Self-Care to Start the New Year

 Happy New Year Everyone!!!

As we embark on a new year I know there are many out there who make a lot of resolutions.  It seems to be the thing to do as we hit midnight on January 1st.  Along with our champagne flutes, kisses and well wishes for a wonderful year, we also have higher hopes for sticking to healthy habits (or even just starting them).  Most people rarely ever say “My resolution this year is to eat unhealthy foods as much as I possibly can and I want to continue down the path of self-destruction which leads me into pain in every way…mentally, emotionally and definitely physically.”  If you are the rare exception to that promise to yourself I sincerely apologize.

If, however, you are like many people who want to get their exercise and and goji berries on I’m sure you are contemplating how to get more self-care in for yourself.  I wanted to let you know there are many methods to taking care of yourself. Many of them are free and only take one minute.  Others are a little more of an investment financially but the rewards will be so beneficial and worth every penny it would be unwise not to partake.

Go For a Walk

Whether you decide to walk alone for some time of self-reflection or you use the time for some healthy social catching up, walking is a great form of self-care.  It’s great for circulation, weight management and stress reduction.  You can gain health benefits whether you decide to walk for an hour or 10 minutes.  Both will give you a feeling of improved mood.  Not to mention connecting with nature is always a good thing.

Take 1 Minute of Breathing

Slowing down your overactive brain can significantly start to improve your well-being.  Being mindful and present with a minute of slow deep breathing is a great form of meditation.  It calms the nervous system and allow you to be in the moment when you are feeling overwhelmed.  There are several breathing techniques you can find on the internet.  I have a couple of favorites.  One is a deep relaxation technique that I ask my clients to use when we are trying to get them to relax on the table.  You will take a deep breath in to the count of 6, hold for a count of 6, then exhale to the count of 6.  Another method I like is called “Box Breathing.”  You will inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4 and wait for a count of 4 before repeating.  This really helps me to feel relaxed.  Do this for a minute or 2 and you will feel so much more clear-headed.

Take a Bath

Whether you are a bath person or not, I feel that soaking in a tub or jacuzzi for at least 15 minutes really helps to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system.  Of course you can add Epsom salt to a bath for an added benefit of removing toxins from the body.  Add lavender to the tub for some aromatherapy.  Add bubbles to a jacuzzi for a miniature massage. 

Read a Book for Pleasure

Many people who need to read material for work find it difficult to pick up a book or magazine to read for pleasure.  To that I would suggest picking something up and set a timer on your phone and read something that isn’t work-related for 10 minutes a day.  This helps take your mind off of things that may be causing you stress or anguish in your life.  It helps to take you out of it for at least 10 minutes.  This helps you to reset a little bit.  If you have the time, continue reading even after the timer is done if you are enjoying it.  Remember…self-care should be enjoyable.

Have a Date Night with Your Partner

It almost seems silly to put this under self-care, but reconnecting with your loved one is a very nurturing experience.  Not just for your soul but also for your relationship.  So set a date up and don’t let anything (sans an emergency) come between you and your very important date with your partner.  One date night could even be a night of drinking wine and setting up a date night each month with a  calendar and list of events happening in the area during that time.  Sometimes even just the planning is a great way to escape mentally for a bit.

Go to the Gym

Oh my goodness.  This is a doozy.  Going to the gym should be at the top of the self-care must-do’s.  There are so many benefits that we gain from going to the gym.  One is we improve our circulation.  Better circulation will lead to better sleep, better breathing, better healing, etc.  All exercise will release endorphins (the feel-good hormone) and will increase your ability to focus.  Those who exercise regularly tend to be able to sleep better, as well.  There are an enormous amount of benefits from going to the gym but if I listed them all, this would be 30 pages long.

Spend Time Talking to a Friend You Haven’t Spoken To In a While

Catching up with a friend or loved one you haven’t spoken to in a while can make you feel fulfilled in a sense.  You will easily feel like you are reconnected and grounded.  This feeling is one to be reckoned with.  I know when I have a chat with somebody I’ve lost touch with, I’m almost giddy with excitement for several days afterward.  That feeling carries me through some of the most difficult and longest days of doing physical labor for a job.

Go To a Spa

The feeling of rejuvenation is something we all want to feel at least a couple times a year.  Leave the phone in the locker.  Just breathe in the atmosphere and soak in the relaxing energy for a dose of serious self-care.  Take a book and read.  Or sit in the sauna for 5 – 10 minutes to release toxins.  Just being at a spa is a great way to decompress.

Get a Facial

Getting a facial makes one feel pampered and spoiled…yes.  Remember, however, that your skin is the largest organ of our body.  Giving it some healthy love is one way to make you feel and look refreshed.  Some aestheticians even add a  little massage on the shoulders and neck area to give you a little more relaxation.  We have many muscles in our face that need to be kneaded and a facial can do double duty…clean out pores and also relax you facial muscles.

Get a Massage

Of course, this one is a personal favorite of mine for obvious reasons.  I make sure to get a  massage every other week.  It’s oftentimes considered to be a luxurious form of pampering.  This is not necessarily the case.  We should look at getting a massage as necessary as changing the oil in your car.  The benefits of getting a massage will be listed throughout my blogs.  Suffice it to say it encompasses many of the self-care methods listed above in the short little hour to hour and a half time you are receiving the massage.  In fact, as I type this right now I’m getting ready to go get my own massage. 

 

So, remember, self-care doesn’t need to take a long time to give you the indulgence of giving back to yourself as you might think.  Just a couple minutes a day can make a huge difference in your health and your mood.  Which of these are you already 

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