It’s January, and that means a fresh start in many ways. You’ve got a new school term, a clear calendar and a fresh set of goals to guide you through 2018. It is the perfect time of year to start taking care of yourself!

You may be hearing the term wellness thrown around a lot. While the term wellness literally means “the state of being in good health,” it can be used to refer to a variety of things that improve your quality of life. Consider how you can kick off 2018 with a little self-care in some of the areas below.

• Physical Wellness: Whether you want to be more intentional about your nutritional choices or spend more time breaking a sweat, taking care of your physical wellness can boost your confidence. It may even lead to a new hobby! Listen to your body, and give it what it needs. This also means getting enough sleep. ????
• Digital Wellness: Do you ever find that you’re spending too much time on social media or are too attached to your phone? Consider disconnecting from your apps after a certain time each night, or turn your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ during class or work. You might notice increased focus or creativity when you unplug!
• Mental Wellness: If you’re feeling stressed, try some healthy coping methods like journaling, working out or talking to a friend. If you feel like professional assistance is what you need, look into counseling services near you. If your mental wellness is already in pretty good shape, do something you love regularly to keep it there!
• Spiritual Wellness: We each have something different that centers us. It might be your religious faith, nature or even meditation. Whatever it is that grounds you – prioritize that in 2018.
• Social Wellness: Spending time with friends and having fun with loved ones can be good for the soul! Look for opportunities to connect with others in new ways. Plan a coffee date, go bowling or take a yoga class together. These experiences can allow you to get to know someone in a different light.

The best part about seeking personal wellness is that when you improve in one area it can positively impact another.  Improving your digital wellness by putting the phone down can also improve your mental wellness by giving your brain a break from technology! What are your best tips for improving your own wellness? What are your goals for 2018? Share with your KD sisters using the hashtag #KDCoffee.