Larissa Hamblin
Every year, we set New Year’s resolutions that usually consist of drinking more water, eating healthier and planning to exercise more. While they are set with good intentions, they typically fall off the radar by the time spring rolls around.
With 2021 almost behind us, it’s safe to say that some self-care is truly needed in the year ahead. So, challenge yourself to set realistic resolutions centered on your well-being, even if you have already made a resolution that revolves around the usual topics of health, fitness and finance.
Here are some ideas for your mind, body and soul.
Reserve 30 Minutes for You
As a society, we are constantly rushing, from the moment we wake up to the time we get home, and in return, we overlook the things we can do to better ourselves, and our minds. Resolve to take 30 minutes each day to do something that you find relaxing and meaningful. Whether that means reading a couple chapters of a new book, drinking a cup of coffee without distractions, watching a guilty pleasure TV show or taking a walk around your neighborhood, be intentional with choosing an activity that will boost your energy and productivity.
Start a Gratitude Jar
At the end of every day, write something you are grateful for down on a piece of paper. It can be something that specifically happened during your day or something that you surround yourself with. Then, fold it up and place it in a designated jar. On New Year’s Eve, open up your jar and take time to reflect on all of the things that made your year brighter.
Write Letters to Loved Ones
There’s nothing worse than coming home from work to a mailbox full of bills, but finding a letter from a loved one can brighten anyone’s day. Offering a small act of surprise and love through simply mailing a letter shows those closest to you how much you love them and that you are thinking of them. Not only will it help you spend time in your day spreading admiration and positivity, it will help bring light into your loved ones’ lives too.
Unplug Before Bed
The last thing we see before we go to bed should be our loved ones, not our screens. Make it a ritual to turn off your TV and phone at least 30 minutes before you lay your head down on your pillow. Instead, read a book, have a final conversation with a friend or loved one, or just drink some tea while writing in a journal. Countless studies prove that not only will you rest better but waking up in the morning will also be easier with a sounder sleep cycle.
Practice A Self Care Routine
Whether it’s once a week or every day, take time out of your night to tend to yourself in the form of skin care. Light a candle, grab a new facial scrub and try a new facemask. Don’t rush through the process – just relax and soak in the time that you have for you.
No matter what you choose to do for 2022, make sure it’s something that will make you feel good about yourself and the year ahead.
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