In today’s busy world, it can feel as though we are pulled in every direction, responding to others’ needs and wants. Sure, on a good day, homework gets turned in on time, the dog makes it to his vet appointment, and everyone enjoys a homemade dinner served at a reasonable hour.
However, if this leaves you unable to get adequate sleep, exercise, nourishment and love, then you might benefit from more self-care. The result? A healthy mindset, strong body and satisfied soul – plus, by taking care of yourself, you are more capable of supporting loved ones.
The start of the new year presents an ideal time to reset, recharge and prioritize self-care.
As healthcare professionals, we have seen people take small steps toward making self-care a regular practice, gaining big benefits to their overall well-being.
Here are some recommended self-care ideas to try in 2025:
Digital Detox
We are spending more time on devices than ever. In fact, according to digital reference library DataReportal, worldwide, people ages 16 to 64 spend an average of six hours and 40 minutes surfing the web each day. That may not sound like an insane amount of time, but it adds up to approximately 101 days a year, which, to us, sounds like a lot!
While it may not be easy, we suggest doing a digital detox. Spending time offline can help you sleep better, form deeper connections with others, improve your mood, and increase your focus and productivity. Sounds good, but how can you unplug when you feel tethered to your device?
First, consider how and when you use technology. This will help you determine your approach to disconnecting digitally and set you up for success. Like so many of our patients, we find ourselves using our devices at bedtime — so our digital break means powering off or charging our devices in another room, one hour before going to sleep. We do this 3-5 nights per week, every week, but you should decide how the digital detox will work best for you.
Determine how long – one week, one month – you plan to implement this change, and once you have achieved the goal, evaluate the experience to decide if this is something for the long-term.
Make Time for Gratitude
Gratitude is an emotion similar to appreciation that evokes a sense of happiness and thankfulness. When you’re feeling overwhelmed (by that looming homework, the dog or dinner), practicing gratitude can be a healthy, powerful way to ease your emotional state and increase feelings of optimism.
Every day, in a journal that makes you smile, write down three things that you are thankful for. This can be an easy, effective way to recognize all the wonderful things in your life. Maybe today you appreciate a specific person, a treasured place, being able to help your elderly parents, spending time in nature, or connecting with spirituality.
By identifying what you appreciate, you can reflect on the beauty in the small things. Small moments of gratitude are the ultimate self-care for the soul.
Embrace Community Care
Community care where we work together for the collective good has a positive impact on not only our individual wellbeing, but also on society. It is important to understand that self-care and community care are interconnected.
To embrace community care, ask yourself what you enjoy doing. Are you interested in supporting specific causes or helping neighbors in need? Find other like-minded individuals to join at community rallies or give back to family and friends at various volunteer projects.
Do you treasure the time you have for hobbies? Participate in a monthly book club where you can connect with others, laugh, learn, and engage in interesting conversation, or attend a knitting meet-up to make new friends and indulge in your crafty side.
Collaboration and connection are essential to improving our wellbeing – and if you are working on it at the individual level, add in a few strategies to benefit the community, too.
Walk in Nature
Regardless of fitness level, everyone benefits both physically and mentally from walking – and we encourage you to get outdoors when the weather allows. There are countless physical and mental health benefits of fresh air, including improved mood, strengthening of your immune system, and cleaning your lungs.
Whether you enjoy a challenging hike or a calmer stroll, the exercise improves your circadian rhythms, helps you get better sleep, builds physical strength, and increases energy levels. While it can be difficult to make time for a daily walk – even just 20 minutes – when you mark it on your calendar or make plans to walk with others, you are more likely to follow through.
And walking can promote both self-care and community care; find a community-based group to connect with others while nourishing your soul.
By recognizing your own needs and responding with care and intention, you’re sure to thrive in the year ahead. You deserve to feel your best!
Janet Post, MSN, RN, NC-BC, NBC-HWC, CHt, is a community outreach nurse at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. Janet uses a mind-body-spirit approach to help people achieve their highest level of health and well-being. She is a graduate of the Holy Name School of Nursing, holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University, and is a certified hypnotist. Passionate about integrating holistic healthcare modalities into community health, Janet earned her nurse coach certification through the American Holistic Nurses Association and is a certified health and wellness coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches.
Olivia Von Vorst, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC™, is a community outreach nurse at Holy Name in Teaneck where she uses her extensive experience in adult health educational programming to empower communities to support disease-specific self-management skills. Olivia takes pride in building meaningful relationships within her community, inspiring members to overcome challenges, and embrace the tools they need to lead healthier lifestyles. Currently, Olivia is pursuing her master’s degree in Nursing Education at Walden University to further enhance her teaching skills and expand her impact.