December 2023

New Years Resolution To Take Charge in 2024 As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s our chance to pause, reflect, and envision where we want to be in the future. Now, New Year resolutions often get a bad rap for setting unrealistic goals or adding unnecessary pressure, but let’s flip the script. The Velma Carter Centre team is excited to stand beside you on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and well-being. Our resolutions for 2024 are not just aspirations but a commitment to support the incredible Black women in our community. Let’s redefine resolutions, making them about gradual shifts that align with your unique journey. No Pressure Start Small Starting small might mean resetting our sleep schedule, giving ourselves a bedtime. It could involve organizing our space, tackling one room at a time, beginning with the closet and moving on to the kitchen.    Or perhaps, it’s as straightforward as taking control of our thoughts, infusing our mornings with inspiring quotes and affirmations. These achievable resolutions are about relieving stress, reducing anxiety, and enhancing our overall well-being without piling on more pressure.   When it comes to organizing your space, especially for those with ADHD, it’s essential to find approaches tailored to individual needs. Regular cleaning lists might not resonate, but there are ADHD-specific resources that can make a significant difference. Here are some cleaning tips for those who have ADHD. Check out this free printable cleaning checklist that provides a list of suggested tasks and a blank checklist that can be customized. New Year’s Habits Building Start a Gratitude Journal Taking a few minutes each day to list things, people, and events we’re grateful for can revitalize us. It recharges and refreshes, and a couple of minutes a day can make all the difference. Make Time for Loved Ones In the hustle of daily life, spending quality time with loved ones can take a backseat. This year, let’s consciously carve out one-on-one time, whether through monthly dinners or weekly FaceTime check-ins. Build a Better Budget Saving more money is a resolution that pays off in the long run. Outline a budget that works for you and find apps to make the process painless. Rethink when and how you buy things to save more effectively. Practice Mindfulness In a world that often feels overwhelming, mindfulness is our anchor. It means being grateful for the moment, appreciating where we are, and who we are right now. Committing to mindfulness can make us better individuals in less than a year. Cook Something New Each Week Eating healthier is a common goal, but let’s add variety. Choose an easy dinner recipe you’ve never tried before, at least once a week. Read More Books January is the perfect time to snuggle up with a new book. Join a book club or connect with friends to discuss the best pages you’ve read. Our stories connect us, and books are the vessels that carry them. Create a Cleaning Schedule Tidying up without a weekly deep clean is possible. Carolyn Forté, a cleaning expert, has a printable checklist to keep your house in order without sacrificing your weekends. Drink Less Alcohol Cut back and join the sober, curious movement. It not only improves mood, sleep, and skin but also saves money in the long run. Commit to a Healthier Sleep Routine Poor sleep affects various aspects of our lives. Take charge of your sleep by mastering key habits as the year progresses.   Prioritize Annual Health Screenings  Open your calendar app (or planner!) and make your appointments for the year in one sitting — not only will you get the anxiety-inducing nuisance over with, but exams will be less likely to get squeezed out as life gets wild. Start with your primary care provider, and ask which screenings (e.g., mammogram, colonoscopy) you’re due for. Exercise Your Brain  Scientists are always learning more about how humans work to stave off cognitive decline. Games can play a role in this. Researchers at Duke University found that solving simple math problems feels like a reward, helping to curb negative feelings. Become a Plant Owner  Swing by the garden center after brunch this weekend. Just the presence of indoor plants can lower human stress levels, and actively caring for plants calms the autonomic nervous system and lowers blood pressure. Take the Stairs  Take 10 minutes to run up the stairs in your office, home, or nearby park. A published study in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that tired individuals who climbed stairs for 10 minutes got a bigger energy boost than those who had the caffeine equivalent of a can of soda or half a cup of coffee (and burned calories too!). Plan a Vacation  Women who vacation at least twice a year have a lower heart attack risk than those who do so rarely. Even thinking about an upcoming trip can boost happiness for weeks. Head to a Day Spa Treat yourself — and for good reason. Research indicates that spa services, particularly intensive massages, are effective in managing stress-related cortisol levels while boosting your serotonin. Make Time for Cuddling Cuddling is often underestimated for its ability to bolster physical intimacy. Relationship experts say cuddling can help you feel more connected to your partner than ever. Drink Up You know you need to hydrate — but it’s especially important when you get only six hours of sleep (or less!). Chill Out Literally — start working on letting go of all that anger! Constantly feeling angry can lead to less than desirable long-term effects on your holistic health. Jumpstart a New Career If this is your year to switch gears, there are ways that career experts say you can successfully negotiate what you need to stay happy at work. An executive coach can provide amazing guidance for a career switch. Consider Therapy Reach out to a care provider and consider therapy to unpack your mental health. Get in a Body-Positive Mindset Embrace all shapes, sizes, colours, strengths,