08 Jan 2020 – The Year of Self-Care
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you’ve had a great start to 2020 so far. I’m kicking off this year (or should I say decade) with a blog post on self-care. For many, the first month of the year can be a bit of a tricky one. The fun of the Christmas festivities are over and the January blues start creeping in. There’s also this weird pressure to make big changes. I don’t know about you but I’m really not a fan of the whole ‘new year, new you’ thing. Why do you need a ‘new you’ when the current you is pretty great?
Rather than setting yourself unrealistic New Year’s resolutions or feeling like you need to make big changes, why not consider making self-care a priority instead?
Take a look at some of my tips and ideas to help you take better care of yourself in 2020.
First up, what’s self-care?
New to this whole self-care thing and not really sure what it means? Basically, self-care is any act that you carry out to take better care of your mental, emotional or physical health. It may seem like a simple concept but you’ll be surprised how often it’s overlooked!
Good self-care is so important. It boosts your moods and reduces anxiety. In addition to this, it can also help you in work situations and enable you maintain positive relationships with others.
How to practice good self-care
Self-care is quite a personal thing. What works for someone, may not necessary work for another but here are a few ideas.
Enjoy gentle exercise outdoors
Exercise doesn’t have to take over your life if you don’t want it to but it can help you to maintain a healthy mind and body. Heading out for a walk is a great way to gently exercise your body, get some fresh air and enjoy a little ‘time out.’
Research shows that spending time outside can help you sleep better at night, maintain a lower heart rate, reduce stress levels and boost both your mental health and immune system.
Stop comparing yourself to others
Hands up if you’ve been left feeling negative about your own life because of something you’ve seen on social media? Remember, social media is a show reel. It’s just the best bits of people’s lives and not necessarily the full picture. You don’t know their whole story.
This year, make a conscious effort to stop comparing yourself to others, on social media and in ‘real life.’ Appreciate what you have and the direction you’re going in. Write down a few things that make you happy or that you appreciate every day and if necessary, take a break from social media.
Saying ‘no’ is a form of self-care
Always dashing from one place to the next? Is having no time for yourself taking its toll on your mental health? You’ll greatly benefit from the act of saying ‘no, thank you!’
Sure you may get a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) from time to time but there’s also joy to be found in missing out too (JOMO if you like!)
Prioritise what’s important to you and put ‘you’ at the top of your ‘to do’ list.
Take better care of your skin
You can practice self-care by taking time to look after your skin. Creating a simple skincare routine morning and night will give you time to focus on yourself, while also keeping your skin soft and supple.
Treating yourself to a relaxing facial at the salon is a great way to enjoy a little me time and will do wonders for your skin.
Alternatively, you may want to consider a treatment like IPL to tackle unwanted hair or skin insecurities. It may not be what you typically think of as an act of self-care but essentially it comes down to what makes you feel better about yourself!
Allow your mind to truly rest
I struggle to switch off. My brain is always ticking with ideas and sometimes I find it difficult to get out of ‘work mode.’ This often leads to late nights and a lack of sleep. Sound familiar?
This year, I’m making a conscious effort to allow my mind and body to rest. It’s easier said than done when you’re busy but taking a warm bath before bed, reading a book, listening to music and switching off from social media are all great ways to enjoy a little ‘me’ time and truly relax.
You could also try a little basic meditation! Lie down on your bed, close your eyes, and release any tension from your body. Focus on your breathing for five minutes. It doesn’t have to be complicated to do you the world of good!
Self-care can mean treating yourself
Last but not least? Remember to treat yourself! It doesn’t have to be something big or elaborate. Going to the cinema, booking a manicure on your lunch break or treating yourself to dinner out are all ways to give yourself a boost of happiness.
I hope this post has given you food for thought and you have a wonderful 2020. I’ve got lots of exciting plans for the year ahead, so be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know what’s going on at the salon!
