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How many times do we have to hear ‘New year, new you!’ before we just say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Just because it’s a new year, does not mean we need a new you, we actually quite like the you that you are already. What I think we should be focussing on instead of new years resolutions, is new year self-care.
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What not to do this new year
Don’t set unrealistic resolutions. Or, better yet, just don’t set a resolution. Our lives are so fast-paced now, why try and cram in more unrealistic expectations into them?
Being a mum made me realise that, sometimes there are days that you want to pull your hair out or days where its 4 pm and you realise that you haven’t had anything to eat or drink since that cold cup of coffee. Why not celebrate the small wins on a daily basis instead of trying to stick to something for a year.
Related: Why I’m Not Making a New Years Resolution.
The right way to new year self-care
Right, so we’ve covered what not to do, but what about what we should be doing this new year? Especially us mums. Self-care is exactly what we should be doing. We spend every day looking after people, big and little.
When exactly do we get to look after ourselves though mama?
This year is the time to start your new year self-care. There are so many elements to self-care, and some of them are such simple things that we forget about.
What are the five categories of self-care?
Physical
This is referring to your physical self. Whether you choose to eat healthier, take some time to pamper yourself or go for a run. These are all forms of physical self-care and are really important when you want to prevent burnout.
Emotional
Emotional self-care is engaging with your emotions and being honest with yourself and others about them. Nothing good ever comes from holding them in, and it definitely doesn’t do anything good for mental health. Remember, it’s ok to cry, laugh, be mad and be happy. You should never hold any of those in.
Psychological
It’s ok to say no to extra responsibilities. Working to reduce your stress levels is a positive step towards your new yea self-care. Take the time to try something new, something that will spark your curiosity and challenge your intellect. It can be really refreshing to start a journal to reflect on yourself and how you are growing as a person.
Spiritual
This can mean religiously or not. If you do not follow a religion, spiritual self-care can be something as simple as a walk outside in nature without any technology or taking 10 minutes a day to meditate and feel at one with yourself, clear your mind and refresh yourself.
Professional
This one applies to anyone and it doesn’t matter if you work in an office, at home or in a classroom. If you have your own workspace, then personalise it and make it feel like home. If you usually keep yourself to yourself, then make the effort to chat with your colleagues. Have a meeting? block out 15 minutes in your diary to take a walk beforehand.
Related: Self-Care | 20 Free and Frugal Ways to Practice It.
Ways you can practice your new year self-care
A 10-minute skin routine each evening
Why not have a 10-minute face mask in the evening. This set of 6 are amazingly priced and have had really great reviews. If you’re not a facemask kind of person, just having 10 minutes to yourself every evening to take your makeup off and apply some moisturiser counts as well.
A weekly bubble bath
Dedicate an evening that is yours to have a long relaxing soak in a bubble bath. Put some tunes on, read a book or just lay there and enjoy the alone time. A bubble bath goes a long way to helping you feel refreshed.
Related: Top 6 Quick Makeup Routine Products for Mums Short on Time.
A Journal
This Gratitude Journal is from Etsy. It’s a 30-day challenge and gives you prompts each day to complete. There are spaces for reflection as well as tracking your moods. This is bound to help you be more reflective about your life and to appreciate yourself some more as well, remember that psychological part of self-care? yup, this journal ticks that box.
Quiet time
This is my personal favourite. Mums need some breathing space, we have the kids running around us all-day, asking for things and just generally being kids. Most weeks, I get an hour or so of quiet. My partner takes the kids out and I just sit in silence. It’s bliss, try it.
Do something new
It’s always nice to get excited about something new and different, and you don’t have to be good at it either. Why not try a painting class, Zumba or walking to somewhere new. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to cost a lot of money if any.
Talk to someone about how your feeling
The power of speech. You know the saying “A problem shared is a problem halved” Well, that’s true. It could be a professional a friend or a loved one. It could even be your dog. Sometimes just saying things out loud is enough to alleviate some of the stress and pressure that you are under.
Monthly date nights with your partner to reconnect
After having kids sometimes we can forget that we are someone other than mum or dad. Reconnecting with your partner with dedicated time together can do a world of good. These Date night cards are so cute! There are 52 of them and can be sorted into categories such as ‘staying in’ or ‘going out’. These are absolutely perfect if you get stuck for ideas to do for a date night and could be a great addition to your new year self-care for your relationship. They have a varied selection of card packs including movie nights and Dessert dates!!
Related: Pamper Night Perfection for Tired Mums
Try something creative
Do some drawing, play some music, make or write something. Anything creative is great for self-care. I think it also helps if you aren’t very good at whatever you doing. This means you can have more fun doing it and are less critical of yourself once you’re finished. Something creative is also fun to do with someone else. It could be a date night or a get together with friends to have a laugh.
Get outside
It’s proven that fresh air, nature and sunlight makes us feel better. It’s also a healthy thing to do, so take that as an excuse to go for a walk around the park or down the road. It’ll also be good to wear the kids out as well at the playground for a while!
Something there take your fancy? Go and get it done, use it as an excuse to start your new year self-care journey and making time for YOU.
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