Can you believe 2021 is behind us?
As we all look forward to a (hopefully more normal) new year, no doubt you’ve made a few resolutions for yourself and your family. If you’re like 81% of people, though, you’ll abandon those resolutions by the middle of January.
How can you keep your motivation going strong all the way through 2022? One way is by practicing a good routine of self-care so you’re physically and emotionally up for the challenge.
Here are five self-care ideas to include in your New Year’s resolutions!
1. Declutter Your Home & Office
How long have you been staring at that pile of mail in the foyer or the junk overflowing on your closet shelves?
Clearing out that clutter can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health. Researchers have found that people who live and work in cluttered environments are more prone to anxiety, depression, and weight gain than those who live in neater environments!
If you feel overwhelmed by the task, set your timer and tackle decluttering in 5-10 minute chunks. Go through one shelf or one drawer daily until the clutter is gone.
2. Take a Daily Lunchtime Stroll
Do you fall victim to that midday energy crash? Do you start yawning as soon as you finish eating your lunch?
Research shows that taking a 15-minute walk in the middle of the day boosts your energy levels as well as your ability to concentrate. This healthy self-care habit has significant long-term effects too, as it may lower your risk of developing dementia.
After lunch, rather than scrolling through Facebook for the hundredth time, put on your jacket and step outside for a brisk walk around the block. Your body will thank you for it!
3. Spend More Time in Nature
Computers and television are wonderful inventions, but let’s face it — they keep us inside. A lot.
One of the best self-care ideas on our list is simply to switch off those devices and spend some time outside. Fresh air and Vitamin D from the sun do wonders for your mental and emotional health. You don’t even have to exercise if you’re not feeling up to it — simply sitting in a green space can be a huge boost for your well-being.
Visit a nearby park, go have a picnic by the lake, or take your dog for a hike in the woods. Bonus points if you switch off your phone and give yourself the chance to fully reconnect with nature.
4. Practice Positive Thinking
Did you know that our brains are hardwired with an inherent negativity bias? Put simply, it’s easier to dwell on everything that’s wrong with our life (or the world in general) than the things that are going right.
If you’d like to lower your chances of developing depression while boosting your heart and brain health, adopt a more positive outlook.
Take a few moments each day to write your thoughts in a gratitude journal. Try to choose one or two unique things from that day to be thankful for. It doesn’t have to be monumental or life-changing — it could be something as simple as a beautiful sunset or a warm hug from a loved one.
5. Treat Yourself to a Massage
Massage therapy doesn’t just feel great — it offers measurable benefits to your mental health.
If you want to invest in a healthier, more balanced you, regular massages are a terrific addition to your 2022 self-care plan. No matter how frazzled you feel when you arrive, you’re sure to feel calmer and recharged after your session.
And in case you didn’t know, massage also gives your immune system a healthy boost — something all of us could use as we continue to deal with the pandemic.
Which Self-Care Ideas Will You Use in 2022?
It seems like each year gets more and more stressful, which makes self-care more important than ever. If you’ve been looking for some practical self-care ideas to include in your routine, try some of the tips listed above!
Would you like to get the best possible start to your New Year? Put tip #5 into action and book your next massage session at Simply Massage. Whether you need a relaxing Swedish massage, a therapeutic deep tissue massage, or anything in between, we’re here to help you feel your very best!
Click here to book your massage online or give us a call at 970-748-1600. With two convenient locations in Avon and Glenwood Springs, relaxation is just a short drive away.