Did you make any New Year resolutions? The same ones as last year, but this time you ARE going to keep them, right?

I don’t know about you, but I find January hard to make drastic changes. It’s cold and grey, and after such a busy time of the year, I often feel quite exhausted. It doesn’t help that we tend to set unrealistic targets, aiming for the ‘perfect’ something.

So, as far as I’m concerned, it’s time for some good nourishment, rest and self-care.

Why is self-care so important?

We live in a world full of stress. Our body is designed to pump out stress hormones in case of emergencies. Evolutionary speaking, this is only supposed to happen when we are in danger, such as running away from a Saber-toothed tiger. Our so called fight or flight response.

These days with constant stress, our adrenal glands are working overtime producing these hormones. Unless you find a way to switch off, you will find yourself feeling stressed, anxious, jittery, irritable and moody. It will also increase your weight and impact your sleep pattern.

"Unless you look after yourself, you are going to burn out and not be of no use to anyone."

Unfortunately, self-care is often seen as a luxury. But unless you look after yourself, you are going to burn out and be of no use to anyone.

So, isn’t it high time that you do something about it?

Top 7 Self-Care Tips

1. Take 5 minutes every morning to yourself. A few stretches, write a gratitude journal, guided meditation, or sit there and breathe. Try anything that focuses your mind. Get up 5 minutes earlier if you have to.

2. Drink a glass of water 1st thing in the morning. Your body is dehydrated when you wake up. This is the most common reason why you feel a bit groggy in the morning. Dehydration makes you tired, moody and foggy and will likely wake you up at 3am!

3. Take a bath. Relaxing and makes for a very restful sleep. Add some Epsom Salt to the bathwater – the magnesium works wonders on your muscles and aching joints.

4. Say no to things you don’t want to do, or cannot fit in. We are often afraid to upset people and say yes without thinking. Get clear on your boundaries and focus on the people who are important to you; your family and friends. Everybody else can wait.

5. Go for a walk. Research shows that walking in nature improves your mood and lowers stress levels. With a good mood, everything else seems easier.

6. Make sure you meet a friend in person once a week. If time is short, then make it a phone call. Social media doesn’t count – the human connection is vital for a healthy mind.

7. Get enough quality sleep. Sleep can never be overrated. This is when your body restores itself and your immune system works. This is also when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain increases, washing away harmful waste proteins that build up during the day. Make sure you get 7.5 hours of ‘sleep time’.

These tips are much more likely to have an enormous impact on your health and wellbeing. And they are a lot more fun than the usual resolution list!

I hope this helps. Keep well!

Gabriella

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Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problems, before embarking on any new health regimes, using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications or food programmes.