4 WAYS TO COMMIT TO SELF-CARE IN 2021
Let’s face it, this past year was hard on all of us. Between a global pandemic, political unrest, and nationwide public restrictions, it has been tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily, 2021 is here. A new year full of faith, hope and opportunities. That’s why it's essential to kickstart the new year right by committing to self-care in 2021. After all, you deserve it! If you’re just starting out on your self-care journey and aren’t quite sure what new practices to pick up in the new year, look no further! Here are four ways to commit to self-care in 2021...
1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER
A cluttered or disorganized space can make it hard for you to reach your full potential. According to research, “Excessive physical clutter and weight can be closely connected to unresolved stressors on the mental/emotional level.” In turn, this can lead to a spiraling effect when it comes to motivation and productivity, which is why it’s critical to take back control of your space if you haven’t done so already.
This is not to say that every single area you reside in needs to be immaculate. It’s normal for messes to occur in the spaces we occupy, it’s part of what makes us human. But on the other hand, it’s not normal to let those messes sit there from one day to the next, especially if you continue to work out of those same spaces.
Under these circumstances, you’ll want to be sure that you allow yourself a window of time to clear out the physical clutter and reorganize your space for the days to come, even if you only have 20 minutes. This is especially true if it’s your workspace area— whether that be in or outside of your office space—dedicate some time to picking up this area before you end your workday so that tomorrow you can pick up right where you left off.
2. JOIN A FITNESS GROUP
It’s no secret that exercise plays a fundamental role in our health. Aside from some of the more obvious advantages it offers— assists in weight management, improves stiffness and joint pain, and lowers blood pressure— regular exercise also offers a plethora of self-care benefits as well! Everything from reducing feelings of depression and anxiety to improving body image relates back to physical activity. So, how can you commit to getting more exercise in your 2021?
Although it can be difficult to commit to getting regular exercise in the new year, there are still a few ways to overcome the challenge. Starting with something simple, like joining a fitness group. Whether it be signing up for a weekly yoga/meditation class, picking up a Zumba course, or joining a kickboxing club, affiliating yourself with a group or organization will help to nudge you in the right direction. By signing up with a group or class, you’re more likely to stay devoted to this healthy lifestyle habit and hold yourself more accountable when you miss a week or two.
Remember to sign up for a class or join a fitness group you’re actually interested in investing your time in. Otherwise, you’re more likely to become unmotivated and fall off track. Figure out what works best for you and go from there!
3. SCHEDULE TIME FOR SKIN CARE
Another way to effortlessly commit to self-care in 2021 is through skin care. Sticking to a daily skin care routine is a great way to not only give back to your skin and its needs, but also give back to yourself. The very act of cleansing and treating your skin can help to soothe the mind and body and relieve stress. The more diligent you become with your routine, the easier it’ll be to support your well-being, and in the process, your skin will look better!
It’s important to note, however, that just scheduling time for skin care is not enough to reap its self-care benefits. Your regimen is only as effective as the treatments you’re using. Using key ingredients can help you achieve that healthy complexion you're looking for. Someone struggling with bumps and blemishes for instance won’t benefit from using products meant exclusively for those with dry, sensitive skin. The wrong treatment can cause further irritation. Instead, you'll want to opt for specially designed acne treatment products as these will allow them to target their concerns and reach desirable results more quickly.
That being said, be sure to assess your skin and its unique needs before choosing any new lotions and potions to add to your regime as this will help you determine which products are best for you.
Some of my personal favorites:
4. MAKE TIME FOR YOU
Apart from performing skin care rituals as a form of self-care, you should also be taking additional care of yourself in ways that are meaningful to you. Self-care looks different for everyone, and that’s okay! Learning what helps you to unwind and makes you feel as good as you should is part of the fun in self-care.
How you choose to make time for yourself doesn’t always have to follow the same patterns day-in and day-out—either. Some days might be busier than others, so the amount of time you have to block out to focus on you will likely vary, meaning that some self-care activities may be better to practice on certain days than others.
While you can certainly choose to perform the same rituals if you’d like (and have the time), you can also get creative with the process by trying out different activities you think you might be self-soothing. For example, you can block out a certain amount of time in your schedule every day to try different self-care practices, such as reading a few chapters from a new book you’ve been dying to read or expressing gratitude in a gratitude journal. Again, this journey is unique to every individual, so find your stride and let your commitment of self-care guide you throughout the new year!