By: Charis Torrance
Mid-year is the ideal time to pause, reflect, and realign your energy. “Self-care begins with calm and clarity, unique to your path,” says Dora Pelizzari, wellness therapist and life skills coach at Dora P Therapy in KwaZulu-Natal.
Her mid-year wellness checklist offers a mindful, practical approach to reconnect with yourself, encouraging presence, intention, and a renewed focus on your core values.
Begin with a Life Audit
Dora suggests asking yourself:
• Am I getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious food?
• Do I wake up feeling refreshed?
• Is my inner dialogue calm or chaotic?
• Are my top three priorities reflected in how I spend my time?
She also recommends evaluating your digital habits. “Is your screen time serving your clarity, or clouding it?” Dora advises swapping endless scrolling for her “three anchors”: nature, connection, and movement – key to mental clarity and emotional vitality.
Build Emotional Awareness
Emotional regulation is essential to self-care. “When we feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment, we access a space of unconditional love,” Dora explains.
Small Rituals, Big Reset
Incorporate grounding moments, soothing Epsom salt baths, gratitude journaling, and morning reflections to create daily anchors. “Protect your energy like it matters, because it does,” she adds.
Schedule What Nourishes You
Plan movement sessions, stock nourishing foods, and connect with uplifting people. End your audit with the question: “Is my calendar aligned with my values?” If not, this is your cue to reset.
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