It's the first of the year, and it's just human nature to want to start a new year off on the right foot.
Like so many, I grew up in a home where we started every January 1st with a resolution to eat healthy and exercise more, to do things differently this year, and to jump-start right from day 1.
But if we start every year this way, how do we get here by day 365? How do we lose focus, and 300+ days later, many of us feel stressed, exhausted, and like we need to get through the holiday season before we start anything new? There is a one-word answer, and it's burnout. I know what you're thinking "burnout" seems extreme, and you're keeping all the plates spinning, so it couldn't be that bad, right?
Here's 6 signs your cup might be empty and needs refilling.
- You feel exhausted and depleted, even after a full night's sleep.
- You struggle to focus or complete tasks that you usually would find easy.
- You feel apathetic, disengaged, and detached from your work and personal life.
- You have a negative outlook, are more irritable or short-tempered than usual and are constantly complaining.
- You've noticed a decrease in motivation and find it hard to get excited about things that normally interest you.
- You're experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, or changes in appetite.
Here's the thing, we don't need to add one more "should" to our to-do list this year, and depriving or punishing ourselves isn't the answer either. So instead, this year, I want to encourage you to bring loving kindness into the equation.
Let self-love guide you daily, and listen to what your mind and body need.
Self-love allows us to prioritize our needs and well-being by ensuring that we care for ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. When we practice self-love, we are more likely to set healthy boundaries and say "no" to things that do not align with our values or goals, helping prevent overextending ourselves and reduce feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion.
Self-love helps us cultivate resilience, an essential tool for navigating the challenges and stressors that can contribute to burnout. Practicing self-love can also increase self-confidence, which can help us feel more empowered and capable of handling the demands of our lives.
Prioritizing self-love will make you more likely to engage in self-care practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, which can help reduce feelings of burnout by providing a sense of balance and relaxation.
Ultimately, self-love is important because it helps us feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled, giving us the space and energy to balance our responsibilities and care for others in our lives more effectively.
So that's where our focus will stay here at Cosmic in 2023 visit us often for tips, inspiration and prompts and we hope to keep your cup filled throughout the year. ✨
