As we approach the end of the year, the narrative often focuses on goal setting and reflecting on the year. We are trying to check off everything on our ever growing lists and can even start to feel regret for what we didn’t accomplish this year. I see this with my clients, high achieving women, who are constantly nurturing others, managing overwhelming responsibilities, and facing burnout.

I truly believe that December can be a month of renewal and preparation for the year ahead, instead of month of stress, overwhelm, and burnout. I have been using this month to close out 2023 with more clarity and less stress, by focusing on these 5 activities.

While they have nothing to do with goal setting or trying to end the year “strong” they can help to provide you with a solid foundation to build upon for a successful 2024.

1. Declutter Your Physical and Digital Space

It’s not just about cleaning your physical environment; decluttering extends to your digital world too. Clear out unnecessary clothes, items, emails, apps, voicemails, text messages, and photos. This creates a more organized, peaceful space, both physically and mentally. A study by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF) found that a cluttered home can significantly elevate stress hormone levels in women. If you are feeling extra stressed this time of year, you may find it easier to relax and reduce the cognitive load to help you make better decisions, when you declutter your spaces.

2. Dispose of Expired Items

Take a thorough look at your medicine cabinet, pantry, fridge, skincare, and makeup. Discarding expired items is a symbolic way of making space for the new and ensuring your health and well-being are not compromised by outdated products. I would even take it a step further and think about the stories, beliefs, and habits that are also expired. Anything that no longer serves who you are now and who you want to become have got to go. This small act of care can be incredibly empowering and rejuvenating.

3. Schedule Health Check-Ups

Book appointments with your dentist, doctor, therapist, and optometrist, along with any other necessary check-ups. I see this a lot with my clients, they are so busy crossing things off their to do list that they neglect their own health and wellbeing. They put off these critical appointments and often times they only see a doctor when they are at a point of no return. You deserve to be the healthiest version of yourself.

Prioritizing your health is a crucial step in ensuring that you’re physically and mentally prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the new year. Regular check-ups can prevent bigger issues down the line and give you peace of mind. For example, I am booking my optometry appointment because I want to enter into 2024 with clear vision.

4. Prioritize Relationships

In the hustle of daily life, relationships can sometimes take a backseat. Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with loved ones and also deepen the relationship with yourself during this time. Whether it’s a coffee date with a friend, a family gathering, or a solo activity that you love, nurturing these connections is vital for emotional well-being and resilience. This is important because relationships are critical to our overall health, happiness, and fulfillment in life and when we are constantly striving and achieving we can lose sight of the importance of relationships.

More importantly, we can also lose connection with ourselves. This month I have been treating myself to solo coffee dates, where I don’t do work, I may read a book I have been meaning to read, journal, or simply people watch. These moments have given me time to focus on myself and think about what I want, what matters to me, and what I want out of life.

5. Embrace Self-Care

Self-care is not just a trendy phrase; it’s an essential practice, especially for those who are always giving to others. Focus on hydration, getting enough rest, setting healthy boundaries, and eating nourishing foods. Slowing down is a great way to ensure that self care gets put back into the mix, because you can get clear on what you need or what you have been neglecting. This is also a great time to redefine what self care looks like and feels like for you.

These activities are not about reviewing or critiquing your year. They are about taking care of YOU. They ensure that as you step into 2024, you do so feeling refreshed, organized, and ready to embrace new challenges and joys.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. By being in your best state, you can give more effectively to others and face the new year with renewed strength and clarity. Plus, you will be able to set goals and cast your vision for 2024 with a more regulated nervous system because you are calm, rested, grounded, and balanced.

Also, the doors are open for my 10 week group coaching program – NOURISHED – which will be a great experience for you if you want more guidance, support, and accountability to the goals and desires that you seek for yourself in 2024 to be healthier, happier, and fulfilled. Learn more and claim your spot here – ⁠nourishedlifeblueprint.com⁠