It’s the time of reflection when we look back on the year that’s gone and think about how we want to approach the year coming. For a lot of people, looking after their wellbeing and managing their stress better will be at the top of the list of things they want to do differently.
That’s great! I think we should all give more time and attention to our wellbeing and do things to manage stress before it gets overwhelming. Just make sure to start small and build up. If you set the bar too high and give yourself loads to do, you’ll just end up feeling worse. You’ll get stressed about doing the things that are supposed to help you feel less stressed!
Since recovering from burnout myself, I’ve learned that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. They’re simple enough that I can do them every day or every week and create regular anchors when I pause, release and reset.
Here are some examples of realistic wellbeing goals you can set yourself as we head into the new year.
Simple practices that create calm in the chaos
Whether you choose one of these practices or this inspires you to try something else, make sure to adapt it to your routine. If you only have 5 minutes, do it for just 5 minutes. If the only time you have is during your lunch break, go with that. The easier you make it for yourself, the more likely it is that you’ll be consistent and that’s when you’ll experience the best benefits.
The power of a quick walk
Going for a walk is good for us for many reasons. The physical movement and fresh air are very regulating. I go into more detail about it in this blog on mindful walking. Start with a 10-minute walk and then build up from there. You don’t need to do it at any particular time of day. I used to go for my walks after I dropped the boys off at school and before I needed to be at work because that’s the time I had available.
The pause of a tea break
What is already part of your daily routine that you could make mindful? How about your first cup of tea or coffee in the morning? It’s tempting to make yourself a drink and then sip it as you get started on your to-do list. Slow down, sit down and drink it without doing anything else. Turn it into a moment for you to ground and centre yourself before getting on with your day.
Self-care starts with skincare
The 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes in the evening I spend on my skincare routine are so precious to me. It’s a consistent non-negotiable time in the day when I pause and focus on myself, enhanced by essential oil infused skincare products. I mindfully apply the products, massaging them into my face and sending loving energy to my body as the soothing aromas create a sense of calm. This relaxing practice bookends my day every day.
Soak in the aromas
A lot of people like having a bath as their self-care time. It’s even better when you have an aromatherapy bath. Pour the Relax & Unwind bath/shower gel under running water to fill the bathroom with calming aromas. Soak in the calm for as long as you need, then apply the matching body oil to relax the muscles even further and create that peaceful, floaty feeling. I do this at least once a week. Recently, it made me so relaxed that I fell asleep on the sofa. When I did get up to bed, I slept for 7 and a half hours straight!
Anchor into mindfulness
It doesn’t have to take long to feel calmer. If you don’t have time for a bath, just using aromatherapy rollerballs and being mindful for a minute or two makes a massive difference. The essential oils anchor in the mindfulness by calming the mind and body. Sometimes that’s all you need to feel more grounded.
The busier I am, the more of these self-care techniques I use. When the pressure is on, the things we do for ourselves are the first things to go. But we actually need them more than ever. So I’ve made an effort to do more self-care when I’m busy and it’s paid off in feeling less stressed during these times.
Whatever wellbeing practices align with your routine and lifestyle, anchor in the moment of mindfulness with essential oils. Browse our skincare, bodycare and bath products infused with essential oils.