Heading into the new year, I feel resolved to embrace self-care and live as stress-free as I can.

Last year I bit off more than I could chew and it came back to bite me.

Juggling a full-time job, a blog, an existing business, and a new business along with household responsibilities led to burnout.

I’m not one to ask for help and sometimes I think I’m Super Woman even though that little voice in the back of my head is telling me it’s too much. I ignored it for too long and hit rock bottom. It left me suffering from the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced. I felt like everything was collapsing on top of me and I just wanted to just quit everything, move to a cave somewhere and forget it all.

My health was declining. I had the worst brain fog and wasn’t sleeping well. I wasn’t eating well since I was here, there, and everywhere trying to keep up with the fast pace I was moving, I wasn’t ok. One day I struggled to get out of bed. It wasn’t the usual, I’m too tired or I didn’t sleep well. It was I can’t do this. My body and mental state were screaming at me and I finally took notice. It was too much.

My husband and I took some time off work and got outdoors. We spent a couple of weeks in the woods and let me tell you, it was so therapeutic! No phones, no pushy business people, no responsibilities. Just the fresh crisp air, sights, and sounds of nature.

Nothing resets me like getting outside and forgetting the world.

I might want to be, but I’m not Super Woman. I can’t do everything all at once. So I’m embracing self-care so that I don’t crash again.

Here’s how I’m doing that:

Listening to my body

Experiencing burnout made me realize that I need to listen to my body and not push it. I know I’ve mentioned how important it is to listen to your body in terms of diet, but it’s also important to listen to your body in terms of overall wellness.

Now when I start feeling overwhelmed or anxious I take a break. It could mean going outside for a bit to get some sun, or stretching. Maybe just making a cup of tea or playing with my dogs. Just some way to relax and reset.

Finding what Sparks Joy

I’m in the process of simplifying and trying to get down what I need and actually use. Using the Marie Kondo method is amazing and it not only works for household items but in every part of life.

Right now Social Media doesn’t spark joy for me so I’m limiting it.

Doing things that are refreshing or make me happy are on my self-care list this year.

Using my time wisely

Instead of trying to do everything at once, I’m learning to give each responsibility their place. Setting reasonable goals and setting schedules has helped greatly. Now I can get everything done and the quality isn’t lacking.

I’ve even started asking my husband for help on things that I can’t get to or just can’t handle. He’s been a great help.

Listening to my own advice on self-care has been helpful too! Sometimes we get so wrapped up in life and forget to take time for ourselves, so I’m getting back into my self-care routine and feel more refreshed than ever! Check out my post about self-care entitled Practicing self-care.

Another thing I’m using to get back into my self-care routine is this amazing self-care workbook by Heather the writer behind the blog See Heather Smile. The workbook features great tips and information along with worksheets to help you create self-care goals and achieve them.

Seriously you guys, head over to See Heather Smile to check it out and get yourself a copy of this workbook. It’s been really helpful for me and I know you’ll love it too! ~ (This is not an affiliate link, I just really like this book and wanted to share it with all of you)

Are you choosing self-care this year? I’d love to hear what self-care means for you in the comments!