Self-Care Ideas for the New Year
20 Self-Care Ideas for the New Year
Welcome to another year! It’s time to put 2023 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 you in 2024.
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) in 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 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 them out. Find a set of effective stretches that stop 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. This is an excellent self-care idea, especially if social media sometimes stresses 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 to 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-judgmental 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. Treat them to a couple’s massage or a massage for two at the same time. If they’re far away, give them a phone call, and better yet, send them a gift card that they can use for a relaxing massage or pampering facial.
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 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 in 2024.
If these self-care ideas don’t work for you, what else will?
Have a great 2024!
Brilliant Massage & Skin
Burlington, Vermont
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