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It's the year 2023 and after the last two years we've all been on this planet, many people are not in the mood to set goals. In fact, for many of us, perhaps the best advice right now is to just sit back and get better at doing nothing. (Seriously, this is NPR giving you permission to relax. It's for your own good. However, if you find yourself taking stock of your life and health and looking for ideas to start over, die holds science your back.
Here are some evidence-based suggestions from recent NPR health reports that might help you refresh your mind and body. The best part? These ideas have less to do with willpower and more to do with finding a new motivation for self-care. better this year with less self-criticism!
1) Set healthy boundaries to protect your energy
Referring to Shonda Rhimes' 2016 bestseller "Year of Yes," Broadway podcast host and producer Zach Stafford is calling 2023 his "Year of Maybe." Saying yes to everything is exhausting," Stafford said on his podcast, Vibe Check.
Many people may gain advantage from setting boundaries around however we tend to pay our time and energy, however we frequently worry concerning how others may feel if we are saying "no thanks."
expert Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, notice Peace – talked to NPR' Life Kit team about navigating this difficult territory. Her tips include:
- Check for signs, love a surge in anxiety, that indicate you would possibly would like a boundary.
- If an exponent desires to attach and you're not within the right headspace, say that and decision them back later.
- Say no to requests that you just don't even have the time or energy to fulfill.
🌿 How to Take Care of Yourself in 2023 Without Pressure or Self-Criticism
After the last two challenging years we’ve all lived through, it’s completely normal to feel unmotivated to set big goals.
In fact, sometimes the best advice is to slow down and get better at doing nothing.
(Yes — even NPR gives you permission to relax. It’s good for your health.)
Still, if you find yourself reflecting on your life, health, and well-being, science is on your side.
Here are evidence-based ideas from recent NPR health reports that can help you refresh your mind and body — with less pressure and more compassion.
1️⃣ Set Healthy Boundaries to Protect Your Energy
In her book Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes encouraged people to say “yes” more often.
But in 2023, podcast host and producer Zach Stafford calls this his “Year of Maybe.”
“Saying yes to everything is exhausting.”
Many of us struggle with how we spend our time and energy, often worrying about how others might feel if we say “no.”
Relationship and boundaries expert Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, shared helpful guidance with NPR’s Life Kit team.
✨ Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries:
Pay attention to warning signs like sudden anxiety or emotional fatigue — they often signal a need for boundaries.
If someone wants to connect and you’re not in the right headspace, say so honestly and suggest talking later.
Say no to requests when you don’t have the time or energy to meet them.
Remember: Protecting your energy is not selfish — it’s necessary.
💡 Final Thought
Self-care doesn’t require extreme discipline or willpower.
It’s about:
Awareness
Kindness toward yourself
Healthy boundaries that protect your mental and emotional ener