The End of the Year & Simple Self Care
As the year winds down, it’s easy to slip into the familiar pressures of tying everything up with a perfect little bow. Finishing every project, meeting every goal, and magically transforming ourselves before January arrives shouldn’t be the goal of this season. The truth is that you don’t need a dramatic reset or a packed calendar to close out the year feeling grounded. Sometimes the most meaningful way to honor yourself this time of year is by choosing small, attainable acts of care that remind you to show up for yourself with softness, and remind you the ways in which you’ve already achieved that this year. Self care doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely you are to actually enjoy it.
Here’s a gentle, end-of-year-self-care suggestion list anyone can use. No pressure, no perfection, just small inspirations toward feeling a little lighter.
1. Declutter one tiny space.
Not your whole house. Not even a whole room. Pick a single drawer, a nightstand, a “doombox” or bag, or the corner of your desk. Give it five minutes of focused attention, maybe turn on some music or a podcast you enjoy. A tiny refresh to devoting caring for your space can make your environment feel calmer without becoming a project or something extra on your cleaning list.
2. Revisit something you loved this year.
A new song you played on repeat, a show or movie that comforted you, a meal you couldn’t stop making. Returning to something familiar and joyful helps you reflect on the good moments you’ve already experienced this year.
3. Do one thing that makes your body feel good.
A long stretch in the morning, a slow walk, a warm bath, extra moisturizer, or whatever else makes your shoulders drop a little. Focus on small, sensory comforts over developing a new high effort routine.
4. Write a letter to your future self this time next year.
This isn’t a goal-setting letter unless you want it to be. It can be a note of encouragement, a reminder of what mattered this year, or even a “thank you” to yourself for getting through things you didn’t expect or account for.
5. Create a “done list” for the year.
Instead of focusing only on what’s unfinished, gather a list of things you did accomplish. These can be big or tiny, but I encourage both. Think back to conversations you initiated, boundaries you set or stuck to, small steps you took toward becoming the person you want to be, things you survived in, things you thrived in. Let the list reflect your resilience, and not your to-do list.
6. Put one plan on the calendar that you’re genuinely excited about.
Not a responsibility, but something that lights you up inside. A coffee date with yourself, a long phone call with a friend, a movie night, a craft session. Having something to look forward to is its own kind of care and magic.
7. End the year with intentional rest.
Rest doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, earned. Choose one day (or even a few hours) to do less, move slower, and let your nervous system take a breath. Give yourself permission to close the year in a way that feels supportive rather than rushed.
This simple suggestion list is NOT a checklist. It is a gentle way of honoring who you’ve been this year and who you’re hoping to become. You deserve to finish the year with ease and kindness for what you’ve experienced this year.
As always, thank you for being here and reading to the end of this blog post. It means so much to me that these have been so well received, and I love connecting with you all. There is a comment section, and I’d love to hear any suggestions you have, or ways you plan to use these suggestions in this list during this season.
Stay Safe!
Allison at MHIB
Source:
https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/25-small-powerful-ways-to-take-action-for-mental-health/