Every year, people will use the new year to consider how they can be happier or more productive. One of the most common and beneficial New Year’s resolutions is self-care. Self-care is an umbrella term encompassing many different ways in which people may choose to improve their health and wellbeing.
Different things can be helpful to different people, but we think it’s worth exploring all your options. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some examples of self-care techniques, as well as the benefits that come with including them in your routines.
Mindfulness doesn’t just mean meditating and yoga, it can also mean simply taking the time out to clear your mind and focus on being in the present moment. Mindfulness, however you choose to incorporate it into your day, can reduce stress and anxiety, help you be more creative, improve your memory, and so much more — it’s not just for adults, either! For children, practicing mindfulness can even help them to improve in school.
Getting enough sleep is as much about being physically healthy as it is about keeping your mental wellbeing in check. It’s recommended that adults get around seven hours of sleep per night, but it isn’t just about the hours. To really see the benefits of sleeping well, you should keep up a routine. This means going to sleep at the same time every night and possibly winding down before bed, too. Why not start by setting a certain time to go to bed and getting stuck into a good book an hour before?
The benefits of getting enough sleep (and sleeping well) include the ability to make decisions faster, reduced stress, and the reduced chance of getting physically ill. If you struggle to sleep despite making changes to your routine, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. Be sure to see a GP if you’re worried about your sleep.
We all love having time off work, but it’s important to ensure you’re using these days off to relax and make time for yourself. Whether it’s the weekend or the holidays, allow yourself time to do whatever you would like to do, without worrying about social events, work, or other things that can cause stress. Use this time however you choose and you can return to work prepared and refocused. Why not chill out with a good book, binge-watch some television, or revisit an old hobby?
Revisiting an old hobby is a wonderful way to spend your time and will help you feel much more fulfilled. Again, it’s also a great way to reduce stress and unwind after a busy week.
With so much constantly at our fingertips, it can be incredibly difficult to peel our eyes away from our phones every day. However, this is the exact reason why we should take a break from social media. This might not have been a New Year’s resolution or self-care technique you've considered, but it’s one we find to be important.
What we read or see online can have a negative impact on our self-esteem and body image, increase our feelings of anxiety or dread, and more. Putting away our devices for a few hours a day can boost our productivity, help us avoid FOMO, and also help reduce the chances of physical side effects, like eye-strain and headaches.
Finally, one of our favourite New Year’s resolutions and self-care top tips: spending some time outdoors. Not only can this help you to be physically active, but it’s proven to help you reduce stress and anxiety, as well as helping you feel closer to nature. Just a short walk once a day can help you to feel much better.
Not sure how to incorporate this into your schedule? Why not start by walking wherever possible. You could also try waking up a little earlier in order to spend a short amount of time outside and start the day off right.
