By Schuyler Corrigan

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December 20, 2023

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During the last half of December, we like to set a few simple daily intentions to infuse our holiday hustle and bustle with a bit of actionable and accessible self-care. Here are a few of our favorites that we will try to bring with us into the new year:

 

Day 1 – Start this 12-day stretch by simply noticing when you’re feeling overwhelmed and taking a deep breath. This won’t necessarily solve the problem but can help to center you while you begin going with the flow of your next action. 

 

Day 2 – Have you tried reiki? This is such a wonderful time of year to introduce this energetic practice into your life and Dr. Barranco offers sessions here at RNM! 

 

Day 3 – Take a short walk today. Anytime is the best time. Even just 10 minutes is a great way to get your circulation moving!

 

Day 4 – Enjoy this day completely free of social media and minimal screen time. It may feel tricky and even uncomfortable at first, but this is a wonderful break for your mental health. 

 

Day 5 – Rest. Remember the importance of rest in your day which can be mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, or even just a reliable good night’s sleep. If you have an extra 20 or 30 minutes tucked away in your day, rest your eyes, or grab a book and relax your body. 

 

Day 6 – If you need some steady human connection this month, seek out 1-2 intentional hugs today. Physical touch can be a powerful enhancer of mental health and give us a sense of comfort when we feel overwhelmed. 

 

Day 7 – Evening rituals. An hour before bedtime, make a cup of herbal tea to soothe your mind and relax your body. We love peppermint, passionflower, chamomile, lavender, or ginger tea in the evenings. 

 

Day 8 – Nature connection. Have you spent any time outdoors in the past few days or weeks? Although it’s chilly outside now, our connection with nature and the seasons can still be enjoyed when we enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee outside, listening to the sounds, and observing the natural world.

 

Day 9 – Drink enough water today. Proper hydration can make a huge difference in your daily health. Aim for drinking half of your body weight (in ounces) each day. 

 

Day 10 – Upon waking, set an affirmation for the day to acknowledge your challenges and your strengths and set a goal of how you want to feel throughout this day. 

 

Day 11 – Take a moment today to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Think of the people who love you and who you love and how they help and support you each day. Keeping a gratitude journal is a beautiful way to remind yourself how people are showing up for you, and how you can show up for others. 

 

Day 12 – Nourish your body with a delicious meal. This can look like cooking your favorite dish just for yourself or to share with your family, or try something new with plenty of colorful vegetables, a whole grain such as brown rice or quinoa, a healthy protein, and a simple fat like olive oil in your dressing, avocado or a bit of dairy. If you would like guidance on nutrition for yourself or your family, Dr. Thompson offers individualized nutrition advice here at RNM.