With the new year comes goals, it’s like a fresh start. Cue the people starting crash diets, getting gym memberships, and pledging to save more money. Most of our “goals” for the new year fall to the wayside by February. The gym memberships sit unused and the diet only lasted a few weeks. In year’s past I was one of these people jumping on the bandwagon and starting that diet January 1. This year I have decided to take a different approach to the new year, I want to do things that feed my soul and that I find enriching. I think an important key to creating habits is to find something you can enjoy. Today we are chatting about self care habits to start ASAP to kick the new year off right.
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What is Self Care
WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”. Essentially, the term describes a conscious act a person takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health. Specific forms of self-care have also been linked to different health and wellness benefits, including a longer life.
Types of Self Care
There are quite a few types of self care and each one is important.
- Physical self Care: We know that we need to take care of our bodies to maintain our overall health and well being. These are things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and physical activity, both of which have been proven to have a positive impact on our mental health as well as our physical health.
- Mental Self Care: what you think about greatly influences your psychological well-being. If we are constantly thinking negative thoughts we are unhappy and unfulfilled. Being kind to yourself and practicing self acceptance and self compassion is key to mental self care, so is manifesting. We also love journaling which can help us create positive thoughts- try the Five Minute Journal this one is our fav.
- Social Self Care: We know that humans need interaction with other’s it’s essential. In recent years due to the covid pandemic this has become very difficult for people and our mental health as a collective has suffered. Spending time around positive people and people you love is a form of self care.
- Emotional Self Care: Emotional self-care may include activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings regularly and safely. It’s important that we know to how healthily cope with difficult emotions like anger, grief and sadness. This could be taking to a therapist to help you work through certain feelings.
- Spiritual Self Care: This can but doesn’t have to involve religion, spiritual practices can help enrich our lives.
Benefits of Self Care
- Helps improve overall happiness
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps increase energy
- Reduces depression
- Decreases burnout
- Prevents disease
Self Care Habits to Start ASAP
Be a more mindful consumer
I am guilty of rushing to Zara to but the latest trend only for it to sit in the back of my closet with the tags still on. This year I am really going to be mindful with my purchases- my motto quality over quantity and classic not trendy. Not only is this more environmentally conscious your wallet will Thank you too.
Get a skincare routine
Glowing skin is always in style. It’s time to create a killer AM and PM skincare routine and stick to it. If you have the money going to see a skincare expert can be a great place to start, they can help determine your skin type and address any skincare concerns. There are also lots of online skincare quizzes you can take! Some of our favourite brands are the Ordinary & Herbivore.
Start Stretching
Most of us are sitting at a computer for hours a day which is so bad for our bodies, and I’m guilty of this as well. A 10-15 minute stretching routine in the morning starts the day off right. There are lots of routines on Youtube to try!
Write in a Journal
Journaling is something that I want to start this year. It allows us to reflect on how we are feeling and what we are grateful for. I love the Five Minute Journal it’s super quick with some great prompts.
Talk to yourself nicely
It’s true what they say that we are our own worst critics, and our inner voice can be harsh. Try to change the way you talk to and about yourself, focus on being positive and kind- you are trying your best. Stop yourself when you notice that you are being critical.
Cook A Favourite Recipe
Turn on Netflix, pour yourself a glass of wine, and make your favourite recipe. It doesn’t have to be fancy- maybe just a simple pasta but something that you really enjoy. Don’t count calories or scold yourself for a second helping. Really enjoy the meal!
Read a Good Book
This is a favourite of mine, you can leave your world behind and escape to a new one. Over the pandemic I started a book club and we read one book a month! Check out some of my favourite reads here.
Make Your Home Cozy
I am a firm believer that our surroundings influence our mindset. Since the pandemic we all have been spending a lot more time at home so all the more reason for us to make it a place we love. You could start by picking a room to update, adding a new coat of paint, some artwork you love, and a cozy blanket can make a huge difference.
Disconnect for a Day from Social Media
Social media connects us but it can also have a negative effect on our mental state. We scroll through and see perfect pictures and a highlight reel and wonder why our lives are so crappy. Shut off your notifications and take the day to relax- oh and lets stop comparing our lives to others this only brings us down. When you get back on social purge all the people you follow and only follow people who inspire you and make you feel good.
Get an App
These days there are apps for just about everything including self care and mental health. Check out this list to see some of the best ones.
Create a Vision Board
This is something I did for the first time this year and I’m hooked! It can be a therapeutic exercise to in-vision your goals and create a positive mindset. You could do a vision board for the month or even a year! I did a digital vision board check out how to create your own digital vision board here!
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Life is far too short to have negative people who make you feel bad about yourself- purge these people from your life. Instead find people who make you feel good, support you, and are rooting for you to succeed! Protecting your mental wellness is a top priority.
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