With the holidays over and January in full swing, one of the focuses for many of us will probably be making a list of resolutions and goals. You might be hoping to lose weight or get that next promotion at work, but what about making self-care a priority? Start the new year by taking a moment for yourself each day. Soon enough, this time will become part of your daily routine and you'll be able to be the best version of yourself. If you need a little help getting started, consider these 4 self-care practices.
Schedule in time for self-care (just like your workouts)
Resolve to schedule in self-care on a regular basis and create phone a phone alert to help you follow through. It can be as simple as taking a bubble bath every Sunday, treating your skin to a mask twice a week, or giving yourself a "me-time" a day or two every month.
Mantra: I treat myself with love and respect.
Create a healthy sleep schedule
Sleep plays an essential role in maintaining balance and overall quality of life. Reboot your sleep hygiene and stick to scheduled times for waking up and going to bed to help normalize your sleep cycle. If you have trouble falling asleep, try incorporating aromatherapy into your night rituals to help you relax.
Mantra: My mind is calm and my body is relaxed.
Connect with nature
Being in nature lowers stress, promotes happiness and improves productivity. While committing to nature is a great idea, it's not always the easiest option. Consider eating lunch al fresco during work, take a brisk morning walk to start your day, or start your own backyard garden. The options are endless, so have fun with it!
Mantra: I am connected directly to the Earth.
Practice mindfulness in a new area of your life
Is there an area of your life that you've been neglecting? Pick an area that you'd like to improve and discover what form of mindfulness you need to achieve it. Is it maintaining your friendships? Try expressing gratitude to those you love or being present in every interaction. Remember, there's more than one path to achieving your goals. Choose from a range of mindful habits and find out what works for you.
Mantra: Each step is taking me to where I want to be.