The new year is almost here and everyone is busy planning their resolutions. Instead of making a resolution to start going to the gym, set your resolution to start making yourself a priority.
We tend to put ourselves last on our laundry list of to-dos. We take care of the kids, make sure the house is cleaned, and meals are prepped. We have a job to attend to and extracurricular activities to show up for.
But where in the day do you set time aside for yourself? We’ve put together the ultimate self-care guide for 2024 to make this year your best one yet. Let’s dive in!
Start a Skincare Routine
Investing in yourself means you’re putting both time and money towards things that are beneficial for your health. With all the stress that 2024 has brought into your life, you may not realize the impact it’s having on your skin.
Having a quality skincare routine and investing in products for yourself. You can check out SkinCareByAlana.com to moisturize, protect, and heal your skin to set yourself up for self-care success.
Learn to Let Go
Sometimes we need to take a look inside of ourselves before we can make any changes on the outside. Every year is an opportunity for us to grow. But as we grow and evolve, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone and everything will come with us.
It’s important to take a look at the things, situations, and people in your life that need to be let go. It’s not always easy but can make a world of difference in making drastic changes you need.
Find a Community
A big part of self-care is feeling like you belong to something bigger than yourself. Having a community of like-minded people can be incredibly beneficial to your mental health. Think about what interests you.
Look online for meetups and social settings where you can join a new group. Find out if there are opportunities in your community for volunteering. The more we feel like we belong, the more whole we will feel for the rest of the year.
Take Care of Your Home
Your home is the space you spend the majority of your time. If it’s cluttered and dirty, you’ll be less likely to feel at peace. According to ButterlyLabs, studies have shown that having an overly cluttered home can take a toll on a person’s mental health, including low subjective well-being.
Spend a few hours each week caring for your home by decluttering. Donate items you don’t need. Add little enhancements to your home to spruce it up. Pick up a nice plant to add a little greenery to your workstation.
Another great way is to tidy up a little each night. That way, when you wake up in the morning, you won’t be staring at a mess. The more chaotic your surroundings are, the worse you’ll feel.
Consider Therapy
Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths and scented candles. Self-care also means preserving your mental health. Everyone can benefit from therapy or counseling.
Now that many licensed professionals make themselves available virtually, it’s easier than ever to make it conducive to your busy schedule.
Tap Into Your Hobbies
When was the last time you opened a book or went on a hike in the mountains? Your hobbies are the things you enjoy and fill your cup. If you set them aside, you’re not making your self-care a priority.
Add this time to your calendar. Give yourself even one or two days a week for a break so you can tap into the hobbies you used to love. Play the piano or take the bike out around the neighborhood.
It doesn’t have to be anything monumental. Doing small things for a short amount of time is better than not doing them at all.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are a tough one for everybody. However, setting up and maintaining healthy boundaries allow us to find balance in our lives. This could be as simple as declining an invitation to a holiday party that doesn’t line up with your schedule.
Think about areas in your life where you need to set some boundaries for yourself as well as your loved ones and colleagues. Remember, boundaries mean self-preservation. That doesn’t make you selfish.
Focus on Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can make all the difference for both your physical and mental health. According to the Sleep Foundation, REM sleep facilitates the brain’s processing of emotional information.
When you’re overtired, your mind has a difficult time focusing and managing stress levels. In turn, stress makes it even harder to sleep which only continues the negative cycle.
There are plenty of ways to improve your sleep quality. Limit your screen time to end thirty minutes to an hour before you plan to go to bed. Instead, read a book or write in a journal a few things you’re grateful for.
You can also get a diffuser and some lavender oil. Lavender increases melatonin levels which are crucial for what your body needs to rest.
Move Your Body
Self-care really depends on how you take care of your body. From nutrition to your environment, everything has an impact on your physical health. Since many of us sit at a desk for work, it’s important to find a way every single day to move our bodies.
This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym. Have a dance party in your living room. Turn on a twenty-minute yoga video and follow along. Turn cleaning into a workout. It’s about finding what works for you.
Take a Solo-Trip
There is nothing more therapeutic to promote self-care than taking a solo trip. While this may not be conducive to everyone’s lifestyle, there are ways you can still take a little staycation.
Next time your kids are at a sleepover, drive somewhere a few hours away and rent an Airbnb for the night. Pamper yourself or get some quality rest. Even one night for yourself can make a world of difference.
