Thank you again to Harry Cline of New Caregiver for providing another great guest post! Today he shares with us ways your wish list can help you with your personal goals.
As a reminder, Harry is working on a book, The A-Z Home Care Book. I can’t wait to check it out!
The holidays are upon us once again, and you’ve likely been bombarded with the question, “What do you want this year?” If you’re tired of giving generic answers to friends and family about what gifts you’d like, here are some holiday ideas that aim to give your life a boost and make you a better person.
Organize Yourself
In this world, there are some people who seem to naturally excel at self-management. Let’s face it, though, most of us can stand for more organization in our lives. Since that is the case, why not ask for a little extra help this holiday season? Calendars, planners, and desk organizers are all great gift ideas if you find yourself constantly losing important documents or second-guessing your upcoming work schedule. While adding these gifts to your wish list, organize and declutter your home to inject some much-needed order into your daily routine.
Read a Book
When you were growing up, your teachers probably stressed the importance of reading. Even as an adult, reading still has many benefits, such as broadening your mind and sharpening your focus. Reading also can be a relaxing way to escape the daily rat race and dive into a place where your mind is free to explore. There are tons of new great books that have captured the imaginations of new and long-time readers alike, and there’s a good chance that you’ve missed at least some of the titles on the many lists of Best Books Ever Written. With so many genres available, there’s really something out there for everyone.
Continue Learning
If you’re looking to change careers or make yourself more marketable, getting a degree could significantly boost your earning potential. Online programs provide you the flexibility to continue working your current job while you learn, and you’ll be able to get started at a time of your choosing. This year, ask loved ones to make a contribution toward your education.
Unleash Your Inner Chef
If your kitchen feels more like a staging area for your microwave and refrigerator, then you might be relying too much on quick and easy meal options. While ordering dinner out or popping something in the microwave may seem more convenient, you could be missing out on key nutrients. Make 2021 the Year of the Chef by adding a meal delivery subscription to your wish list. These meal delivery services ship the ingredients right to your door with step-by-step instructions that make cooking a full-course meal easy and fun. Just choose what meals you want and how many people you want to serve, and they’ll send you everything you need. You’ll be amazed at what you can do in the kitchen and might even discover that cooking is a brand-new passion for you to explore.
Learn to Play an Instrument
If you’ve ever been curious about learning to play an instrument such as the guitar, now might be a good time to ask for the gift of music in your life. Learning to play an instrument is a great mental exercise that can develop your creativity and ability to express yourself. In addition, learning an instrument also leads to a deep feeling of accomplishment. There are plenty of guitars perfect for beginners. With so many different apps and lessons online, you can practice virtually anywhere and anytime you like. Impress friends and family by playing your favorite songs, or perhaps even write a few songs of your own.
Add Coloring to Your Life
Life can be stressful, and it’s easy to let anxiety and stress get in the way of what truly matters. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and close yourself off from the stress. Today, there are lots of ways you can achieve mental balance in your daily life, but did you know that maybe all you really need to relax is just to sit down and color? That’s right, coloring is a relaxing activity that you can do at any point during the day, at home, at work, or even on your commute. Adult activity books are becoming more popular as more people than ever before are experiencing the calming, meditative effects of coloring. Perhaps a new set of colored pencils and some coloring books are items you should add to your wish list this year.
Anyone can ask for a new sweater or pair of socks, but what if you want something more? While clothing items certainly make fine presents, the gifts listed above are meant to add new depth and color into your life. If you’re struggling to think of what you’d like this holiday season, why not ask for something that improves your life and makes you a better person?
Resiliency Mental Health offers mental health classes, articles, and resources for mental health professionals, teachers, and parents.