Happy New Year! We’ve made it through the holidays and all the ups and downs 2016 gave us. Congratulations on rolling with the punches and making it through, and thanks for making us part of it, too!
Whether or not you made a New Year’s Resolution or two, it’s important to set an intention for yourself every single day. It can be small, like trying to cut down on your coffee intake, or huge, like quitting smoking. It can be something as simple as focusing on what you’re grateful for or trying to do something nice for someone else each day. This year, however, we think you should make a point to focus on your own well-being, too.
We know you’re busy, what with work, school, kids, hobbies and more. Your schedule probably feels unbearable at times and you just want a little peace and quiet. We totally get it—we feel the pressure, too! However, you need to take care of yourself to be the best you can be, and these are a few of our favorite ways to do it.
Relax.
It’s easy to get bogged down with tasks and to-dos. However, it’s important to remember that many of the things you think you need to get done immediately can probably wait. Make a list of what you want to accomplish for the day (there’s probably an app for that!) and check them off when they’re completed. Then, relax. Have a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Put your phone in another room so you’re not distracted. Just take a few minutes to breathe deeply. It’s basically like going to yoga, minus the whole exercise part.
Get enough sleep.
Sleep is so important to your overall wellness and energy. Instead of watching TV to fall asleep, read a book or spend a few minutes talking about your day with a loved one, spouse or with your kids. Wind down without technology to help your brain chill out faster and more efficiently.
Eat your greens!
Everyone vows to be healthier in a new year, but it’s not like drastic changes happen overnight. An easy way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet is to try and “eat the rainbow” every day—one item from every color. You’ll feel better and start to crave healthy food, and your beauty will benefit too; greens make you glow, and antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries add a little sparkle to your eyes.
Schedule “me” time.
If you’re really busy, you might have to schedule your “me” time. Carve out just 30 minutes to devote to caring for yourself, whether that’s with exercise (even just a walk around the block!), a bath, a manicure or some time alone with a good book. It’s so easy to overextend yourself and give all your time to others. It’s great to be helpful, but you’ll be a better you if you have a little time to devote to yourself, too.
Treat yourself.
Why do we feel guilty when we indulge in a fancy meal or buy a new pair of shoes? Of course, sticking to your budget is great, but there’s no harm in treating yourself every once in awhile. You can do that at the salon with a few highlights or a massage, or pick up a bright lipstick to add a little pop of color to your face when you’re feeling low. Hey, winter is a long, cold and grey season here in Minnesota! We need all the hot pink we can get!
Just remember, it’s okay to enjoy yourself. Buy the shoes. Dye your hair. It might just be the boost you needed.