I am no mental health expert so I want to preface this episode by saying that if you are struggling with your mental health in any way shape or form, please know there is a whole network of support out there to help you on your journey. You are not alone in what you are experiencing and there is always light at the end of the tunnel even you can't see it right now, it's there. Take it from someone who battled depression in her teens and early twenties.

It goes without saying, I still experience ups and downs, everyone does, but because of my past, I'm deeply invested in my mental health and finding new ways to support my own wellbeing.

I hope that by sharing these less common forms of self-care that aren't heavily broadcasted, you might discover something that actually works for you.

Ever purchased a planner and stopped using it by the last week of January?

Believe me when I say, you are not alone. You can take a little comfort knowing that it's actually pretty common.

So, what do you do when the "new year" enthusiasm starts to fade away?

Start implementing these simple tips to ensure you stay organised and empowered all year round.

This will be the last episode of the season until we kick off season 3 on 12 January 2023.

To wrap up season 2 of The Saint Belford podcast, I'm going to share five snippets from the most popular episodes of the season.

Download and print our 2022 Reflection Exercise: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2170/8175/files/Saint_Belford_End_of_Year_Reflection.pdf

This is the same reflection exercise you'll find on the last few pages of Curation 2022.

How to write and leverage the power of affirmations: https://www.saintbelford.com.au/blogs/blog/how-to-leverage-the-power-of-affirmations

These are the words and messages I desperately needed to hear when I was pregnant with my first but even now that I'm pregnant with my second, I still need these reminders to shift my mindset and protect my mental wellbeing.

So I genuinely hope what I'm about to say will encourage a generous dose of self-kindness, self-love and self-care when you need it most.

Shop Curation 2023 Diary now: www.saintbelford.com.au

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I think we can all agree that the addiction we have to our phones is real and deadly.

I always feel digitally hungover after spending a long amount of time in front of a screen, especially when that screen is my phone. It's probably because my neck is craned forward, my shoulders are hunched over and well, my brain goes into overdrive with all the content I'm consuming at such a rapid pace.

But even with the unappealing consequences of excessive screen time, not to mention, the amount of time it steals from more important things, I am like the moth to a flame and I know I'm not alone here.

So, I want to share what's worked for me. I want to share 3 simple ways to reduce your screen time dramatically so you can spend more time in the real world and take back control over your time.

Shop Curation 2023 Diary now: https://www.saintbelford.com.au

With all the extra curricular activities the holiday season brings, like battling shopping centre crowds, buying the perfect gifts, spending more than future you would appreciate, not to mention managing your overflowing social calendar alongside work commitments and general life admin, you probably feel like time is your enemy and surrendering to the chaos is the only way to get through this season.

But, I promise you it's not. You have a choice. So, to help replace the chaos with a little more calm and composure, I want to share my favourite self-care tips to get you through the silly season without burning out.

Shop Curation 2023—the all-in-one lifestyle planner that seamlessly blends everyday tasks with self-care, habits, mindfulness, gratitude and goals. www.saintbelford.com.au

As you move through different seasons of life, your self-care practices will naturally evolve. You may drop certain rituals and pick up other practices that feel more aligned with your needs.

When your self-care practices no longer nourish you or provide the benefits it once did, treat it as a sign to explore new activities and rituals.

We know it can be a little daunting to shy away from what's familiar. If you're feeling added resistance because you're unsure where to begin, then you'll appreciate this episode all the more because I'm going to share 6 self-care rituals that you can try at home.

Who knows, you might just stumble upon your new favourite self-care ritual.

Apologies about the audio quality on this episode. We'll be back to HD audio next week!

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When was the last time you stopped to acknowledge your progress?

Your achievements? Your milestones? Your personal growth?

I'm not just talking about achieving those big picture goals either. I'm talking about the little wins that are so easy to overlook because they don't necessarily qualify for the highlight reel on Instagram.

Like achieving a 7-day streak for a habit you've been struggling to build. Or choosing to uphold your boundaries and saying no for the first time. Or staying calm when you feel triggered by someone's thoughtless comments. These are all forms of progress worthy of celebration. After all, it's all those little wins that ultimately allow you to achieve those big picture goals.