Self-Care for the New Year

As we make our way into the new year, it’s common practice to evaluate the previous year and analyse how we can make the new year a more successful one. This usually comes in the form of a “new year’s resolution”. If you’re the type of person who enjoys making new year’s resolutions, my advice for the upcoming year, and the years after that, is to make self-care your priority.

Self-care is something that needs to be done consistently, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or lengthy in time. Sure, a massage can be very relaxing, but do we always have the time or money to go for a massage every time we feel stressed or that we’re drowning?

Here I decided to compile a list of simple self-care tasks which can be done in a short span of time, and which can leave long-term results if done consistently:

1. Start a Compliments File – write down or document all the positive things people say about you. Read these during a particularly difficult day when you doubt yourself.
2. Watch the clouds – lie on your back, and look at the sky.
3. Be selfish – do one thing every day which makes you happy.
4. Unplug for an hour – put your phone on aeroplane mode and don’t look at any screens for an hour. The lack of constant notification pings can make a world of a difference to our state of mind.
5. Take 3 deep breaths – breathe deep into your abdomen, and breathe out slowly. Do this 3 times to help oxygen flow through your body.
6. Drink water – sometimes we forget to hydrate, so always keep a glass of water next to you and remember to take some sips at regular intervals.
7. Help someone – carry a bag, open a door and hold it open, let your friend cry on your shoulder.
8. Spend time with animals – if you don’t have your own, consider volunteering at a shelter.
9. Have a self-date – spend an hour by yourself, doing an activity you enjoy. Be it reading, watching a movie, or making music.
10. Find the beautiful in your daily life – find 5 unexpected things every day which you find beautiful. It can be the way the sun’s rays touched someone’s face, the smell of a flower, a small ant carrying something bigger than itself.

Mel McElhatton holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Malta. With Willingness, Mel does life coaching and is one of the facilitators in the IRL – In Real Life team. They are also the producer of the radio show Niddiskutu s-Sess. They can be contacted on mel@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.