Happy New Year
Dear Tacit,
Any suggestions for how to wrap-up this year and start the new one in a healthy way?
Signed: Happy New Year
Dear: Happy New Year
Ending one year and starting another on a positive and healthy note can create the foundation for a fulfilling and happy life. Here are some suggestions for creating a meaningful transition between what was and what will be…
As you close out this past year, spend a bit of time reflecting on all the achievements you have accomplished and the lessons you have learned. Allow yourself to sit in these successes and growth opportunities and embrace the positive feelings (pride, strength, courage, fortitude, etc) that will surface. Recognize the people (and moments with yourself) that make you grateful for your life. Reflect on any challenges and life lessons so you can carry them forward intentionally into the new year.
Spend a little time decluttering and organizing your physical space to make room for new opportunities. Donate items you no longer need to end the year on a giving note.
Go beyond just realizing what you are grateful for and make the time to express it. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues to thank them for their support (be specific in sharing with them what positives they have brought to your life). Write a letter to yourself highlighting what you’re proud of (we often struggle with treating ourselves as well as we treat other people – now is the time to tackle that)!
Set boundaries and learn how to let go/release grudges or unresolved tensions. Learn how to practice mindfulness or meditation on a daily basis (even just 2 minutes, to begin) to deal with lingering stress.
Engage in a low-key or festive celebration that aligns with your values. Surround yourself with the people or events that will bring you the most peace and positivity. Say no to anything that causes you overwhelm and overload.
As the new year rolls in, set intentions (not resolutions). Focus on how you want to feel moving forward and figure out the habits that will support those feelings. Keep your goals specific, realistic, and measurable. Prioritize wellness in all ways.
Commit to physical health by setting up a consistent exercise routine (this does not have to mean going to the gym – just be more active). Incorporate mindfulness, yoga, or journaling into your daily life. Schedule annual medical, dental, or vision appointments to start the year on top of your physical needs.
Plan for some new personal growth opportunities. Identify one or two skills or hobbies you’d like to develop. Pick out some books to read, courses to take, and/or workshops to attend (there are lots of free opportunities available).
Reconnect with nature by spending time outdoors to recharge. It’s never too early to consider starting a small garden or scheduling regular walks (indoors on terrible days – moving things outdoors whenever the weather allows).
Create a strong focus on family and your supportive community. Build in new traditions or rituals with your loved ones. Volunteer or find ways to give back to your community.
Review the past year’s finances and set a budget for the new year. Consider new saving goals or investments to help things grow stronger in the long-term.
Visualize your goals and aspirations using pictures, quotes, and affirmations. You can make this a fun (vision board) activity to do with family or friends. At the very least, talk to people about your plans (and theirs) for the new year – sharing the vision with other’s has been shown to increase the likelihood that it will happen.
Clean up your digital life. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, organize files, and commit to limiting your daily screen time. Set better boundaries for healthy tech use in the coming year.
If you have teens or children, be sure to include them in some of these activities to role-model your healthy attitudes. Let them create their own vision board or goals for the year. Have a family meeting to discuss fun activities and meaningful plans for everyone, so the changes more easily come to life and the weeks move forward successfully!
Just remember – YOU set the tone for how you will remember what has happened over the past year; and for what you will let your hopes believe will come in the next year. There is absolutely no value in focusing on the negatives. Your strength, your bravery, your determination and your resolution to your own peace of mind has to start with your mindset – the actions you take will build from there. If you can see the positives and take care of yourself in healthy ways, you set the perfect stage for making this transition period a very happy and fulfilling one.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Do you have a question you would like us to address? Please feel free to reach out to us at counsellors@tacitknows.com. Your answer will be provided confidentially.
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