluttered and struggling to streamlined and relaxed. Best part? No in-home visits! CLICK HERE to get started. 

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

You do not have to be “on” every day. It’s ok if your schedule slips, the kids watch too much tv, or you’ve ordered takeout for the third day in a row because you just can’t even with the cooking right now. Giving yourself grace is a form of self-care. As a matter of fact, it might be the most important form of self-care you can do for yourself. Why’s that? Because with grace comes forgiveness. And forgiveness is psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually impactful.

By granting yourself grace, you release your guilt, shame, and embarrassment so that you have the energy to move on to more positive emotions. What a relief! Let go of negative self-talk, comparison, and disappointment by lifting yourself up and focusing on what you were able to accomplish instead. For example: “I was so busy this week with clients that I needed to order takeout three days in a row just to handle it all!” This small mindset shift takes the focus off of the perceived negative aspect and moves it to the positive part of the events. And let me tell you, it works wonders!

REACH OUT

There is a tremendous power to interacting with other humans, which is why being socially distanced is so hard! Now is the time to reach out to those you love and ask them if they are doing ok. Write them a letter. Plan a socially distanced coffee date. Arrange for a fun paint ‘n sip Zoom art class. Whatever you’re able to do, make the effort. 

Likewise, let people know when you are feeling sad, disappointed, and upset. Talking through your feelings with another person can help you heal and transition to positive emotions more quickly. Remember that it’s ok to not be ok. You don’t have to pretend to be happy when you’re not. Facing your negative emotions and working through them is a very important part of your whole body health.