New Year, Same You

New Year, New Me!

Except...

No resolution this year. No diet, no rules, no guilt. No getting ‘back on track’. No more shaming yourself into a different version of you.

This year, we will focus on being intentional - in our actions, our words, our mind. We will focus on creating a life that makes us feel good and protecting our emotional space. It will be about connecting to our purpose and living out our passions. We will focus on being authentic, and embracing all parts of ourselves. We will be curious about our emotions - the difficult times and the beautiful moments. 

Below are some suggestions of daily habits to foster a positive mental health…

Set boundaries : Prioritize what truly matters to you and protect your time and energy. Give yourself permission to say no to things that are not required for your survival and that do not fulfill you (emotionally, physically, financially). Be self-aware of your capacity level and communicate your limits to others.   

Remember to rest : Sleep isn’t the only way to rest. Schedule time to engage in activities that bring you joy, that allows you to create and express yourself. The goal is to engage in a state of relaxation and ease without a feeling of urgency. Read a book, play music, bake or do pottery. Unclench your jaw, stretch, enjoy a cup of tea.

Stay connected : Foster relationships and a supportive environment that enhances your wellbeing. Reach out to friends or family, mentors or professionals. Feelings of isolation and loneliness decrease your quality of life and put  your mental health at risk. 

Practice mindfulness : Mindfulness can ease stress, enhance your mood and help you stay present. You can try mindful breathing with the scent of a candle, or journal on what you’re grateful for this last year, you can move your body gently or connect to nature.

If you're not happy with where you are, no need to change your life drastically. No need to quit your job and go live in a foreign country. You just need to be self-aware and to choose differently, one action, day after day.

We have to keep going one step at a time. We can appreciate the hard parts and at last, find gratitude that we are still waking up every day. Every hour is a new opportunity. We will fall, but the important part is getting back up.

Let’s make this year one we will remember - not just for the struggles, the dreams we might accomplish, the goals we might see flourish, but for the efforts and the heart we put in.