The New Year begins with gusto and many of us will return to work after enjoying a well earned break. A new beginning in 2016 beckons and there is no time like the present. We may feel inspired to take control of our life and create a fresh start. As we awaken to the idea of balance and relaxation, we call upon our emotional intelligence and appreciate there is no one, apart from ourselves, who can stop us from enjoying our life. Taking care of us must become our number one priority.

In this blog I offer a few ideas and present a little impetus for daily practice and intention.

Make a list of what you hope to achieve during the day. Finishing tasks and crossing them off the list provides us with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Drink lots of water each day. Collect beautiful glasses and drink from a variety of shapes and colours. Consider that water is a source of energy. Place bowls of water close to your work to purposefully encourage humidity.

Never skip breakfast: Breakfast restores glucose levels and enhances learning. Breakfast is the most important food of the day so try to include a variety of food groups.

Eat lots of raw food: This type of food is very nourishing and takes very little time to prepare. Raw food such as vegetables and fruit, provide glucose that boosts your blood sugar level and energises your brain.

Create a quiet place in your home with soft lights and colourful cushions. Fragrance, flowers and plants can transform a room into sensations of nurture and harmony. Of all our senses, smell has an immediate effect on our brain.

Design a calm and organised bathroom; this is a wonderful place to gather your thoughts. Your bathroom can be a sanctuary of relaxation. As you breathe in the steam from your shower, you will generate a fresh start to your day.

Clear out your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn something for 12 months, chances are you never will. Pull out the things you never wear and pass them onto people who will enjoy them today.

Meditate for 10 minutes during the day. Become aware of your breath and feel your tummy inflate and deflate. Imagine your thoughts floating away. Quietening the mind allows you to relax and rejuvenate.

Give yourself permission to breathe in between appointments; time out helps to take the pressure off. Make certain you allow at least quiet 30 minutes to yourself each day, to unwind, relax and lessen any anxiety.

Don’t be a slave to your phone. It is Ok to let the phone go to message bank now and then. Not too long ago we managed to live without our mobiles. Somehow we survived.

Consider keeping a journal. Writing things down helps to identify and clarify daily opportunities. Journaling can also reveal significant life lessons, or behavioural changes that may need attention.

Learn to say NO! Only you can understand what is causing your stress and only you can decide what is needed to fix this. Discover your cut off point and stick with this decision. Firm, clear boundaries are healthy and important for everybody.

Learn to read your partner’s language when it comes to love. For example: Some people are happier when ‘doing’ rather than talking. Become aware of your expectations. Learn to accept limitations and observe all of the nonverbal signals that could be conveying important messages.

Replace any feelings of guilt with a positive thought. Guilt manifests in nervousness, self reproach and illness. When guilt turns up, show it the door and change your circumstances.

Make a pact to learn something new this year. Commit to learning a new skill for example: painting, writing, meditation, yoga. The possibilities are endless.

Establish ritual in your daily life and act from a place of deep integrity and inner guidance. This is our best self and our relaxed state will positively influence others around us.

Connect to your inner child throughout the year; many gifted people maintain their childlike sense of wonder. Hold onto the child in your heart.

Reflect on your life each day. For example: What did I do well? How could I improve on my efforts? Ask for feedback from friends and colleagues.

Give back to the world you live in. Remember what we focus on and give our energy to will multiply. Believe that you can make a difference to life on the planet.

Find a great mentor and invest in some regular coaching. When we live and learn with other people our emotional strength and confidence is enhanced. Different perspectives enrich our world and stimulate our thinking. This year make a plan to reclaim your peaceful heart and book in for some coaching.