With the holidays just about upon us, there is the inevitable stress of last end of the year work deadlines, the craziness of holiday shopping and finding exactly what your kids want for Christmas. Not forgetting the inevitable overindulging at holiday parties and dinners!
Before you know it, it’s New Year’s Eve and you’re still trying to think of what your New Year resolution should be. Here is one that is worthwhile and can never go wrong: be good to yourself this year!
Get More Sleep
I know, we only have 24 hours to each day and nothing seems to ever get done. However, sleep is one of the first things that we neglect with unfortunately really ugly side effects. Aside from reducing your patience and ability to deal with stress, lack of sleep ages you prematurely since your cells can’t effectively heal and regenerate the way they are supposed to during sleep. It also reduces your body’s immune system and interrupts digestive function as well.
Perhaps it’s time to invest in your quality of sleep by buying a new mattress that will reduce your need to toss and turn. Mattresses from companies like Eve, are one of many that are making use of memory foam and natural latex, two aspects that greatly improve your ability to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. Or maybe you need to create a relaxing sleep environment and a good going-to-bed routine to effectively allow yourself to wind-down in order to actually fall asleep.
Eat Well
Don’t just make a resolution to lose or gain weight. Let’s face it, those never really work. Instead, make a commitment to yourself that you will eat well. This means healthier, for sure, like including more whole grains in your diet and super-foods, but also figure out healthy ways to curb your cravings and a good meal plan. Starving yourself or binging is never the answer and actually brings about the opposite results of what you are going for. Be sure to stay properly hydrated, as you will be surprised how much this can change how you feel overall.
Exercise
Yes, part of being good to yourself is exercising, however, this doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or going for runs in the morning. Simply add small steps into your routine like stretching for 10 minutes when you get out of bed – easy yoga at home routines are good for this – and include more walking and taking the stairs whenever possible. These are easy to include and will certainly make a difference.
Learn to Relax
Life is stressful enough. Leave your work at work and come home and learn to relax. Whether this is taking half an hour to read a book or take a bath, whatever it is that helps you relax should be done to unwind every day and do something just for you.
Treat home spa day once a month where you do your nails or give yourself a facial can be extremely beneficial R&R that can help you better deal with the stress of your daily life and all of its demands.
