20 Self-Care Ideas for the New Year

Welcome to another year! It’s time to put 2022 in the rearview mirror and start putting ourselves first with a self-care routine that gives us the inner strength to deal with whatever the new year brings. Here are some self-care ideas that will work for your 2023.

It’s no secret that people who don’t give themselves the care they give to others will usually end up stressed and burned out. To stop this from happening to you, develop an attitude of nurturing – take care of your mind, body, and soul every day, in small ways and occasionally (but regularly) more considerable ways too. Self-care is non-negotiable these days, but you have to make an effort to make space for it. Here are a few ideas to do that rebalance, re-energize, and replenish.

Do something physically energizing.

Whatever floats your boat, make time for it if it makes you feel good. This could be a series of stretches, Pilates or yoga, a run, a swim, or a walk in the park. Just get that activity up.

Stretch it out

Are you hunched over a desk or in a car? Bodies aren’t meant to be cooped up, so stretch it out. Find a set of effective stretches that stops your body from feeling like it’s ten years older than it is. Your muscles will thank you for it. If you want to do even more for yourself, get a professional involved; book a massage!

Take a bath

It’s a self-care cliché, but for a good reason. If you have the time, shut the door, put some music on, and take a magazine or book in with you. Lie back and let the stresses of the day dissolve away into warm, sweet-smelling water.

Try a mini-meditation

Begin or end your day with just one minute of deep breathing while focusing your awareness on your body, inner thoughts, and feelings. Meditation is an exercise that’s also useful to do during the day when you feel stressed and need to take time out.

Be still

Find a quiet place outside, find somewhere comfortable to sit and be still. Pretend there’s nobody else around and focus on the quiet and stillness.

Unplug just for a day

We always manage without social media and instant messaging, so just for a day, switch them all off and embrace a notification-free existence. It’s very freeing, and you may end up wanting to do it for even longer. An excellent self-care idea, especially if those social media sometimes stress you out.

Write a Gratitude List

Focusing on all of the things you’re thankful for will put a happy spring in your step. Try to think of three things every morning or evening. Or, when you feel down, refocus on three things to be happy about.

Dance like nobody’s looking.

They aren’t! Dancing is incredibly freeing, so stick on a few dance anthems or whatever makes you want to move and shake your booty.

Take a walk

Have you taken the time to explore the area you live in? Walk around slowly and notice the details. Be curious about your neighborhood.

Make an appointment with a counselor.

Find someone non-judgemental to talk to about your innermost thoughts; It doesn’t have to be a therapist or psychologist; it could also be a spiritual mentor.

Sleep

Are you getting enough? We suspect not. Why not take a quick nap if you feel tired, or try an earlier bedtime to give your body a bit more downtime?

Do something new

That thing you’ve always wanted to try? Please do it.

Journal your thoughts

It only has to take you 10 minutes – get whatever is on your mind down in writing and out of your head.

Spend quality time with people you love

Hanging out with the people you love most in the world is good for your soul. If they’re far away, give them a phone call.

Take a full day of rest every week.

You deserve it, and your mind and body will thank you for it.

Do an activity mindfully and slowly.

Pick an everyday activity, like laundry, and focus on it while you’re doing it. Savor the moment; it makes dull things much more absorbing if you’re prone to zoning out.

De-clutter your life

You don’t have to do it all simultaneously, but decluttering is therapeutic and an excellent self-care idea. Start with an email inbox, work up to your desk or a closet, and feel the benefits of less clutter.

Make a personal mission statement.

If you don’t have a personal mission statement, create one. Think about this year and what you want to do with it. Who do you want to be?

Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine.

Even better, have both while writing your mission statement. In the bath!

Book a massage or a spa treatment! My favorite self-care routine!

We may have mentioned this before, but taking the time to invest in yourself is a supreme act of self-care, and we think you should indulge in it as often as you can. Call us now to secure an appointment for a facial or a massage treatment of your choice and get the best self-care you deserve. And we have something new for you, try our new Hydrafacial treatment and enjoy a fresh look this 2023.

If these self-care ideas don’t work for you, what else will?

Have a great 2023.

Brilliant Massage & Skin

Burlington, Vermont