New year, new beginnings and all that jazz! January so far has been interesting, however, I’m trying to take each day as it comes.
Self love, health, happiness, kindness, family and friendships are the most vital aspects of life and I’m doing my best to ensure I make those six a priority. As well as practicing self love and mindfulness.
It’s the year that I want to ensure I’m putting myself first instead of second.
While it’s great to help others (which I will continue to do anyway), I need to ensure my wellbeing is top priority, which means I need to use my headspace and calm app every single day (well, try to).
I need to also make sure that I’m communicating in person (as well as digitally), make new connections, make time for people I care about, write what I’m passionate about and of course doing a bit of pampering (face masks, baths, paint nails – the whole sha-bang) – It’s ok to have a lazy day once in a while (usually Saturday’s or Sunday’s are my most chilled days).
It’s ok to wear make-up or go bare faced. It’s ok to want to do nothing but breathe and enjoy walks outside.
It’s ok to smile more, be kind more (to self included) and to stop focusing on the negatives or comparing myself to others.
As well as self love, I’m trying to be more cautious of what I am eating (damn my sweet tooth though)!
This January, Joe and I are doing ‘veggie week’. Well, I will try and do it for the whole month, however, it’s really hard as I love fish and chicken too much (sorry if you’re vegan). However, I feel like I do eat a lot of plant based foods already – such as oat milk, coconut milk, vegetables and so forth.
I also need to practice mindfulness, yoga and exercise more regularly. I’ve slipped into bad habits and haven’t been exercising as much as I used to. I need to get back into the swing of things and exercise every day or 4/5 times a week.
Another self love activity would be to read more! One of my aunties bought me a book titled Ruby Wax with a Neuroscientist & a Monk How To Be Human The Manual which I need to get stuck in to.
I also want to get involved with more charity work. Charities that I’m passionate about – Mind, Anti Bullying, Endometriosis (read my endometriosis story here), Crisis, Alzheimers Society, Age UK, Salvation Army, Macmillan Cancer and Animal Charities such as WWF, RSPCA, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, WWF and Guide Dogs.
Another great self love activity can be watching a film or a tv series. Joe and I have been watching The Good Place on Netflix – which has been really good, as well as watching old episodes of How I Met Your Mother.
I also want to check out You, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo and some other documentaries!
Also, I tried to watch ‘Up’ the other day, but I got a bit teary at the start of the film so I had to turn off and watch something else. Joe and I watched Spiderman – The Homecoming instead and really enjoyed it!
So, that’s it folks! There’s lots of self love activities you can try – google and you’ll find loads of ways to unwind, relax and enjoy your me time.
I find writing, watching a good old tv series, lighting a candle, having a bubble bath, and sometimes baking/cooking really relaxing.
If you’re struggling with trying to relax and trying to practice a bit of self love, try a mindfulness app such as Headspace or Calm. Or, brainstorm things that help you switch off your busy mind. Pace yourself slowly and remember it’s ok to not be ok.
What self love activities do you do? Let me know in the comments below as I love to try, do and see new things!
You may also be interested in my Life Update blog post from August last year.
Let’s get social. Follow me on Instagram or Twitter. I’m also on Bloglovin, Pinterest and Youtube.
One of my goals for this year is to read more – I really need to take more time to myself! I’m so tempted to start watching You but I’m a bit of a wuss so I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy it!
Becca / becc4
Author
Thanks for commenting Becca! I need to read more too… just haven’t been making the time for it lately, but maybe I shall dedicate 1 hour before bed time.
I’ve seen adverts for ‘You’, it looks a little dark and scary, but, I am intrigued by it.
Z
I’d love to get involved in some charity work this year, perhaps doing a run for a charity like mind! This year is definitely for self love and working on myself more than ever!
Lucy | Forever September
Thanks for commenting Lucy :). A run for mind sounds great! Tempted to do the same!
Z
happy new year! fun post!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Author
Happy New Year :).
Z
Self love is something I’m trying to master the art of this year. I also totally agree with your goal of communicating to people in person and not through the screen! I have a big resolution to give myself more of a break and to understand when my body needs it. Great post as always.
Sophie
https://thirdeyetraveller.com
Author
Thanks Sophie! Sometimes we get so caught up in this digital world that we forget the beauty of what’s happening in the world, like focusing on the smell of fresh bread, fresh air or even reading a book. Definitely give yourself a break :).
Z
I think we have a lot in common! I felt like this could have been taken from my own diary. <3 I'm also trying to focus more on myself this year. I signed up for a barre3 challenge so I'm hoping to stick with that this month. Signing up for the challenge also gave me a free month of Headspace, so I think I'm going to give a meditation session a try tonight. I've been in a tough spot mentally so hoping to shake that soon. Cheers to you in the new year! P.S. I followed you on Insta 🙂
Author
Thanks for commenting Amanda – I’ve followed you back on Instagram :).
I haven’t heard of the barre3 challenge, I’ll look in to that soon, thank you! Headspace is great – I find it so hard to switch off and relax though.
Z
Ahhh love this so much girl! Cheers to you and embracing yourself!
-Emily | http://www.TheEmilyEdition.com
Author
Thanks Emily :).
Z
I definitely want to cut meat out a lot more too. But also love fish and chicken so don’t think giving it up all together is realistic for me at the mo!
http://www.madeinthe1990s.co.uk
Author
That’s fine, veggie week isn’t for everyone! It was a struggle for me so I don’t know if I can do the rest of the month, but we shall see!
Z
I am also doing a veggie month haha – similarly to you I loveee chicken/fish, it’s been really tough for almost made it through 2 weeks! Wishing you a fantastic year! <3
http://skylish.co.uk
Author
Wishing you a fantastic New Year too! That’s great – I think I’m going to struggle doing it for 2 weeks but I’ll give it a go! I might need to take supplements to help support my bones though.
Z
Oh, I need to add using the Calm and Headspace app to my daily routine! Some self-love activities that I need to do is just lighting up a candle and taking the time to do a nightly beauty routine. Spend some time to just pamper myself a little! So many nights, I just go straight to bed without even taking off my makeup!! *shudders*
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
Author
I need to utilise Headspace and Calm more – I keep forgetting to use it!!
Lighting a candle sounds perfect – it’s nice and relaxing. I’m the same, I forget to take my make-up off sometimes and need to ensure I’m spending that little bit of extra time pampering before heading to bed.
Z
Amazing and motivational post! xx
https://sasha24official.blogspot.com/
Author
Thanks Sasha :).
Z
YAY love how positive this is! Happy 2019 babe!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Author
Thanks Lisa! Happy New Year 🙂
Such a great post! After watching one episode of Marie Kondo, I think I’m obsessed with her and her techniques! My bff cleaned her room after watching the episode too! Haha! Prepare to be inspired to clean when you watch it.
As for apps, I like the android one called Prana. It’s a breathing app that I use often.
xo Ros | ZenHealth
Author
I’ve watched the first episode and I’ve been on a bit of a cleaning spree of the house! Lots of bags to give to charity :).
I haven’t heard of Prana, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Z
Happy New Year beautiful. I love that app Calm, I use it a lot. xx
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|Elegant Duchess|
Author
Happy New Year! It’s good isn’t it – I keep forgetting to use it though!
I’ll take a look at Bloggsy – thanks for the recommendation :).
Z
I’ve been trying to practice self-love for forever. Still trying. I’m naturally a person who is hard on herself. Thanks for this. I’ll try to use the points. Especially being mindful.
Marie Kondo is amazing! I will never fold my shirts any other way for life.
Kelcy
Author
I’m the same – always hard on myself, however I’m trying to break out of it and allow myself to say its ok to want to have a lazy day or treat myself to a face mask!
She’s great isn’t she!!
Z
This was so inspiring! I have such a sweet tooth as well! I’d eat dessert all day every day if I could. Self love is so important. These are all really great ideas for practicing self love. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thanks Annie :)!
Z
Great post! Personally, for self-love I love to watch grays anatomy and do a face mask. It is an incredible way to end a stressful day.
https://daysofkate.com
Author
Thanks Kate! I’ve never watched grays anatomy – I’ll have to give it a watch!
Z
I usually treat myself to a spa and have a relaxing full body massage. Anyway, thanks for this lovely read dear, truly inspiring! Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Author
How lovely! I’m all for spa days and massages! Thank you :).
Z