2025 Phrase of the Yr

Pleased New Yr! It’s time to unveil my 2025 phrase and replicate on the intentions set for the yr forward.

It’s been custom to decide on a theme phrase of the yr. I began doing this in 2016, and selecting a phrase has made for a enjoyable option to flip the web page on every new yr. Whereas very like resolutions, the phrases are sometimes forgotten a number of months later, I do think about this annual occasion an incredible timestamp. Take into account it a marker of the vibe on the primary of yearly. Once you take a look at the listing under, you possibly can see how the vibe has advanced!

Previous Phrases

Earlier than we get to this yr, we have now to have a look again on the earlier years’ phrases.

2016 – PRESENT

2017 – INTENTIONAL

2018 – VULNERABLE

2019 – PURPOSE

2020 – VISION

2021 – FOUNDATION

2022 – FRESH

2023 – CREATIVE

2024 – EXPAND

And this yr’s phrase is….

R E L A X.

It may not come as a shock that this phrase got here to thoughts throughout a therapeutic massage. However the irony is that as I used to be deeply relaxed having my shoulders dug into, I used to be truly going over my to-do listing. I knew penning this put up was arising, and I began to think about a phrase.

That is so on-brand for me, an overthinker, who has a tough time turning my mind OFF. I’m consistently multitasking and dealing forward “so I can loosen up,” however when the relief time comes, I’m considering forward to the subsequent factor!

Thus, my purpose this yr is to really work on strengthening the loosen up muscle.

A Failed Calm down Intention

A few yr in the past, I had the concept of setting apart the half-hour earlier than I needed to meet the varsity bus for some me-time to reset my mind earlier than the afternoon of overstimulating kids. This could possibly be time to have a cup of tea or learn a number of pages of my e-book.

However are you able to guess what number of days I’ve deliberately achieved this? Nearly none. Practically day by day I’m doing one thing productive till my Pirates of the Caribbean bus alarm goes off, whether or not that’s work or family associated. Stress-free shouldn’t be one thing I’m good at due to the unconscious guilt for the dearth of productiveness. These are ingrained beliefs that I’m working to undo.

Shifting Time

This yr, I’d prefer to prioritize not losing time in order that I’ve extra time for intentional stress-free. I do numerous busy work that makes me really feel productive however isn’t (like checking my YNAB finances to see if something has occurred for the reason that morning 🙂 ). Doom scrolling Instagram is one other time waster that wants enchancment. However I even have some nice methods arrange in order that my e mail and digital life is engaged on auto-pilot (Extra on that right here!).

The place A Extra Relaxed Mindset Has Sunk In

My mother will inform you that having youngsters has relaxed me some. Earlier than youngsters, I used to be extra sort A, extra in management. As a result of I could possibly be! I had the time and the psychological power to do issues like plan each meal, weblog 3x a day (!), or comply with an inventory/schedule to a T.

However after having youngsters, you lose numerous that management. Caring for another person who’s unpredictable requires excessive flexibility. Parenting wears me out a lot mentally that when it’s time to do issues like plan the annual household seaside journey meals I reply, “something is ok with me!”

My home is messier than ever with two youngsters who love their Lego villages and slime kits, and I’ve discovered to dwell with it relatively than consistently combating the mess. (Not that I don’t have them tidy up, however the requirements have been lowered, lol). However that doesn’t imply I’m relaxed about it both.

2025 Priorities

This yr I’d prefer to prioritize:

Sluggish walks
Studying fiction
Going exterior to sit down in nature
Sauna on the fitness center / sauna blanket at dwelling
Meditation in small bites
Listening to soothing music
Puzzles
Spa days when potential!
Much less time wasted / extra time deliberately stress-free

I understand this phrase of the yr comes from a spot of privilege. You’ll be able to’t loosen up if you happen to’re frightened about placing meals on the desk or a well being scare. I’m extraordinarily grateful for the place we’re in our lives, and I don’t take that flippantly.

But in addition, this complete nation could be very excessive strung proper now, and I really feel everybody may use some intentional lightness. There are many free methods to assist your thoughts unwind. Getting exterior as a lot as potential, even in these chilly winter days, to breathe within the contemporary air, is one of the best ways to loosen up I can consider that we as a species can do collectively.

Nutrition

2025 Phrase of the Yr • Kath Eats