It goes without saying that 2020 was quite the whirlwind. And we think that’s probably putting it too lightly! However, if it’s proven anything, it’s that self-care should be an essential part of our routines, to prepare us for the unknown.
With 75% of us set to commit to a New Year’s resolution in 2021 (no surprises there, right?), we thought it would be helpful to offer you some ideas for slotting self-care into your life this year. Say “goodbye” to productivity goals and promising yourself you’ll avoid the chocolate aisle and “hello” to some changes that will actually have an impact on your mental wellbeing.
Whether you’re a goal-setter or you go with the flow, we hope that you enjoy exploring a new mode of self-care through one of these prompts.
Enjoy a Monthly Digital Detox
Did you know that your screen time can impact your wellbeing? That’s right – studies linking anxiety and depression to the online world are important to consider as we begin to reflect on how we could utilise our New Year’s resolutions to implement self care.
The effects of the online world not only harm our mental health, but impact our physical wellbeing, too. The addictive and feel-good dopamine interaction prevalent with regular use of social media restructures your brain to feel unfulfilled by the lack of instant gratification in the “real world”. So, put simply, spending time on your phone could mean you enjoy everyday life less.
None of this resonates with the energy that we want to be manifesting in 2021.
If you start feeling uncomfortable when your phone is out of reach, or shudder to think about how many hours you spend scrolling each week (guilty!), then enjoying a monthly digital detox day is the New Year’s self care resolution for you. And if it’s going to require some convincing to get you to separate from the daily scroll, perhaps some of the benefits of doing so could tempt you to try it out…
Better Physical Health
It’s common to subconsciously hold your breath while on your phone, which triggers the excessive production of glucose, adrenaline and cortisol – this is not ideal unless you’re doing physical exercise!
Pacing the amount of time you spend on your phone not only creates space in your routine to engage in physical activities and connect with others in-person (or via Zoom), but also prompts the exploration of new activities – we’ll share some ideas later.
Improved Posture
Spending excessive time peering at screens is often linked to neck pain, thumb pain and even altered breathing patterns, as your body adapts to the unnatural position of hunching.
Paying attention to your posture is one of the most powerful ways to explore self-care, as it is something you’ll realise the benefits of almost immediately. No more ‘tech neck’!
More Self Love
It goes without saying that social media is a highlight reel – we don’t share our arguments, break-ups or career obstacles – and while this makes a whole lot of sense, sometimes we forget that others are also curating an online presence. Scrolling through everyone else’s holidays and job promotions is frequently the source of comparison, which impacts self esteem, motivation and creativity.
Taking a break from watching everyone else’s successes to appreciate yours is essential for self-care.
Forget FOMO
While the thought of separating from your daily Instagram or Twitter scroll might sound counterproductive for the fear of missing out (FOMO) at first, each day that you schedule and enjoy a digital detox proves that this anxiety fades over time.
Combatting the unnecessary feelings of responsibility to be aware of every piece of celebrity/political/friend gossip removes the tension and urgency associated with being online whenever you’re available.
Have we convinced you? If you’re interested in planning a digital detox day to try it out – what could you do with a whole 24 hours away from the online world? Some of our favourite ways to enjoy this resolution are through embracing our next New Year’s resolutions…
Explore the Art of Journaling
An exciting and empowering way to explore self-love is through the art of journaling – an intimate, unfiltered conversation with yourself to be expressed on paper. This is an activity which focuses on self development, awareness and appreciation, as you learn to acknowledge how wonderful you are!
When incorporating journaling into your routine, scheduling a consistent daily or weekly practice will ensure that you’re mentally at your best. Whether you note down your thoughts for half an hour during your midweek lunch break or spend an hour writing a thorough reflection of your week each Sunday evening, journaling is an opportunity to indulge.
Creating a playlist to signal to yourself that you are now engaging in self reflection is a subtle and enjoyable way to enhance the journaling session, while indulging the senses with an aroma designed to promote relaxation, like the Halcyon Naturals Breathe Candle, further elevates the activity.
If you love the sound of journaling but are wondering what to write about, here are a handful of thoughtful prompts to get you started, and inspire your own.
My favourite things about my personality are…
The things that make me smile most are…
One thing I want to schedule into my everyday routine is…
I feel most empowered when…
This month, to make exploring the art of journaling as a New Year’s resolution extra simple, we’re offering a Happiness Journal and Breathe Candle in the Halcyon Naturals Subscription Box. And as a little New Year’s gift to you, use code 1STBOX to save £10 upon purchase. We hope you enjoy indulging in this self-care favourite as much as we do!
Embrace the Power of Aromachology
At Halcyon Naturals, we’re passionate about utilising the benefits of aromachology – a blend of luxurious aromatherapy and expert scent psychology – to prompt self-love and freedom. With vegan-friendly ingredients, our products are crafted to help you elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary through the power of essential oils.
To learn more about what aromachology actually is, read our blog post on the topic!
This month’s subscription box is designed to be an opportunity to detox after the excitement of the festive season, with a focus on our well-loved Breathe scent. This delicate blend of refreshing lemon, aromatic hyssop, relaxing chamomile and woody eucalyptus evoke a sense of rejuvenation. Infusing your home with this luxurious scent creates the perfect atmosphere to indulge in acts of self-care, whatever they may be.
So, however you like to show yourself some love, commit to using aromachology to enhance the process in 2021.
Whether you’re committing to a handful of these resolutions in the New Year, or you’re starting out 2021 with other self-care ambitions, we would love to hear about your resolutions over on Instagram! Tag us @halcyonnaturalsuk.