I call BS on New Year’s resolutions. Why? Many people think that they can change their mindset or their habits ONLY when the new year begins. These people think that just because it’s January 1st, they are a brand new person. WRONG. I am sorry, but you are still the same. You don’t go through a journey of growth and a full mindset shift by the time the clock strikes midnight.

So many people think that change can come to them immediately, especially when it comes to changing physical appearance. More times than not, goals that are set are unrealistic and by the time March rolls around there’s nothing but disappointment, resulting in giving up on the goal.

In order for you to change, you have to learn that change will always be gradual and it requires long-term dedication. If you have a very large goal, break it down into smaller, more achievable goals with a specific deadline. These smaller goals will help you achieve your overall goal. Another important key to sticking to your goal(s) is to write down your goals and hang them in a place where you will see them everyday. I personally put sticky notes on my mirror.

Change doesn’t happen overnight and doesn’t always happen in a few months either. It takes time and we are all on our own little path. Trust the process and don’t give up. Your growth will occur and your goals will be met as long as you keep working on them consistently and not give up.

Self-care. We see it everywhere on social media. We see posts telling us to go light a candle and take a bath, to read a book or to go out and get our nails done. Most of us listen to this advice because it is easy. It’s easy after a long day to steep your favorite tea and read your favorite book while snuggled under a blanket. It’s easy to light some candles and draw a bath for yourself. It’s easy to allow yourself to sleep for an extra hour or two in the morning. What’s not easy is learning how to love yourself unconditionally.

Self-care is dragging yourself out of bed when you wake up with no energy in the mornings. Self-care is having the courage to make that appointment with a therapist to talk about stressors that are happening in your life right now. Self-care is learning how to tell the people you love “no” when you need to make time for yourself. Self-care is creating a daily routine that makes you feel good inside and out.

Self-care is a journey throughout life that is filled with many dark days and many wonderful days. It is a journey that allows us to really learn who we are in this world and what we can become.

Ever feel like you are always on the run? It happens. The best thing you can do for yourself is to learn how and when to relax. If possible, give yourself time to relax before you go to sleep. Set aside some time to wind down. Some things you can do to help you relax are:

• Making your favorite hot beverage and snuggling up underneath a soft blanket
• Journal. If you are someone who always thinks about what you need to get done within the next day or two, write it all out and create a plan. It can help you from feeling overwhelmed. Journaling is also great if you just want to jot down your feelings.
• Meditate. Self meditation and guided meditation are two great ways to focus on your breath, to let go of anything negative, and to feel present with yourself. Try it, even if it is only for 5 minutes.
• Read self-help books. Reading these can create a positive atmosphere in your mind.
• Put on a face mask and turn on relaxing music.

I hope some of these ways of relaxation help!