New Year, Same You. You are not a “before” and you are not an "after". Yep, you heard me. You are just fabulous here and now and back then and always. ❤ The old 'New year, New you', which is thrown around at the beginning of each year, really grinds my gears (it’s February, and I am still hearing it). We are perfectly imperfect, and that is just the way it should be.
Yes, there are things we want to work on and improve within ourselves at times - striving for growth is a really great thing. Different mental & physical health concerns may pop up for you, which will require love, support and attention. And yes, we can sometimes lose track of our true selves, getting caught up in a whole lot of craziness, and consequently, our health becomes our last priority. BUT, at your deepest core, you are always your true self. I strongly believe you never evvvveeer need a 'New You', but perhaps might need to take some time to dig deep, reflect, prioritise yourself and your health and make actions for growth ❤
Starting a fresh year seems a pretty fitting time to do this. So, stepping away from this toxic ‘New Year, New You’ mantra we seem to be subjected to as each new year rolls in, I want to share with you 5 ways to show yourself love - now isn’t that a much better way to start the year!? ‘New Year, ramp up the self-love’.
1. Enjoying at least 30 minutes of intentional movement each day –
Choosing activities/movement options that you ENJOY each day will not only boost your mood but your overall physical and mental well-being! Whatever floats your boat - dancing, gardening, walking with a friend, gym classes, bike riding, yoga, Pilates, ocean swims - the list is endless. Moving your body in a way that you ENJOY is a BIG act of self-love. Move your body, when you can, and in a way that lights you UP.
2. Embrace Nature –
I am not necessarily saying you have to go hug a tree (but try it, I dare you….it will probably feel pretty great), but incorporating nature on a daily basis to help calm and ground your soul. This might look like jumping in the ocean, watering your garden, eating your lunch outside, or even just walking on grass barefoot.
3. Prioritise your sleep –
Sleep allows for all your body systems to repair and regenerate, including our precious nervous system, adrenals and brain. Our body THRIVES when we get enough sleep, and it de-thrives when we don’t. There are many simple strategies to help you achieve a good night’s sleep, and aiming for that 7-9 hours of sleep each night is the first place to start.
4. Schedule time for yourself and express your creativity –
Go on, put it in your diary! Show yourself love by scheduling in some ‘me time’ each day - even if it is only 5 minutes. Write! Garden! Paint! Sing! Dance! Run a bath! Meditate! Read a chapter of your book! Take up a new hobby or class! Re-introduce this “play” back into your life – ensuring throughout the day/week that you are balancing work-time with play-time.
5. Love + nurture your meal times –
It is so common to quickly eat a meal, rushing from one task to another, or perhaps even skipping a meal! Oh dear me. We must be mindful to eat, generally 3 main meals each day, and snacks in between when your body needs. Mindful eating also involves a combination of being aware of what you eat, eating intuitively with your appetite and what your body desires, chewing your food slowly, taking deep belly breaths whilst eating + digesting, appreciating what is on your plate and how it is nourishing your body.
So what do I advise? Start each year thinking about same you, with more love sprinkled on top.
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