Transitioning from January to February And Practising Self-Care
The change of month is upon us. For many, January can be an uncomfortable month with bills to pay and even unexpected ones (thanks to brakes and tires) and trying to get back into the groove.
However, the transition from January to February is upon us, and I can feel the stirrings of a new season. Although the official first day of spring is March 20th.
This month’s change brings with it both challenges and opportunities as we bid farewell to the old and embrace the new.
And for me, it feels like this is a fresh start.
January is often seen as a time of resolution and renewal, with many people making resolutions and setting new goals for the year ahead. But as the month closes, losing motivation and becoming discouraged can be easy.
I didn’t make resolutions, but I did set three important goals. One was to transition my full book coaching to?book planning?and to bring in what I call a heart project,?101 Days Of Being Me.?The third was to write a novel, for which I invested in a 12 months program.
For each of these, January was a seeding in time.
Refocus your goals
As February comes in, I can see the blossom on the almond trees, and I may be fooling myself, but the weather is beginning to warm up. As a result, I feel there is a renewed sense of energy and excitement in the air. I’ll be harnessing this energy to stay focused and motivated as I continue to work towards my goals. And so can you.
This is the perfect time to reflect on your progress so far, identify areas for improvement, and set new, achievable goals. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, improve your relationships, or pursue new hobbies and interests, the start of a new month provides a fresh start and a chance to make positive changes.
However, I believe that while we need to focus, we also need to chill and let things flow. Trying to control stuff can be detrimental to what you want to achieve.
Goals aside, focusing on self-care is another way to make the most of this transition. This can involve taking time for yourself, engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace, and practising mindfulness and meditation. By taking care of your mental and physical health, you can set yourself up for success in the months ahead.
Connect with others to boost your self-care
The transition from January to February is also a great time to connect with others. Winter can be lonely, with shorter days and inclement weather keeping many people indoors. But as the weather warms up, there’s a chance to get outside and connect with friends, family, and your community. Whether by joining a local club, volunteering, or simply spending time with loved ones, connecting with others can help you feel more fulfilled and satisfied.
It’s also Time To Talk day on the 2nd.
Time to Talk Day?is an important annual event highlighting the importance of supporting mental health. The day is a reminder that taking the time to listen to those around us can make a huge difference in their lives and help to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget the importance of connecting with others. But simply taking a few minutes to listen to someone who is struggling can have a profound impact on their mental health. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or co-worker, offering a listening ear can help to ease their burden and provide a much-needed source of support.
Listening also helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health by showing people that it’s okay to talk about their feelings and seek help when needed. This can be especially important for anyone struggling, as it can be difficult to reach out for help when they feel ashamed or embarrassed about what is happening.
I was certainly glad of a listening ear on Sat when I had problems with my brakes. Though I could have done with a mobile hug service as well.
By taking the time to listen and allowing others the space to talk, we can create a more supportive and inclusive society better equipped to address mental health concerns. This can have a far-reaching impact, as people who feel heard and supported are more likely to feel confident in seeking help and making positive changes in their lives.
Not only that, February is Self-Esteem month
“The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.”?Mark Twain
Self-Esteem Month is an important annual event highlighting the importance of self-worth and believing in oneself. During February, I would like to invite you to take a step back and reflect on your self-esteem and identify ways in which you can improve your sense of self-worth.
Okay, I know that this is easier said than done… I’ll be sharing more as the month progresses.
Self-esteem is a crucial component of overall mental health and well-being, as it plays a significant role in how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us. When we have healthy self-esteem, we are more likely to feel confident and capable and view ourselves and our abilities positively.
In the past, I struggled with self-esteem and self-worth. I even ‘stole’ my MBA dissertation from the library because I felt I wasn’t good enough.
Lots of people feel the same way. They may also feel they lack the skills and abilities necessary to succeed. This can lead to a vicious cycle of negative self-talk and self-doubt, which can keep us from reaching our full potential.
Practice self-care
To tap into your self-worth and believe in yourself, it’s important to start by practising self-care. This can involve engaging in activities that bring joy and peace and focusing on your needs and well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can begin to build a stronger and more positive sense of self-worth.
Self-care tips
Focus on your strengths
It’s also important to challenge negative self-talk and to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. This can be achieved through journaling, visualization, and affirmations, which can help to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards a more positive and empowering mindset.
You can reframe things like I am useless to I feel useless at the moment, but…
Celebrate yourself
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” —Iris Murdoch
Celebrating yourself is a powerful way to boost your confidence and improve your overall well-being. Try it now; write down your recent achievements. And then give yourself a reward. That’ll be cake for me.
Surround yourself with supportive people
Surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you and encourage you to pursue your dreams is essential. That’s why I enrolled in a novel program so that I have a group of like-minded people and we cheer each other on.
Whether through friendships, family relationships, or professional connections, having a strong support system can help boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence you need to succeed.
101 Days Of Being Me?has been designed to give you a sacred space to explore and be supported.
Get out in nature
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott
Spending time in nature can provide you with a sense of peace and tranquillity. I love being out with my dogs, and I am lucky I have amazing beauty on my doorstep. In addition, engaging in activities such as hiking, camping, or gardening can be therapeutic and provide a sense of connection to the natural world.
Creative expression
Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or writing, can give you a sense of release and self-expression. For example, I love mandala colouring books.
Start journaling
Journaling can be a simple and effective way to prioritize your self-care. It can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Start small with just a few minutes a day, and see how it can positively impact your life. I love journaling for the clarity and insight I get.
And finally – Start making happiness your priority
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” Ashley Montagu
Making happiness a priority is an essential step to living a fulfilling life, which helps to build self-esteem. Here are some ways to start:
Remember, making happiness a priority takes time and effort. So be patient with yourself and keep working on it. Soon enough, you’ll see a positive impact on your life, which you can carry through the rest of the year.
So, are you ready to embrace this transition, set new goals, look at ways to create some self-care, and get ready to make the most of February?