Functional self-care practices for January
Self-care isn’t just about taking a break or indulging in a spa day (though if that’s your thing, go for it!). It’s about fueling ourselves to meet life’s demands with clarity, strength, and joy on a regular basis!
Think about it: How can we lead effectively if we’re running on empty? How can we give our best to our family, career, or passions when burnout is looming? How can we chase big goals if our energy is inconsistent and our health is sidelined?
When we prioritize rest, nourishment, movement, and mindfulness, we’re not just recharging—we’re building the foundation for high performance and resilience.
In this post, we are encouraging you to pick up a new self-care practice for 2025. Here’s an array of options to choose what sounds good to you to make 2025 the best year yet!
Engaging in your hobbies or starting new ones – Many of us have let go of passions or hobbies because we simply don’t have time! But the truth is, we usually can find at least 10-20 minutes in our day (especially if we stop some of the mindless scrolling or Netflix bingeing). Do you love drawing, or know how to play an instrument? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to try pickleball! Carve out hobby time like an appointment this January and see if it sparks some long lost joy.
Screen-free times – Our phones are helpful, but most of the time they’re pure distractions. The internet and social media are there to distract us 24/7 and it starts to add clutter to our brains. Stepping away, getting fresh air, or spending time just watching the birds outside pulls us back to the present. Can we cut out a bit of screen time this new year and make room for something new?
Create joy – What makes you laugh? What truly makes life worth living? Let’s make more room in our schedules for those things. Cuddling with a pet, laughing with loved ones, playing outside, tending to the garden, or whatever it is for you. In our busy world, joy doesn’t always show up naturally, so let’s create it. Let’s schedule a few moments of joy into our day. Just for the fun of it.
Care for your physical self – While a spa day is great, we are looking for some small, regular practice that will keep your health on the right track. For some, it’s going to the gym, getting in the sauna, taking a walk, meal planning for the week, or doing a few minutes of yoga. Just make sure it’s an activity that doesn’t leave you feeling worn out but rather rejuvenated! Give your own body the attention it deserves, and not just spread your attention to everyone else.
(Positive) Social Connection – When we’re burned out, overwhelmed, or tired, it’s natural to retreat from social interaction. Sometimes we genuinely need that time to recharge. But prolonged isolation can leave us feeling disconnected and lonely, which could add to our stress rather than relieve it. Connecting with friends, family, or colleagues can be incredibly fulfilling and energizing – if those relationships are positive and supportive. Spend time with people who uplift you, make you laugh, or help you see things from a fresh perspective.
Dial in your space – Cluttered and dirty spaces start to affect our mental health, productivity, and focus. Self-care is making sure we have a space that is clean and organized enough to feel relaxed. A disorganized room can act as a constant reminder of unfinished tasks, pulling our attention away from the things that matter most (aka chilling tf out!!) I recently moved a pile of papers off my desk that I thought I needed, but quickly found weren't necessary, and my desk was suddenly inviting and made me much more productive. Consider ways to make your space more inviting, not a source of additional stress.
Nurture your emotional self – In our busy lives, especially if we’re caring for others, it’s easy to lose sight of our own emotional needs. We often find ourselves absorbing the emotions of others – whether it’s the frustration of a colleague or the big feelings of our kids – and that can leave little room for processing our own. Carving out time to check in with ourselves is a vital part of self-care.
Journaling is one powerful way to do this. Take a few minutes to write down how you’re feeling, what’s been on your mind, or simply what you’re grateful for. Questions like What am I feeling right now? or What’s been weighing on me? can help bring clarity to your emotions and guide you toward solutions or acceptance. If you’re not into journaling then see if meditation, drawing or painting, or a walk help.
“Self-care” often carries a stigma, and is assumed to involve expensive products, spa days, manicures, and indulgence. While these can certainly be part of the picture, true self-care goes so much deeper. It’s not about luxury or escaping from our lives; it’s about intentionally supporting our well-being so we can show up for life.
If you want to Self-Care your health, let’s work together! Schedule a discovery call today.