The end of 2022 may be the perfect time for a fresh start

Let’s face it, after almost a year of Covid and a grueling political election, who couldn’t use the holidays as a time to reset, reassess and reinvent? For many of us who have spent the past 9 months riding the roller coaster we call 2022, the end of the year brings with it the chance to put one chapter behind us and to look with hope towards a calmer 2022.

While we are staying at home more, we are also spending more time reflecting on our lives.This can be an opportunity to think about how we want to live and what we can do to take better care of ourselves both physically and emotionally.

For some this might mean embarking on a new wellness plan, while for others it may be exploring a new career path or taking inventory of their relationships. Deciding whether to stay or go can be one of the most liberating choices a person can make.

Taking care of yourself is the best form of self love

A good wellness routine begins with setting intentions and making a plan. After all, self care is the ultimate expression of self love. While it’s important to take it day-by-day, it’s also important to know what your end goal is. By writing down your intentions for where you would like to see yourself in 1, 3 or 6 months, you give yourself a more concrete foundation as you embark on your plan.

One way to get there is by spending two to five minutes each day focusing on your breathing. By settling your body and being still you can bring yourself to a calmer more reflective place. Anti-stress and anxiety care is a good way to keep your mind and body balanced.

Moving your body is especially important too, finding the time to walk, hike or even dance in your home. Getting your blood moving is a natural mood booster. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is something you love.

Also, make time for your meals. By taking ten minutes to sit and eat mindfully during at least one of your meals each day, this will help you to make healthier choices and you will be less likely to overeat. It is important to drink a lot of water which keeps your mind sharp and flushes out toxins in your body.

And as always, try to get a good night’s sleep by cutting down on screen time before bed.

It’s never too late to seek out a new career path

Writing is not only a good tool for planning a wellness routine, it is also great for taking inventory of your values and priorities. If you are looking to begin a new career or get back into the workforce then picking up a pen and paper is a great way to start.

Often when people are thinking of changing careers or jobs, taking the time to write about what they want or where they see themselves can be incredibly important.

This can also be helpful for building your resume and improving negotiation skills. While some people hire a career coach this is not always necessary.

With more time spent at home it’s also a great opportunity to take an online class to update your skills or knowledge which can give you an edge when you are looking for a new job.

Staying in a relationship or starting your next chapter

The end of the year can also be a good time to take inventory of our relationships. Let’s face it, there is no time like the present! As we are encouraged to limit socializing in big groups we spend more time thinking about who we really want to see and spend our time with. If spending so much time at home with the same person is making your relationship feel stale there are things you can do to revive or infuse your relationships with a little more excitement and energy.

For example you can create a fantasy vacation with your partner. Even though people are traveling less there is no reason why you can’t pretend or plan that special trip you will want to take once the pandemic is behind us. Sometimes using our imagination is the best way to see beyond the now and look optimistically towards the future.

Signing up for an online class can also be a fun way to reconnect. There are many virtual classes that offer cooking, art, history and languages. Learning something new together is a great way to connect.

Playing 20 questions with your partner can also be a fun way to discover things about each other that you didn’t know before.

For those who feel like they have simply outgrown their relationship now might be a good time to consider moving on. The question of should I stay or should I go can be painful and scary. However, the pandemic has created a level of existential reflection in a way few might not have expected initially.

As the months march on and we continue to take inventory of our lives, some might decide that they want their next chapter to look different. To this end, companies like It’s Over Easy are available for couples looking to start their divorce or learn about the online divorce process, as you can see here: https://www.itsovereasy.com/insights/what-is-an-online-divorce. Services like this have less cost and hassle than traditional divorces. Everything is done online and from the comfort of your home, saving you meetings with lawyers and trips to court.

Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, it’s important to remember that self care and time for you can be the best gift you can give yourself.