Health & Fitness, Lifestyle
7 New Year’s Resolutions About Self-Care to Make This Your Happiest Year Yet
Every year comes with a flurry of emotions, and that’s just life. How you deal with those emotions, however, will help dictate the rest of your day, week and year. While you’re making resolutions to improve your physical self, think about ways you can take care of yourself to get you in the right mindset on a regular basis.
Schedule time for self-care
We tend to put ourselves second to everything else in life. Something always needs to be done and it seems a few minutes to relax can never fit into your busy schedule. But that’s how we burn out. Schedule some time in your calendar (literally!) to unwind, whether that’s a bubble bath, half an hour to read the next chapter in your book, a long or anything relaxing.
Date yourself
Don’t forget that you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. Make some time for a mani and pedi, brunch with the girls, a hiking day trip or even a new dress because when you think you look good, you feel good. Plan things every couple of weeks, so you can have something to look forward to.
Put down your phone
Our entire lives are basically in these devices, but that doesn’t mean we have to let them consume us. I started watching my screen time this past year, and it has made me much more conscious of how much I use my phone – and how I want to change that. To keep track of your own screen time on your Apple device, go to Settings then Screen Time. I set myself a downtime between 9 and 11 PM when most of my apps are locked, encouraging me to keep them that way and just go to bed. You can also set time limits for apps, which I did for social networking apps to just three hours a day total. This may be too cold turkey for some people, so start with just a few minutes a day, then work your way up.
Learn your triggers and stressors
When you know what grinds your gears, you’ll be more conscious of it the next time it happens and hopefully have given yourself a chance to step back, take a moment to breathe and be able to handle it better. Jot down things that put a damper on your day – it can be the environment, your routine, people – and if you can, write down your reactions. The more mindful you are of your behaviors, the better you are at preventing those you don’t want.
Be proactive with your health
A healthier you is a happier you. Make appointments for all your annual checkups in advance; not only as a point to get them out of the way, but as a way to take care of yourself. Although it may be pricey, it’s worthwhile to maybe consider talking to a therapist. Even if you don’t think you need it, don’t underestimate how relieving it can be just to get everything off your chest.
Make sleep a priority
The quality and amount of sleep you get sets the tone for your day. Set a proper sleep schedule and eat meals at regular hours, introduce essential oils to your pre-sleep routine and put away the no electronics. These simple lifestyle adjustments can make a drastic difference to your sleep.
Spread the kindness
I don’t know about you, but when I am able to help someone, I immediately feel better. Don’t think about grand gestures. Something as simple as paying for coffee for the person behind you in line, letting someone checkout before you at the store or commenting “You’re beautiful!” on a friend’s selfie is plenty good enough.
Remember, self-care is not one size fits all. What may work for me may not work for you. Try a couple suggestions first and see how you like them. This is not a race, and you don’t need to figure everything out immediately. A new year is just that – a full 365 days to make yourself happier.
Join The Conversation