As the year winds down, taking time to reflect on your well-being, experiences, and accomplishments can help you reset and recharge. This kind of intentional pause not only allows you to appreciate your growth but also helps prevent burnout as you prepare for the new year ahead. The American Psychiatric Association explains how incorporating practices like journaling and mindfulness have been proven to build resilience and foster a stronger sense of authenticity and balance in daily life. The American Counseling Association highlights the importance of intentional self-care strategies, including reconnecting with personal values and creating healthy boundaries. Many mental health–focused organizations like Mental Health America emphasize the value of intentional mental resets, encouraging practices like gratitude exercises and sufficient mental and physical rest. Together, these practices support overall well-being and help create a clear, balanced foundation for the year to come.

What is Self-Reflection and How to Practice It - https://productive.fish/blog/self-reflection/ 

Taking time for self-reflection is critical for maintaining health and promoting personal growth. Research indicates that nearly 77% of employees will have experienced burnout at some point in their careers; this highlights the importance of consistently exercising self-care. PBS Education notes that even just ten minutes of daily mindfulness can significantly reduce stress while strengthening internal motivation. Likewise, strategies recommended by the American Counseling Association have been linked to improved overall well-being. 

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December also offers an opportunity to put reflection and recharge into action through Volunteer Day. After a full year of hard work, giving back to the community allows you to reflect on the impact you have made and look at the value that drives your efforts. Research shows that volunteering can boost both mental and physical well-being, with many people reporting higher life satisfaction. Engaging in Volunteer Day not only benefits your own mental health but also contributes to the well-being of others. By ending the year with gratitude and service, we reinforce positive intentions and set the stage for entering the new year with renewed energy and perspective. Looking to get involved? Click here for volunteer opportunities near you!

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References:

American Counseling Association. (n.d.). 4 steps to refresh, recharge, and reconnect. Counseling Today Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/legacy/4-steps-to-refresh--recharge-and-reconnect

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Preventing Burnout: Protecting Your Well-Being. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/APA-Blogs/Preventing-Burnout-Protecting-Your-Well-being

American Psychiatric Association Foundation. (n.d.). Beating burnout at work infographic. Workplace Mental Health. Retrieved from https://workplacementalhealth.org/getmedia/e2006b43-e52e-489c-a5f2-b83f39bbeae2/Beating-Burnout-at-Work-Infographic

Mental Health America. (2025). Holiday harmony: Mindfully reset your mental well-being.
Retrieved from https://mhanational.org/calendar/holiday-harmony-mindfully-reset-your-mental-well-being/ 

PBS Education. (n.d.). The 3 Rs for teacher self-care: Reflect, release, recharge. PBS Education. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/education/blogs/voices-in-education/the-3-rs-for-teacher-selfcare-reflect-release-recharge

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). (n.d.). How Giving to Others Can Boost Mental and Physical Health. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/how-giving-to-others-can-boost-mental-and-physical-health

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