The "New" Me: Self-Care Habits I Want to Integrate into My Daily Life

With a new year just starting, I love thinking about the changes I’m going to make in my life. I used to not care so much about the new year coming. 3, 2, 1. Ball drop. You get the picture. But in the last couple of years, it has become a moment I look forward to. In the days leading up to the new year, I find myself incredibly reflective and appreciative of my life thus far. I begin to evaluate what things I’d like to keep and grow in the future. This year, I especially want to focus on self-care and have a list of habits I’d like to keep. So far, it’s going pretty good!

Bullet Journaling for Self-Growth

Bullet journaling has always seemed a bit too time-consuming and almost pointless to me. While I understand its creative appeal, I tried to get into it in the past, but I always gave up because it took too long to plan every day and make it “pretty.” This year though, I decided to give it another shot! And after watching 24-hours’ worth of bullet journal planning videos, I decided to make mine centered on personal goals, habit tracking, and mood tracking—rather than on day-to-day tasks and planning. So far, I really like this format! I love that I can visually track my mood and keep track of long-term goals by breaking them down into attainable steps. Also, at the end of the day, it’s very relaxing to go and fill out sections of my bullet journal. I often end up writing something about the day and how I feel as well. 

Reading more!

I have the goal to read more books every year. And every year, I fall (embarrassingly) short. I’ve always hesitated to switch to reading online just because I want less screen time and there’s just something satisfying about turning the pages of a book. Yet, I decided it was time to try it out and see if it helped me read more. Personally, it’s really helped. When I’m really interested in a book, I find myself opening the app on my phone instead of other things. While it does increase my screen time, I think the convenience of being able to read at any moment outweighs my personal concern. Depending on what app you use, books can be a little cheaper as well!

Meditation

I’ve meditated on and off for many years. This year, though, one of my self-care goals was to “have time off.” By this, I meant complete time off. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes a day, I want to do nothing—this includes scrolling on my phone. Thus far, I’ve been meditating on nights when I have trouble falling asleep. I no longer use any apps, though they may help some people keep track of mediation. I simply look up guided meditations on YouTube and pick one that runs for the desired time. Right now, I do it to help me sleep, but I’d like to implement these videos during the day so I can feel relaxed and refreshed for the rest of the day ahead!

By implementing these things and more as the year goes on, I’m aiming to make self-care a habit or practice—not just something I do as a last resort when I’m stressed out or having a long week. It’s important to note that self-care isn’t just checking habits off a list. I believe it truly comes down to feeling like you prioritize yourself. This year, I want to value myself more, put my time and energy into things and people who matter, and feel more at peace.