Science Care newsletter

As December draws to a close, it is normal to reflect on the past months and look forward to what’s ahead in the new year. For many, a new year feels like a clean slate—a chance to create change, try new things, and improve. For others, the new year can feel full of pressure, sadness at moving forward without people you love, or loneliness from a difficult holiday season. What if instead of setting strict resolutions that may feel overwhelming or rigid, we focus on setting intentions for the coming year?

​​​​​Intentions are more flexible than resolutions. They aren’t about perfection but guiding your actions with purpose and mindfulness.

Here’s how to set meaningful intentions for the year ahead:

Take Time to Reflect

• What brought you joy?
• What challenges helped you grow?
• What habits, people, or activities no longer serve you?
  ​​​​Take a few moments to jot down these thoughts. Acknowledging the highs and lows can help you clarify what you want to carry forward or leave behind.

Focus on Feelings Over Outcomes

Instead of saying, “I will lose 10 pounds” or “I’ll save $10,000,” think about how you want to feel. Feelings are powerful motivators and often more meaningful than numbers. Here are some examples to get you started: 

• “I want to feel healthier and more energetic.”
• “I want to feel secure and prepared for the future.”
• “I want to feel connected to the people I love.”

Set Intentions that Matter

Consider separating your intentions into categories to make them more focused and actionable.

• Health: “I will nourish my body with foods that make me feel good and move in ways I enjoy.”
• Relationships: “I will reach out to friends and family more often to deepen our relationships.”
• Personal Growth: “I will explore new hobbies that spark joy and curiosity.”

Create Gentle Reminders

To keep your intentions in mind, try these strategies:

• Write them down in a journal or on sticky notes where you’ll see them daily.
• Set a recurring reminder on your phone.
• Share your intentions with a friend for mutual encouragement.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Throughout the year, revisit your intentions and celebrate any progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Life is unpredictable, and it’s okay if your intentions change throughout the year. Take time to recognize the effort you've put in. 

Shifting your focus to intentions rather than rigid goals can help you approach the new year with a sense of possibility, self-compassion, and excitement. Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and purpose!

While grief is constantly changing, you may find that the upcoming holidays intensify your feelings of grief and loss. It may feel instinctual to avoid your feelings of grief or pretend that everything is fine, but that might not be the best course of action in the long run.

The caring team at Science Care has gathered a list of ideas to honor your loved one during the holiday season: 

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Science Care is the first donate-your-body-to-science program accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB,) the organization that sets the ethical standards for the safety and use of donated tissue. Science Care links individuals who choose body donation to science with medical researchers and educators who work to improve the quality of life for all of us.

To better understand who we are and what we do, read this blog:

READ MORE

Science Care is the first donate-your-body-to-science program accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB,) the organization that sets the ethical standards for the safety and use of donated tissue. Science Care links individuals who choose body donation to science with medical researchers and educators who work to improve the quality of life for all of us.

To better understand who we are and what we do, read this blog:

READ MORE