It's mid-January...how are you doing with this New Year so far? I like to ease into the New Year slowly. I definitely enjoy ending each year by taking an inventory of my growth, and lessons learned, but as January 1st rolls around, I don't set new goals or resolutions.
I like to lay like a sloth and watch Bachelor reruns all day.
Just kidding. But really, I don't like to ask too much of myself. We have just come off of a busy holiday season, most likely the busiest time of the entire year, and as the world seems to slow down a little bit *finally*, I like to take advantage of that and slow down a bit, too. And as the pace of life picks back up, it always feels like the perfect time to try something new, especially if that something will support my well-being.
As my family has started back into our routines again this week, I'm grateful for 3 specific self-care tactics I've discovered and added to my day, that have really brought me a good amount of joy. Enough so that I'd love to share them with you!
1. The first self-care hack admittedly isn't a new one for me, but one I've come to truly cherish as life goes through seasons of chaos and schedules change...it is the one constant that seems to really ground me. My morning routine. I know we've all heard of this concept before-maybe you already have one-but if not, it's something I'd highly recommend giving a try. Key to success: keep it simple. My basic morning routine is waking up at the same time each morning, followed by hot lemon water, writing 3 things I am grateful for, journaling for 3 minutes, and then some sort of movement. Based on the day, and if I'm short for time, even just a few stretches will do. But I assure you (and so does my family) on days when I miss my morning routine, it truly makes all the difference. If we can control nothing else in our day, at least we can start it off with some intentionality. I'm hooked on my morning routine and I'm never going back.
2. I found an app right before the holidays that I downloaded for a free trial, called "I am-Daily Affirmations". It offers up positive affirmations and messages throughout your day, to keep you encouraged. It sounded a little corny to me, but as a free trial, I was curious. For just $20 a year, I've decided it is worth it, and now I honestly look forward to these little pings of happiness throughout my day. You can customize what type of messages you are wanting to read, and though some are truly cheesy, those are the ones that make me laugh out loud, and there is nothing wrong with that either;) And sometimes, I do get a few gems that keep me powering through my day with a positive mindset.
3. Over the last year, I have adapted a toddler's diet. It really sneaks up on you. Suddenly, goldfish crackers and Pirate Booty were replacing my protein balls and homemade flaxseed crackers. I hate to sound cliche, or make excuses, but truly, sometimes it feels like there is just no time! While I have tried to bring a better balance back into my nutrition, I still felt like I was missing out on all of the veggies that I used to eat. I discovered something called Athletic Greens, and it sounded like it would really fit the bill. I wasn't looking for it to replace my healthy foods I wasn't getting, but maybe it would help me "fill the gaps" on days I just didn't have time to make 3 healthy meals. I've been drinking it first thing each morning, and I love that it also helps me start my day more hydrated. Win-win. It felt a little pricier than I would have liked, but as I get older, my investment habits start to change, and this felt "worth it" to me.
If you are interested in giving Athletic Greens a try, I have included a promo code to use at the bottom of this blog!
Wherever mid-January is finding you, I urge you to be gentle with yourself. Let go of expectations, and have fun with being curious about a new habit. And guess what...if it turns out to be a big flat flop, that's OK! It helps me to remember that in each season of life, we really do need different types of support. For me, in this season, I was needing grounding and a little extra boost of encouragement and health to keep me going. And so these hacks have worked great for me. Instead of setting big lofty goals this year, maybe take some time to sit quietly and be honest with yourself. How are you doing? And what do you need to support you in this season?
Wishing you all the very best on your self-care discovery journey!
Below are the links to the products mentioned above, if you'd like to give them a look.
And of course, if you're looking for help in creating a movement routine perfect for your new morning routine, please reach out! I'd love to help you create something that is just right for you! You are able to order "on-demand" workout videos customized to your needs. Just send me an email at info@marystarpilates.com and we'll talk!
I Am-Daily Affirmations App:
Athletic Greens:
(this is a referral link-I do receive a small compensation if you chose to purchase using this link)
https://fbuy.io/ag/4tgxfek5
Great points, Mary. We all need more "practical positivity." And your online Pilates classes just make me feel stronger and better.
I need to reset my eating habits! December was so busy that a lot of popcorn was also consumed 🤣