New year intentions and self-care: January 2023 update
Happy New Year
What are your intentions for 2023?
It’s been interesting to observe the tide slowly turn against the pressure to make New Year resolutions. So many revolve around exploiting our insecurities, such as body image, with gyms and diet products being the biggest winners of the resolution industry.
Gentle January is a delightful alternative. Instead of dressing up self-loathing as a resolution, it encourages acceptance. It’s a timely reminder to start the year more calmly, extending kindness to ourselves and others.
Ditching resolutions for intentions is another option. Choosing a word or theme for the year creates an opportunity to explore a different mindset. When we give ourselves permission to let go of something that no longer serves us, it frees up mental and emotional space to explore something new.
Ironically, my word for 2022 was surrender,‘relinquishing the vain desire to control the uncontrollable’. By December I had no option but do just that. Amongst the seasonal busyness I got Covid, which gave me no choice but cancel everything and surrender to rest and convalescence.
This year I’m curious about the re-enchantment of daily life. Noticing the unexpected or little things that spark small pockets of joy. There’s no pass or fail in this pursuit, just a nudge to be mindful.
Do you have any intentions for the year?
Covid: putting self-care into action
The first thing I learned from Covid, when it hit in the night with aches, rigor and fever, was that it felt familiar. Perhaps the mystery flu I got for Christmas 2019, after an international flight, was the original virus?
Regardless of whether it’s a first or subsequent encounter, the fear of developing Long Covid is a very real. Australian data suggests 5 – 10 % of people will continue to have post-viral symptoms for more than 12 weeks, which can be debilitating or life changing.
Naturopathically, this underlines the need to take the utmost care, regardless of severity, during the acute phase of the virus. Here’s some self-care tips to get you started.
On a personal note
I have had some deliciously lazy downtime this summer, spending my days reading novels, exploring new cookbooks and making a few zero-waste preserves. There have been walks, ocean swims, relaxed catch ups, time alone and the indulgence of not being ruled by the clock. I’ve found it takes a lot of unwinding to become comfortable with doing ‘nothing’ but always feel better for it.
Life continues to throw some curve balls. Sadly, last month we had to say goodbye to Therapy Cat. He had the strongest presence of any cat I’ve known, equally vocal as he was affectionate. The house feels so empty and quiet without him.
The clinic has re-opened for the year. If you’d like support to feel better or find a new direction with your health and wellbeing, I look forward to seeing you.
I hope 2023 is joyful and expansive for you.
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