My 2021 Self Care Resolutions
If you started the new year with the best intentions and a bunch of big resolutions; quit sugar, exercise everyday...and here we are at the beginning of February and you’ve already found you haven’t stuck to it…(I hear you!) But here’s a thought, are we biting off more than we can chew? Smaller, more attainable goals can add up to make a big difference, so how about we focus on the seemingly little things that we CAN commit to, in our lives that are full of activity, noise and hurry. Let’s talk about “self-care”, it’s become a bit of a buzzword, and what one person’s ideas of what self-care looks like could be very different to another person’s self-care. First up, repeat after me, SELF-CARE IS NOT SELFISH! Here’s to the “little things” that are making a big difference to my 2021:
Ice Ice Baby
Who doesn’t love a long hot shower in the morning?! (preferably uninterrupted) It’s time to mix things up, after you’ve scrub-a-dub-dubbed switch the hot tap off for a 30 second blast of cold water, you’ll get a burst of energy as your body tries to conserve heat and kicks your circulation into gear! There’s even studies that found chilly temperatures help release endorphins which have an antidepressant effect.
Little Ray Of Sunshine
There’s so many studies around exposing yourself to sunlight first thing in the morning, let the sun into your bedroom first thing in the morning, and leave your blinds open in your office to keep those sunny rays. We all know the importance of sleep, so by starting the day with sunlight and letting the sun shine in on your workday you’ll be keeping your circadian rhythms in sync to help you fall asleep faster when it comes to bedtime.
15 Minutes Of Fame
It always feels like there is so much to do, and not enough time in a day, but if we make the effort to allocate a couple of 15 minute windows it honestly helps make things feel more achievable. Choosing to be alone for even 15 minutes can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed! Taking a 15 minute walk outside in the middle of your workday, or even 15 minutes to stretch completely resets your mind and your body! I’m booking in my “15 minutes of fame” mini self-care break every work day.
Flower Power
I’m a big believer in how a simple, everlasting flower arrangement can completely brighten up your home and your mood! Nothing brings more joy than seeing a beautiful arrangement when you walk into your home. We’ve all gone out and excitedly bought some herbs or plants, only to find them withering away a few weeks later when we realised we forgot to water them. The last thing many of us fear adding to our overflowing schedule is something else we have to care for and think about. Check out August Wildflower and I guarantee you won’t have to search for long to find a dried floral arrangement that brings you joy.
It All Makes Scents
A scented drops diffuser is the perfect self-care accessory, and if you only choose 2 scented drops go with peppermint and lavender. Start the day by diffusing peppermint scented drops and keep it going throughout your work day, they're ideal for reducing stress and anxiety, as well as enhancing memory and alertness (you know that mid afternoon slump…) they're also known to relieve headaches and lift your mood! Come evening switch your peppermint scented drops for lavender scented drops, they're ideal to release the day's tensions and can also help you relax and drift into a peaceful sleep.
Catching Zzz’s
Did you know that your bedroom can affect your quality of rest? From temperature to light and more, scientific studies and sleep researchers have found that our environments have real and measurable effects on sleep. It might seem far-fetched, but investing in good quality bedding can help you get a better night's rest, especially if you go for sheets that are softer, more breathable, and kinder to sensitive skin types. Linen is perfect all year round, flax’s natural fibres allow air to circulate within your sheets keeping you cool in summer, and it’s thermoregulatory properties will also retain heat from your body during the cooler months too. I’m using our linen eye mask to block out light and help me “switch off” when I go to bed at night and it’s making a big difference in helping me fall asleep more quickly! I’m aiming for seven to eight hours, and keeping the bedroom temp around 18-20 degrees for the best dozing environment. Sleep is crucial for every part of our lives, and over one-third of us aren’t getting enough, so whilst it’s the bottom of this list, it’s absolutely top priority for my self-care!
