Once again, the New Year is here, and with it comes the promises of resolutions, self-improvement, and a fresh start. And although it can seem cliche, prioritising self-care should be at the top of your list if you want to make this year your best yet.
Self-care can mean different things for everyone, whether that’s making time for a relaxing bubble bath, getting enough sleep each night, or spending quality time with friends and family.
But whatever it means to you, it’s important to make sure that you are taking the time to prioritise yourself and your well-being this year.
To help encourage you to do that, here are seven New Year’s resolutions you can make for perfecting your self-care in the new year:
1. Get Enough Sleep
Everyone says it – but it’s true! Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall well-being, and it can actually have a bigger impact on you than you might think.
Allowing our bodies time to rest and renew can help improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, which is key to a happy and healthy year.
Not only mentally, but our physical health can benefit too – getting enough sleep helps regulate our immune systems and even can help with weight loss.
Making effort to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is a great way to kickstart your self-care in the New Year. Try downloading a sleep-tracking app or investing in a smartwatch, like an Apple Watch or Fitbit, to help keep on top of your sleeping habits.
2. Practice Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools when it comes to managing stress, improving focus, and achieving peace of mind.
It can be a tricky thing to grasp at first, especially if you have never tried it before, but it can be extremely rewarding.
Giving your mind time to relax, switch off from the world around you and focus on your thoughts for a few minutes each day can make all the difference in how you feel.
You don’t even have to dedicate hours of time to it – even 10 minutes per day can be beneficial!
Try downloading one of the many mindfulness apps available or following some videos online that will take you through a mindfulness routine.
3. Exercise Regularly
Nearly everybody makes promises of ‘getting fit’ each new year, and many don’t follow through on them.
But exercise doesn’t have to be synonymous with hitting the gym and eating nothing but salad – it can simply mean making time for movement in your day-to-day life.
Studies have shown that regular exercise can help improve physical health, mental clarity, and focus, reduce stress levels and even boost self-esteem.
Dong exercise doesn’t mean you have to sweat it out in the gym – if you don’t like going, try and find something that works for you.
Dance classes, outdoor activities, or even just a daily walk can all help keep your body active and healthy.
4. Eat Healthily & Hydrate Properly
The food we eat plays a huge role in both our physical and mental health.
Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference in the way you feel and how you look. Eating foods that are full of nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats can help boost energy levels, improve mood and focus, and even help with weight loss.
Remember to drink plenty of water, too, as hydration is key for a healthy body and mind.
Try carrying around a reusable bottle filled with water throughout the day or investing in a smart water bottle that will track your intake – it’s easy!
5. Set Boundaries & Say No More Often
It is important to set boundaries with others so that we can protect our energy levels by saying no when necessary instead of always trying to please everyone else around us at our expense.
Make a resolution to say no more often to make room for what is truly important in life – you!
Taking off any unnecessary stressors can be a great way to practice self-care, as it leaves more mental space and energy for us to focus on ourselves and our own well-being.
6. Take Time Out For Yourself Each Day
Self-care isn’t necessarily about grand gestures or complicated plans – it can be as simple as taking 10 minutes out of each day to focus on yourself.
Take a few moments each day to relax, breathe, and reflect on your life. This could mean reading a book, writing in a journal, meditating or taking a hot bath; it’s up to you!
It is important to make this time for yourself, as it can help decrease stress and anxiety levels, promote better sleep, as well as boost our physical and emotional health.
Do something that brings you calm and joy every day, and remember that it’s OK to take some time out for yourself!
We love a good pamper session at home to relax and recharge. Grab yourself a facemask, some nail polish (we recommend Mylee for stunning salon-worthy nails!), and a scented candle; sit back and relax!
You don’t have to do all of these things every day; even one or two can make a difference in the way you feel.
7. Surround Yourself With Positive People & Environments
You can’t always control the events around you, but you can choose how to react and who you spend your time with.
Surrounding yourself with positive people, environments, and activities can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.
Try to focus on the things that bring you joy rather than dwelling on things that bring negativity or stress. Spend time with friends and family who support you, do activities that make you happy and focus on self-care in order to create a more positive outlook on life.
Remember – it’s ok to take care of yourself first! It will ultimately result in better relationships and overall happiness.
Final Thoughts: Prioritise Yourself Next Year And On!
Self-care is not a one-time event; it requires regular effort and dedication. Start small and make small, achievable goals to build healthy habits that work for you.
Use the new year as a time to reassess and recommit to taking care of yourself. Make it the year you prioritise yourself, your well-being, and your overall happiness!