Kick off 2024 on the Right Foot
2024 is here! Are you ready to get the new year started off on the right foot? Starting it off at home on the right foot involves creating a positive and organized environment that supports your goals and well-being. Let’s look at some suggestion to help you kick off the new year at home:
Declutter and Organize:
I know this isn’t most peoples favourite tip, but it is so important to clear out the old before we bring in the new and refresh our spaces. Plus, once you get through it, it always feels so good.
Begin small and take it one step at a time. Get rid of items you no longer need, use or love.
Organize your belongings and find designated spaces for everything to create a tidy and efficient home.
Set Goals:
Or if goals aren’t your thing and that doesn’t resonate with you, set some intentions for the year and if you want to dive even deeper how can your home help you with those intentions?
Reflect on your personal and professional goals or intentions for the year.
Create a vision board or a list of specific, achievable intentions to keep you motivated. They don’t have to be big grand intentions, simple small one work too.
Create a Cozy Space:
Make your home a comfortable and inviting place. Consider adding soft blankets, throw pillows, and warm lighting, maybe some candles to create a cozy atmosphere.
Bring in an area rug, add some plants there are so many ways to add some coziness you’re your home.
Decor Refresh:
Consider making small changes to your decor, such as rearranging furniture or adding new accessories.
Introduce elements that bring joy and inspiration, whether it's artwork, plants, or personal mementos.
After you take down the Christmas décor your home can look rather bare. Putting away all the Christmas décor can be like a blank slate to see the room with fresh eyes and it’s is a great time to move things around and try some things in new areas.
Deep Cleaning:
You don’t have to wait till Spring to do your deep clean, in some cultures it important to deep clean and sweep out the old year before welcoming in the new.
Start the year with a thorough cleaning of your home. This can include deep cleaning carpets, washing windows, and tackling any overlooked areas.
Tech Detox:
Another non favourite of many people especially if you have kids! But creating some down time from screens is important to all of us and our wellbeing.
Consider taking a break from screens and creating designated tech-free zones or times in your home. Maybe creating a space for all the tech to be left during set times like dinner, or evenings, bedtimes etc.
Use this time to engage in activities like reading, journaling, playing games together, puzzles or spending quality time with loved ones.
Health and Wellness Focus:
Getting back into routine after the holidays is a big one. I am back to my morning meditation, just a quick small time before the busy starts for me to ground and relax.
Set up a dedicated space for exercise or mindfulness activities. Doesn’t have to be a large area if you don’t have the space, it can be just a simple small area that always there and ready for you. It makes it easier to do it if its there and ready rather than having to set it up everyday.
Stock your kitchen with healthy food options and create a meal plan for the week. Make it a family affair. What meals would they like this week, what healthy snacks they would like on hand. We always have a meal list for the week but flexibility in which night each meal is depending on how the day has played out.
Personal Development Corner:
I love to read and often have a couple book on the go, from personal development to areas of interest, to pure indulgent fun reads. Not into personal development or reading that ok too. The idea is to have an area of interest and make space for it in your home and life.
Designate a space for personal development, whether it's a reading nook or a desk for learning and creativity.
Invest in books, courses, or materials that align with your interests and aspirations.
Connect with Loved Ones:
Use your home as a space to connect with family and friends. Arrange cozy gatherings, game nights, or virtual calls to stay connected.
We’ve lost a lot of this over the past few years, being isolated through the pandemic and even after. I found the world started back up at full speed and we all became so busy that gathering in the way we used to fell away.
Get back to slowing down a little and having friends over for dinner or drinks, game nights with family or friends, movie nights. Doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate just simple and time spent together connecting,
Gratitude Practice:
Being grateful an simple and easy and it doesn’t take a lot of time at all to do each day. It is a powerful and important practice we each should stive to do. Start a gratitude journal where you can jot down things, you're grateful for each day. Simply take a couple minutes before bed to be thankful all the good in you r day and life.
Display positive affirmations, quotes or images and items around your home to promote a positive mindset. This is where surrounding your self with things that you find beauty in and bring you joy help cultivate the feeling of positive grateful energy,
Remember that creating a positive home environment is a personal journey, what it will look like and feel like will be completely different for each of us. Use the suggestions here to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Starting the year with a fresh, organized, and inspiring home can set the tone for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024!