Get creative – creativity is so important and helpful when it comes to self-care.  This can be as easy as getting an adult coloring book or making a new music playlist for yourself to listen to (and sing with) in the car.

You could take a class in art/music/photography (and many others) or pick up that instrument that you haven’t touched in a few….weeks? or maybe….decades?

I also recommend creating a Vision Board for the New Year – what are you wishing to add into your life that might be inspirational or motivational for you?  You could use pictures from magazines or go to Pinterest and find images that you build into your own collage on the computer and print out when you feel ready.

You could also start writing a blog or journaling to tap into and express your creative juices.

Opening up to a creative process (remember, it’s not about the product) can help replenish your energy and help you express your emotions in a healthy and helpful way.  How are you creative?  Are you interested in trying something new with your creativity?  Even if you don’t think of yourself as a creative person, you might surprise yourself once you get started.  Give yourself time to explore and be kind/compassionate with yourself along the way.

Kimberly Atwood is a licensed psychotherapist and certified sex therapist working in private practice in Princeton, NJ.  She also provides online therapy with clients living in Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.  She specializes in sexual health, intimacy and relationship issues.  For more information, please check out her website.