Who doesn't need more time for self-care in their life? We know we do!Â
We wanted to share some of our favorite self-care tips to help you elevate your self-care routine for the new year!
1: Enjoy the Great Outdoors - Despite the weather cooling off, getting outside and walking, hiking or simply sitting in a green space, is a great way to ground yourself and take some stress off your mind! Spending time outside also helps to reduce stress, boost your mood, increase energy, enhance immunity, and increase parasympathetic nervous system activity i.e. your rest-and-digest system! | |
2: Cook Yourself Your Favorite Meal - Is there something you have been craving lately? Well then, it’s time hit the grocery store and grab those ingredients! Treat yourself to one of your favorite delectable meals, c’mon you deserve it. | |
3:Â Read a Book - Reading is one of the most underrated forms of relaxation. Grab your favorite book, light a candle, and just let yourself relax and become fully immersed in the story. Your mind AND body will thank you. | |
4:Â Have a Bath - Bubbles, bath bombs, essential oils, candles, Oh My! Add whatever makes you happy, peaceful, and allows you to completely relax. A little music to help you get into the chill zone can go a long way and help ease your stress and worries away. | |
5: Get a Good Night’s Rest - Sleep is incredibly important, and it is the ultimate way to restore and rejuvenate your body. Allow yourself to sleep early and enjoy a deep, uninterrupted, and unrestricted sleep. | |
6:Â Meditate - Meditation can be incredibly powerful. Practicing mindfulness regularly has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improve physical symptoms like pain and inflammation. If you struggle with meditating by yourself, try a guided meditation or app like Head Space (team favorite!). | |
7:Â Incorporate Essential Oils - Essential oils are potent. Scents connect to memories and help shape our present experiences, so why not make it an enjoyable moment? Dab a small drop or two on your wrists, neck, or behind your ears and let them work their magic. FEELING: Sluggish, Lethargic, Foggy, or Congested? TRY: Eucalyptus, Camphor, Juniper, Clove, Marjoram, Orange, or Peppermint FEELING: Agitated, Tense, Angry, or Heated? TRY: Sandalwood, Mint, Rose, Jasmine, or Lavender Mid-Day. FEELING: Scattered, Overwhelmed, and Stressed? TRY: Basil, Geranium, Close, Vanilla, or Patchouli |
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8: Allow Yourself to “Waste” Some Time -Procrastination is your brain’s way of telling you that you need a break, so honour that! It may seem counterproductive, but “wasting” time, even just 15 minutes, can actually increase productivity, encourage new ways of thinking, and boost creativity. | |
9: Spend Time With Your Loved Ones - Whether it be friends, family, your spouse, or anyone else you enjoy the company of, allow yourself quality time with them. Give yourself permission to set aside your responsibilities and enjoy the company of the people you love. | |
10: Try Deep Breathing - Deep breathing can be amazing for both your mind and body (even if you’re not under stress, it’s greatly beneficial). Deep breath helps to calm and regulate the autonomic nervous system. Try the box breathing technique: • Exhale completely through your mouth to expel all the air from your lungs • Slowly inhale through your nose to a slow count of four until your lungs are full and the air moves into your belly • Hold your breath to another slow count of four • Exhale slowly to a slow count of four until all the air is expelled from your lungs and belly • Hold your breath to another slow count of four |
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11:Â Take Yourself Out on a Date - People are often afraid to do things alone, but it can be incredibly liberating! Pick an activity you enjoy then get out and do it! Treat yourself to dinner and a movie, grab a coffee and sit down with a good book, hit a yoga class, or book yourself a mani/pedi! |
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 Written by Kali Pappas - Herbaland Nutritionist