Why Self-Care is Important

Self-care is something I am so so passionate about. It’s one of the main things I talk about on my blog and Instagram. The reason is that self-care can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellbeing. It helps me as a busy entrepreneur with many things going on in life at once. I wouldn’t be able to do near as much if I didn’t slow down and take time for myself. At the start of the new year, many people try to start many new habits all at once, and it can be overwhelming. I’m all about creating good habits, but you need to pace yourself and give yourself a little grace. So I’m sharing some small changes you can make in 2022 to lean into self-care:

Self-Care Habits

You can start self-care and wellness habits at any time of the year, but here are a few ideas from my self-care routine that you can use as inspiration for self-care in the new year:

Set Time for Reflection

Try setting aside just each day for quiet reflection. You can think about the things you are grateful for, your aspirations, and things that make you happy. 

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can also help you to relax. You can incorporate mindful breathing into your quiet time, before bed, or throughout the day. 4-7-8 breathing is my personal favorite. You simply breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This breathing technique helps to reduce anxiety and can help you get to sleep.

Journaling

Journaling is another part of my self-care routine. You don’t have to start journaling every day, but you might make a goal of journaling at least once per week to start. You can find some journal prompts below, as well as a recommendation for a guided daily journal.

Get Sufficient Rest

Getting enough rest shows your body that you care about it. Getting into a good sleep routine takes time, but you can start by setting a goal bedtime and adding a reminder 30 minutes before.

Nourish Your Body

If you are a busy, on-the-go person like myself, it can be easy to skip meals or choose an easy snack over a healthy one. However, if you’re looking to create healthier eating habits this year, it’s essential to make good food easily accessible. This might mean more planning ahead to ensure there are easy healthy snacks for when you’re busy. There are also many healthy meal ideas on the blog and recommendations for quick healthy snacks on Amazon!

Self-Care Journal Prompts

Journaling is not only a great self-care habit, but it can also help you to set intentions. Here are some journal prompts to help you set intentions for the next year:

• What is one thing you are looking forward to in the next year?
• What self-care habits do you hope to develop in the next 3 months?
• What are 2 ways you can add movement into your daily routine?
• When is the best time of day for you to incorporate new habits? First thing in the morning? Just before bed? 
• What is one thing you can do this week to care for yourself?
• Describe your ideal daily routine.
• What is one thing in your current routine that no longer serves you?

Self-Care Products I’m Loving

There are many products out there to help you lean into self-care. I’m a huge advocate for buying from local, mission-based businesses, so these are some self-care products from small businesses that I’m currently loving:

Actually Curious Cards

Actually Curious is a Black-owned company that sells card packs with thoughtful questions that create meaningful connections. The cards can be used as journaling prompts or as a game with friends, family, or a date. You can shop the card packs on their website.

Noirebud

Noirebud is a Brooklyn-based luxury CBD brand with lots of products that can help you relax and refresh. Shop their drops, teas, and sprays online.

Inside Then Out

If you are looking for a self-care journal, the Better Every Day journal from Inside Then Out is for you! It is a daily guided journal to empower you to be your best self. There is a hard copy version and a digital version of the journal, along with other items to help on your self-care journey on their website.