The new year is a time for resolutions. It’s a time when we traditionally say “no more” to the excesses of the holiday season, when we say to ourselves that we’re going to be better and live healthier than we did in the frantic months leading up to the end of the year. We are going to exercise more, we are going to eat differently, we are going to spend more time reading and we are going to learn a new language.
However, one thing that is very important to remember as we draw up our list of ways in which we are not going to repeat old mistakes or fall back into bad habits is that we have to be good to ourselves. With the world the way it is right now, we need to remember to take care of our own bodies and minds while we look after each other. Yes, of course it’s important to take steps towards being a better you, but you should reward yourself for doing so, and make sure that you, in the immortal words of Twin Peaks’ Dale Cooper, “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present.” Here are a few ideas to help you get started to being better to yourself.
Sleep aids
Let’s face it, none of us have been sleeping that well during the pandemic. You can be doing all the right things, from cutting down on sugar and caffeine to making sure that you are exercising regularly, but the fact of the matter is that we have all been living under an incredible amount of stress during the last twelve months, which hasn’t been great for our sleep patterns. So, why not take a step towards a better night’s sleep and invest in a little comfort present for yourself?
Switch out that duvet for a weighted blanket, which will help you feel more secure in your rest. An aromatherapy diffuser will send you drifting off with some soothing scents like jasmine or lavender, while a white noise machine will drown out the noises of your neighbours playing videogames into the night. Sleep is such an important part of maintaining a healthy mind and body, so this isn’t just treating yourself, it’s taking care of yourself too.
Proper Exercise Gear
How many of us have been putting up with the same battered pair of trainers this year? How many of us have been wearing the same gym clothes even though they’re falling to pieces because it has constantly felt like we’ve got more important things to be worrying about? How many of us have discovered that the living room carpet is not, in fact, pretty much the same thing as a yoga mat? We have all found ourselves caught in that strange halfway point between rushing too much and not getting around to the things that need replacing, so this month you should make a point of making sure that you have all the tools you need to exercise properly. Treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes. Get yourself a decent coat for those countryside hikes. And yes, get yourself a new yoga mat so you can destress properly at home.
Get Yourself A New Piece Of Jewellery
Not every gift that you get yourself needs to be practical. In times such as these, the treat is just as important as anything else, and there really is nothing like saying yes to that piece of jewellery that you’ve had your eye on for months. The right item can brighten your day, can remind you of times and places you haven’t seen in a long time, and in a time when it feels like many days are simply drifting into each other, it can make an evening feel special and unique.
Whether you are looking for the perfect new pair of earrings, a bracelet to commemorate a special someone, or a necklace to go with that new dress, you can push the boat out just a little to get yourself the treat you deserve. As winner of the UK Jewellery Awards’ multi-brand/fashion jewellery retailer of the year award, Mococo is the perfect place to browse a fantastic selection, so you can be as specific as deciding to shop Thomas Sabo jewellery or browse by theme or price.
Personalise Your Home Office
It may be a new year, but we are all coming to terms with the fact that we probably won’t be heading back to the office for a little while yet. If you’ve been using the kitchen table as your makeshift desk, it’s time to be a little bit kinder to your work self and sort yourself out with a proper personalised set-up. Now, this may not sound as fun as getting yourself a cheeky gift, but the impact on your day to day life will be vastly improved by having a work area where you feel comfortable and productive, and there’s no reason why it can’t be fun.
Sure, a proper desk and a desk chair that isn’t a dining room chair may not feel like the most exciting presents to get yourself, but once you have a proper space, you can start introducing those lovely personal flourishes, like some plant life or a mood lamp. You will also soon see that taking your work about out of your comfort or relaxation space will have a big impact on your mental health as you can close the door on it at the end of the day, figuratively and literally.
Make That First Cup Of The Day Special
We’ve already talked about the importance of a good night’s sleep but let’s face it: we all need a little extra help getting up in the morning right now. That’s why the first cup of java of the day shouldn’t be the end of a jar of instant grounds. Treat yourself to a coffee machine that will give you the same quality cup that you would expect if you were still picking up your regular order from your favourite coffee shop on your way into work. These are the little things that can keep us going, and give us a little extra spring in our step. Whether you’re a frothy cappuccino person or someone who wants that third shot to get them started, you owe it to yourself to make it how you like it.
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