Preparing For A Fresh New Year

There’s no escaping the festive season - and let’s be honest, why would you want to? There’ll be lots to do with loved ones, and fun times to be had on the lead up to Christmas and New Year. It’s definitely a busy time. For some of us, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially with a fresh new year approaching. However, having a clear focus and getting ahead of the curve with your plans will help to ensure that you enter 2023 feeling ready and raring to go. It’s often the littlest things that make an impact; so, don’t overthink your plans and preparation, just do what you can and when you can. Side note: this can be enjoyable!

Finding some spare moments at this time of year can be a challenge; however, it’s time to use some of those dark and cosy nights inside, to grab your notebook and pen and to start to think about what you’d like the New Year to look like for you. Perhaps you’ll take an hour in a cafe with a coffee, some gingerbread and your notes app; whatever way works for you, there’s no better time to take a proactive approach to your January, and begin sorting out what you want and need to do. The following are some ideas and tips for anyone who wants a little more calm and a methodical approach before their new year so they can enter it feeling confident and fresh. 

Self Care

It might sound strange to plan ahead for self care; however, if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that investing in your health and wellbeing is something that we all need to keep on top of. Therefore, it’s time to book all those appointments you’ve been avoiding, and ensure that your physical and mental health are your priority. Whether you grab that appointment for your teeth somewhere like Mona Vale Dental, book your eye test so you can stop squinting as you read, or treat yourself to a treatment with that popular dermatologist; get going! Write your list of people and places you need and want to visit so that you can start making appointments and plans, and getting your 2023 calendar ready, and full of things that will benefit you.

However, self-care is about much more than pampering or getting your yearly check-up. There could be other issues that you’ve tried to ignore that will eventually cause significant problems. Since the new year is your chance for a fresh start, facing any potentially dangerous dependencies, such as alcohol, cigarettes or vaping could help you get back on track. It can be tough to book yourself into a rehab centre, but it’s a crucial first step to help you get better and enjoy the fresh start you deserve.

Admin

Not everybody likes admin; unless you’re a weirdo like me; so, why take a load with you into January? You’ll only feel down and more overwhelmed than you need to. Even if you only do a couple of admin tasks before the new year arrives; you’ll feel so much better relaxing over the festive period,and far more prepared to face January. Therefore, get online and do your tax assessments, return, register your new address, organise that direct debit so you never miss a payment, and work through any little (annoying) admin tasks you can muster the energy for. You’ll feel like a hero having done so (you totally are). 

Plans

Planning and preparing isn’t all doom and gloom, or tedious! There is nothing like planning for a sunny getaway, when the weather is freezing outside. Therefore, think about where you want to go next year; putting some travel plans in the diary is always a great way to boost your mood. Even if you’re not ready to book something; you can think about the places you’d like to visit so that if you see a great deal on flights or accommodation in January, you won’t hesitate to book!