The new year is upon us, which has many people thinking about planning New Year’s resolutions. If finding natural relief from stress and anxiety is one of your biggest goals for 2022, a self-care practice could help you move towards progress faster.
Here we’ll share some times for starting a new self-care routine, as well as some self-care habits and ideas to help you embark on this new year feeling calm and confident!
Creating Goals for Your Self-Care Routine
Before you resolve to “practice more self-care,” it’s important to get clear about what that means for you. Self-care looks different to everyone, and may change over time. Here are some considerations when creating your self-care resolutions:
Make your resolution or goal SMART
Goals are easier to achieve when they are clearly defined. Rather than making your goal to “practice more self-care” or have a “self-care routine,” try making a SMART goal. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
Swap “I will practice self-care every day” or “I want to sleep better” with:
“I will spend 30 minutes doing yin yoga every night before bed for 3 months, so I can feel relaxed before sleep.”
Specific: The self-care practice is yin yoga.
Measurable: Each night for 30 minutes.
Achievable: This is a small amount of time with no expectations of mastery.
Realistic: 30 minutes before bed is a realistic commitment for this person.
Timely: Starting with a duration of 3 months.
Start small and achievable
Before plunging into a brand new self-care routine with lots of new healthy habits and goals, start small. Choose one or two habits you want to integrate into your daily life. After several weeks, when these habits feel like second nature, then it’s time to add a new habit that will help you achieve your next wellness goal. By embracing smaller steps more fully, you’ll actually be able to make more progress, faster.
Celebrate the small wins
Every win should be celebrated, no matter how small! Taking time to acknowledge your commitment and success keeps you motivated and encouraged to keep chasing your health goals. Find a healthy way to celebrate each month, week, or even day of keeping up with your new goals.
Make a plan for when you fall off track
Let’s face it - no matter how determined you are in any goal, no one is perfect. Things happen. Life throws curveballs. But we can adapt. The best way to avoid losing sight of your goal completely is to have a plan for when you slip up. What happens if you miss a day? Decide you don’t like your self-care routine? Feel stuck? Creating a plan of action (like going for an extra walk the next day, or making a special detox meal) will help you regain your momentum quickly.
6 Ways to Practice More Self-Care in 2022
Ready to create a self-care routine that will help you thrive this year? Here are a few of our favorite self-care habits that encourage total body wellness:
#1 -Make one healthy food swap
Most of us have at least one guilty pleasure we could eat less of. Choose one thing and make a healthier swap. For instance, replace your ice cream dessert with a fruit-packed smoothie or greek yogurt. Or, instead of a second cup of coffee, brew some herbal tea or enjoy a tall glass of water with Dr. Danielle’s Gut Assist. If you’re in need of a full kitchen reboot, replace at least one take away or junk food meal a week with one of our recipes from Dr. Danielle’s Kitchen!
#2- Plan a daily and monthly digital detox
We all need time to unplug. But with so much of our lives dependent on our phones and computers, it can be hard to carve out screen-free time. This year, pledge to spend at least an hour “unplugged” before bed each night, and even consider planning a phone-free day or weekend once a month!
#3 - Meditate in the mornings
If you want to reduce your stress, improve your mood, and enjoy a calmer year, it’s time to start meditating. Even just 10 minutes in the morning can make a big difference in how you experience the entire day.
#4 - Supplement with adaptogens
Need a boost in energy, less stress, or mood support? Adaptogens can help. Adaptogens are herbs and other natural medicinals that enhance the body’s ability to protect itself. Common adaptogens include ashwagandha for stress relief and energy, medicinal mushrooms for brain and immune support, and bee pollen for improved nutrition and overall wellness.
#5 - Dance - or stretch - it out!
Studies show that dancing is one of the best ways to improve your mood balance, relieve stress, and even boost your immunity. Not a dancer? Not a problem! Stretching and yoga exercises have similar effects. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to reap the mental and physical health rewards of dancing or stretching. Put on your favorite tunes (or a dance playlist like this) and let the rhythm melt your stress!
#6- Make breaks a natural part of your day, not a reward
It’s common to use break times as a reward for getting things done. Sadly, when we don’t meet our daily goals, a restorative break is often the first thing to go. But breaks from work aren’t just good for your mental health - they improve your physical health, help you be more productive, and keep harmful stress at bay. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day, preferably with a nice outdoor walk or meditation!
Set Yourself Up for Self-Care Success in 2022
One of the best resolutions you can make this year is to nourish your body and mind by trying new self-care practices and routines. But like any new habit, it can take some determination to turn a new self-care practice into second nature.
Dr. Danielle is here to help! Our collection of natural supplements can support your unique self-care routines and make it easier to manage stress, fight illnesses, improve digestion, and enhance your overall health. Get ready to enjoy your healthiest year yet!
