I’m not one for new year resolutions, but something which I believe should be everyone’s priority this year is themselves, as they should be for every year. But 2022, in particular, is the year for you to be a selfish b*tch. Obviously not in a rude way, but essentially 2022 should be the year where you prioritise your happiness, focus on your personal goals and aid your mental health. You live your life for yourself not for anyone else so make this year your b*tch and care for yourself. With that being said here are my self-care tips to help you be your best self in 2022:
1: Skincare
Having a day and night skincare routine forces you to take time for yourself and be in your own little bubble. It encourages you to adopt a healthier morning and night routine, which helps with overall mental health by decreasing stress levels. As you have allocated time where you’re essentially forcing yourself to relax.
Recommendations to add to your routine:
- Morning serums (vitamin C serums)
- Night serums (Hyaluronic acid serums)
- Ice face roller
- Gel refreshing moisturisers (mainly if you don’t like cream)
- Under-eye cream/masks
- Toners with BHA or AHA
- Retinol products (night)
2: Tea
Moving away from the average British milk tea to teas that hold strong health benefits, that better skin, brain functions and breed relaxation. TeaHow provides information on what tea would be suited for you and your needs but here are a few basic recommendations to add your day.
Recommendations to add to your routine:
- Jasmine tea
- Oolong tea
- Ginger tea
- Green tea
- Black tea
3: Reading
Getting into a routine with reading whether it’s a chapter or a page a day helps improve focus and instil disciple, whilst reducing stress and improving mental health. Reading broadens your vocabulary and expands your knowledge. No matter if it’s fiction or non-fiction, books enable you to get out of your own head and go into a new world.
Recommendations to add to your routine:
- Beautiful World, Where are You – Sally Rooney
- I Have More Souls Than One – Fernando Pessoa
- Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami
- Klara and the Sun – Kazuo Ishiguro
- Intimacies – Katie Kitamura
- The Other Black Girl – Zakiya Dalil Harris
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
- Happy, Not Perfect – Poppy Jamie
- The Distance Between Us – Maggi O’Farrell
- The Evolution of a Girl – L.E. Bowman
4: Cooking
Cooking releases an immense amount of endorphins. Whether it’s you alone dancing in the kitchen or cooking with others, it’s a great way to take your mind of work or any other external stresses. Moreover, homecooked meals are healthier and a money saver, whilst additionally expanding your knowledge of different cuisines. Cooking a new recipe whether once or twice a week forces you to focus and really enjoy the process of cooking and appreciate food more.
Recipe recommendations:
- Chicken or falafel Gyros
- Burrito bowl
- Paella
- Aubergine Katsu curry
- Pulled jackfruit taco
- Miso soup ramen
- Gyoza (really fun to make with others)
5: Extra bits:
Here are a few little bits that could also help you be your best self this year:
- Essential oil diffusers
- Mindfulness cards
- Reflection journal
- Changing from a normal alarm to a music alarm
- Setting timers on social media apps
- Meditating or yoga
This year is what you make of it. By taking care of yourself means you are putting your best foot forward. So, self-care b*tch.