As the New Year begins, many are thinking through their goals for 2019. I want to encourage you to think about ways to improve yourself, as this is the cornerstone of all other goals. One of the best ways to improve yourself is through self-care. Often people ask what exactly is self-care. Well, it is exactly what it sounds like, taking care of yourself. This means participating in activities that make you feel good and refreshed.
Though everyone knows that self-care is important, many make it a last priority in their lives. One of the main reasons people neglect caring for themselves is due to lack of time.
In 2019, one of the best ways to improve your year is to carve out time to do things you love and that make you feel good and refreshed. I encourage you not only block out the time, but write on your calendar specific activities you will do to take care of yourself. For example, schedule time to read for pleasure, exercise, spend time with friends, or journal. Other examples of self-care are sleeping, eating healthy, or taking a vacation. After writing it on your schedule, talk to family and friends about your self-care plans as a way for others to hold you accountable.
The best way to have a good year is to make yourself a priority. You cannot care for others or live a healthy, productive lifestyle until you take care of you.
Whitney Owens, LPC, MA