The year is rapidly coming to a close, and with New Year’s celebrations coming up, what better way to spend the end of 2023 than a self-care day?

The week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve is always my favourite. I like to call it ‘the week in Limbo’. As a kid, this week would consist of playing with new presents, then as a teenager it would consist of reorganising my bathroom cupboards and wardrobe to find space for new toiletries and clothes. Now this week is purely a hangover week, where I rest and enjoy the no work or responsibilities. And then I get ready to do it all over again on NYE!

This year, especially the last few months, has been a huge focus on self-care, working on myself, and finding my inner peace. That’s why this year I am concentrating on using this “Limbo Week” as a time to recharge and reconnect with myself in order to feel fully ready for the New Year.

On that note, here’s 8 things I will be doing to keep on top of my self-care this week:

1) Resting

I am allowing myself to give into my bodily (and mental) needs and simply rest. Enjoy the lie-ins and lazier days, getting ready for a busy year.

2) Journaling

This is a great way to prepare yourself for the New Year. Prompts that I am using this week include:

• Who I want to be in 2024: What qualities, habits, or attitudes do you want to cultivate?
• Self-reflections: looking back on all the successes throughout 2023
• Setting intentions for the New Year
• Word of the year: a single word that encapsulates all the happenings of the past year. This year, mind is GROWTH
• What will enable be to be the person I want to be next year?

3) Meditation

Meditating is a great way to reconnect with yourself, de-stressing and calming your mind for a clear head at the start of the New Year. I don’t mean sitting cross-legged and humming. The way I meditate is simply sitting down and closing my eyes and attempt to clear my thoughts and focus on the present.

4) Getting quality sleep

Along with resting comes good sleep. The Christmas period is always busy, and so this week brings the opportunity to sleep. Getting early nights is always a huge help too. Limit screen time before bed and try reading.

5) Digital detox

This is something I will be talking a lot about in the New Year, but it is also an incredibly important aspect of self-care. Put the FOMO and comparison aside for a few days to really focus on just yourself.

6) Relaxing baths and showers

Treat yourself to a warm bath or shower with soothing scents like lavender or chamomile. This can be a simple yet effective way to unwind.

7) Creative expression

Engage in activities that allow for creative expression, whether it’s writing, drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. Creativity can be a powerful outlet for emotions and stress.

8) Listen to your body

Although exercise and healthy nutrition are very important, so is listening to your body. Allow yourself those days off from the gym, and enjoy the Christmas left-overs – I know I am!