I’m currently facilitating a drop-in, self-paced intention-setting experience for the holiday season. It’s not too late to join, as the New Year is a perfect time to check-in!
This super affordable 5-day experience helps parents and families set intentions that support them in having a peaceful and easeful season and New Year.
Find out more and join me here!
Aligning Action with Intentions
Once you have taken the time to imagine the peaceful, joyful, and loving holiday season that you and your family want, need, and deserve. it’s time to give your intentions even greater value by aligning your actions with it. The anticipation of the new year is a perfect time to focus inward and offer yourself some extra self-care.
As a parent, the pressures of this busy and transitional season can be as plentiful as the excitement. Parents have shared with me that they get stuck in the cycle of doing, doing, doing and giving, giving, giving during this time of year. The to-do lists are long and calendars are beyond full.
Thus, it is likely time for you to give yourself permission to slow down and receive. As 2019 comes to a close, I’m excited to share 5 self-care tips for the New Year. These practices will support you in containing your energy and engaging in ways that fulfill you.
5 Self-Care Tips for Parents for The New Year
1. If it’s not a “YES!” it’s a no.
When you are invited somewhere or asked to do something, pause and notice what you are thinking and feeling. If you aren’t enthusiastic, excited, inspired, or interested, don’t say yes. Notice what a “YES!” feels like in your body, as well as what a “NO” feels like in your body. If an opportunity or invitation brings a sense of tightness in your chest, for example, or a feeling of “How can I do it all?!,” or a numbness, trust the wisdom of your body.
Another way to practice listening to your inner voice is to consider questions like: Does this serve me? Does this bring peace? Joy? Love? Does this serve my family? Is there something else that will better serve me/my family?
Keep in mind, your modeling the process of slowing down and tuning in is a powerful way to teach and support your children and teens in growing this skill!
2. Pick the ONE THING that you truly want to put your energy into each day.
You can’t do it all, so set yourself up for success by getting clear on ONE thing you want to tackle each day. You may have tasks to do that are above and beyond your typical routines and commitments right now. Take it slow, one step at a time. Prioritize the tasks on your to-do list in order of urgency and/or difficulty, then take it one item at a time. E-mail me to get a FREE downloadable guide for this process!
3. Make time for the seemingly simple self-care rituals that sustain you.
Take walks, call your best friend, stop for coffee (and order the whipped cream on top), buy yourself flowers, enjoy a bath, or get to bed early. Yes, you have time because you are worth it! I invite you to carve out the time for practices that bring you peace, rest, and rejuvenation. Encourage your children to do the same. It’s important that children learn about and use self-care rituals, too.
4. Invite your family to participate in the creation of everyday life.
Perhaps the New Year feels like the perfect time to have a family meeting to consider how each person can contribute to the household and the creation of everyday life. During this meeting, each family member should get to brainstorm, name, and choose ways they will contribute. Children and teens thrive off of responsibility, even if they resist it at first. Rather than assigning tasks, the goal here is to get buy-in from your children. If they pick the task, their engagement and ownership will be elevated.
5. Practice releasing stress regularly.
Stress can sneak up over and over again, and that’s okay. What is most important is that you have a toolbox of release and relaxation techniques to return to. When you notice signs of stress in your body– pay attention to your chest, belly, hands, and face–it’s time to find a way to release. For example, I invite you to stand, shake it out (perhaps with some of your favorite music) and brush it off. Bonus: consider clearing the stress as a family by having a dance and shaking party!
Wishing You a Happy New Year
Aligning with the peace, joy, and love you want and need in your life is a valid priority. Furthemore, self-care is a worthwhile, powerful, and NECESSARY aspect of your life so that you can keep showing up for yourself, your family, and your community. If you’d like to dig in deeper on this topic, please reach out to hear more about how coaching may align with your needs.
Happy New Year, friends!
