Looking for some self-care ideas to get you through 2016? Here are 10 to get you started!
Welcome to January, my friends. January is a loaded month for me. First of all, we have the inevitable come down from the holiday season. Then, we have the expectations and pressure of a new year and the resolutions that come with it. Finally, I have a birthday. Whoo boy, it’s a lot.
I’ve long abandoned the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions in favour of setting an overarching theme for the year. I hereby declare 2016 as “The Year of Connection”.
This year, my intention is to connect to my work, my friends, my family, my community and my body. This may sound simple, but I’m a true introvert and sometimes connecting is draining. So, the challenge here is to connect without depleting myself. This is where self-care becomes very important.
With that in mind, here is a list of 10 self-care ideas for 2016:
1. Replace all your hole-y socks
Socks with holes make you feel crappy. Don’t do that to yourself
2. Keep your favourite cookie dough in the freezer
Sometimes a cookie is all you want. Be prepared by storing a ready to bake batch of dough in the freezer. Bake them as needed.
3. Buy fancy dish soap
Turn your dishwashing duties into an aromatherapy session by splurging on a fancy dish soap. I use this Lavender Pine one (affiliate link). It really takes the edge off housework.
4. Go on a photo scavenger hunt
Grab your camera or your smartphone and take a walk. As you walk, try to find 3 beautiful/interesting/funny things to take pictures of. You can share them or keep them private. The goal here is to get out and actively look for things that make your heart happy.
5. Create a Youtube Playlist of Delightful videos
Need a cheap laugh or a happy cry? Youtube has you covered. Start a playlist of your favourites to visit whenever you need a little boost.
6. Mute people on social media…or take a break all together
Does someone annoy you on social media? Delete them! Can’t delete them? Mute or unfollow! Can’t do that? Take a break from social media, you won’t miss much, I promise. If anything major happens your real-life friends will call you and tell you.
7. Eat something out of season
I’m not talking about shitty, out of season avocadoes. I’m talking about slurpees in the snow or hot chocolate in the summer. Don’t be a slave to the calendar, man. See that black sesame soft serve up top? I ate that yesterday…in January. It was perfect.
8. Wash all of your bedding
Imagine yourself crawling into crisp, clean, fresh sheets. Feels good, doesn’t it?
9. Find your signature cocktail
A well-made cocktail is medicinal. Find one that speaks to you and learn how to make it at home. I’m partial to Manhattans and Negronis. If you don’t drink booze, try some sparkling water with a homemade syrup.
10. Eat better chocolate…or beer…or olive oil…
Chocolate is magical. Learn how to read a chocolate label and find high-quality bars. If chocolate isn’t your thing, upgrade your olive oil or your beer or your coffee. Whatever it is, seek out companies who focus on sustainability as well as flavour.
