The Year Is Almost Over--Have You Told Yourself Thank You Yet?
As the year is coming to a close, it’s natural to reflect and recognize how the year had its highs and lows. Winds of change occurred during this year and your daily life most likely changed significantly. You might have dealt with some type of loss or started a new, fruitful chapter in your life. Either way, in between, you’ve nurtured friendships and relationships, devoted yourself to work, and put in hours to take care of your home, and probably so much more. To round out the year, you can also take some time to thank yourself for all the time, energy, and effort you’ve put into the past 365 days.
It’s important to recognize your accomplishments and show yourself gratitude. Whether it was a good year, a rough year, an uneventful year, or even better—one of your best years to date. Remember to say “thank you” to yourself this year! Here are a few ideas to end the year on an even higher note.
Go on A Staycation
A fun way to say thank you to yourself is by booking a staycation. You can reserve a cozy Airbnb in the mountains or a boutique hotel room downtown. During the staycation, choose whatever you’d like to do, but sometimes a quick change in environment can help you feel more relaxed. Most importantly, a staycation can help you focus more on yourself and gives you days to unwind exactly how you want to. Bring your favorite aromatherapy candle to help create a more calming mood.
Try our simple guide on how to plan your next staycation and fun ways to make it more memorable.
Go Out for a Nice Dinner
Have you ever taken out a friend or a family member as a thank you gift? Why not give that gift to yourself? Consider looking into a new restaurant that you want to eat at or even try a new cuisine. If you are craving a specific dish or meal from your favorite restaurant, take yourself on a solo date and treat yourself.
Let yourself indulge this one evening with an appetizer, entree, dessert, and even a cocktail (if that’s your thing). Don’t limit yourself on this one night, especially if it makes you feel good! You deserve to thank yourself by filling your tummy with delicious food. Surely, your heart will feel full with this easy, thank-you gift, too!
Write a “Thank You” Letter to Yourself
Before the end of the year, take some time to write a “thank you” letter to yourself. While you write the letter, think of some happy memories from the past year. However, also thank yourself for getting through these tough times and express gratitude for getting through it. This might have been a situation where you had to make a difficult decision or create a boundary to protect your peace of mind.
You should be your own best friend and writing a kind, loving letter to express a “thank you” is one simple way to do so. Choose sweet words and remember to be gentle with yourself. Writing this letter can accompany the other options on this list, too. This simple letter can have a positive impact on your well-being as you look back on the year.
Buy Yourself Something Nice
Is there something that you’ve been eyeing for a while? Maybe that silky dress, the comfy pajama set, new pots and pans, those running shoes, or even that designer purse? It can even be as simple as buying a bouquet from a local florist. Whatever it is, make sure it brings you joy and you feel good about the purchase.
You most likely have given gifts as a thank you to friends, co-workers, and family, so don’t forget that you can buy something nice for yourself, too. Don’t feel guilty for splurging a bit either because it is a common way of expressing gratitude to anyone, especially yourself for getting through a tough year.
Hug Yourself & Admire Your Body
Who doesn’t like hugs and cuddles? Truly, this could be done every day, but if you realized you haven’t done this in a while—do it before the end of the year. Wrap your arms around you and hold them there for at least 10 seconds. After you hug yourself, take a look in the mirror and kindly compliment your body. Don’t hold back! You can also simply say, “Thank you for my long legs,” “Thank you for my healthy and strong body,” or “Thank you for my beautiful eyes.”
It can be anything, but take the time to thank your body and show some appreciation for getting through the year physically, spiritually, and personally. This simple act of gratitude can be a new addition to your own personal self-care routine.
Spend a Whole Day in Nature
Take the day off and surround yourself with nature. Depending on where you are, you can spend a warm day at the beach to soak your body in the water, plan a picnic at a grassy park surrounded by trees, or plan a full day of hiking. Whatever you prefer, know that you have options and follow what makes you feel good.
Even if you’re not a person who likes to spend time outdoors, many people feel rejuvenated and recharged by being in the quiet of nature. Not only is this one way to give thanks to yourself, you can even show gratitude to Mother Earth!
Rest, Rest, Rest
I repeat: "Rest, rest, rest." Resting is just as important as doing and taking action. Before the year ends, take a day off to rest and enjoy a day to yourself as a way of saying thank you. Allowing yourself to rest is a practical, affordable, and a refreshing thank you gift. It truly can positively impact your whole well-being.
For you, this year may have felt exhausting, busy, or felt like it focused more on others, rather than yourself. So, choose a day to rest and enjoy your own company. You can also choose to turn off any phone notifications for a social media break if that will help you relax, but setting aside this time to rest and recharge is a comforting way to give yourself a big, ol’ thank you.
Eat Your Favorite Meal
Delicious food has a distinct way of making our whole being feel warm inside and out—from our stomaches, hearts, and souls. This often happens when we are eating one of our favorite foods and giving yourself this feeling is another easy way of saying thank you.
One day, think of your favorite food, dessert, or even meal and treat yourself to it. This meal can also be a family recipe that can only be made at home, so if you enjoy cooking and you know this meal can’t be bought anywhere, make time in your busy schedule to prepare it. Giving yourself this experience is another way to express gratitude for getting through the year!
Share Time With Your Friends and Family
As we get older, our lives seem to get busier and it can often feel like we are trapped in our daily routines. If you have noticed that you haven’t spent much time with your friends, family, or other loved ones this year, maybe that is just what you need to do to give yourself a big thank you.
Enjoying time with them can look like going out to brunch with your best friend to catch up over mimosas or maybe having your parents over for a home-cooked dinner. Sometimes spending time with the people who keep us grounded and remind us of how great we are can feel like a warm hug. So, thank yourself by sharing time with people who make you feel good!
Do Something Fun
“Fun” is relative and everyone has their definition of what they like to do. Some enjoyable activities could mean reading a book, listening to new music, going out for a run, attending a live concert, or binge-watching a Netflix series. Either way, deciding to set some time aside to do something fun for yourself is an easy way to tell yourself thank you and express love and gratitude.
Any of these can be practiced daily, but we often don’t make time. So, before the end of the year, create an opportunity to practice self-care and value yourself. Choose one (or even three or four) of these options to thank yourself for getting through the past year. In addition to giving thanks, shower yourself with some love and appreciation for where you are and any progress you’ve made. Saying thank you for finishing off the year will have you feeling even more ready for the year to come!
