November marks the start of a new month, which brings new beginnings and a chance to take a step back and reflect on how to make this month better for you! This week we are talking about self-care to create the best version of yourself!
You know what they say- new year, new me, but what about new month new me?! A new beginning doesn't have to be as drastic as a new year. Each month brings new goals and as the year goes on we may need some time to reflect on how we feel. November is the perfect time to check in on ourselves and be our own advocates. Focusing on self-care, self-love, positive self-talk, and implementing ways to give yourself some much-needed attention is the perfect way to start the month of November!
How can we Make November a Time for Self-Care?
Every day is a great day for self-love and care, but sometimes we get lost in the daily routine and forget to truly give ourselves the attention that we deserve for getting through each day! This is why New me November is the perfect opportunity to carve out time specifically for YOU!
Start Slow- Sometimes jumping into the world of self-care is hard, so give yourself some grace and start by implementing at least one new and enjoyable thing each day (or each week if that works) and making it part of your routine. This can be as simple as taking a walk between work meetings or classes to get some fresh air. Enjoy getting your nails done? Maybe this week's task can be heading to the salon for a fresh set of nails in your fav color of course! It doesn't matter how big or how small, but adding a new, exciting task to your day can help you prioritize yourself!
Unplug for a day- This is a great way to relax and focus on yourself during times where everything seems to be just way too much. Turn off your phone or check it for emergencies only, set aside the laptop and go out and enjoy an entire day to yourself. Taking a step back from the world of electronics is a great way to start over, refresh and ground yourself again. Try it with a friend for some added company or have this day solely devoted to connecting with yourself. It's all up to you and this is your journey!
Tracking Your Thoughts & Feelings- Try implementing a journal or tracking your thoughts on your phone this month. Validating and recognizing our feelings is a very essential form of self-care. When you are acknowledging your happy, sad, or stressed feelings, you will better be able to handle them. This will reflect in your feelings of self-love and self-care. Taking time to check in with how you are doing in this busy and crazy life is important to feeling good mentally. This can look like a quick journal entry, jotting down your goals, writing about something that bothered you today, etc., all that matters is that you are checking in with yourself on your own time!
Self-Care Isn't Selfish!
When you prioritize yourself, it may feel like you are taking away from someone or something else. You are worth the priority you give others!
Self-Care can be tailored to fit your needs, if you feel more comfortable with taking small steps to make yourself a priority- do it! If you feel like going full-out this month on self-care- do it!
If you can tell by now, self-care is a journey that looks different for each person. Your self-care may look different than your friends and family- and it's important to remember that that's okay!
Self-care can be about spending time on your inner and outer self or, both implementing your own flair on some of the self-care techniques above will help you feel better about your New Me November journey!
Remember- Your self-care is not dependent on other people! Their opinions and actions should stay separate from your self-care journey unless it is supportive!
Definition: self-care
noun
"The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.
"autonomy in self-care and insulin administration"
"The practices of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress."
Check out this checklist from Lauren's Journey and try setting as you wallpaper to start this month-long self-care journey or print it out and check out and check it along as you go! This journey is personal and is meant to prioritize you, so don't feel pressure to do everything and have fun by modifying it to suit your needs!
Hopefully, you feel inspired to start this month focusing on YOU! Giving yourself a fresh start and prioritizing your mental health will create a start to a better, happier and healthier you- that's what we are calling this month: New Me November! Enjoy yourself and love yourself extra this month!