Six self-care resolutions you should make this year

From careers to kids, many of us have so many responsibilities that we often forget to take care of our personal needs. This can be detrimental to our health because we’re less able to handle stress effectively when we’re already physically and emotionally exhausted. That’s why self-care is so important. By practising it, you’ll gain a more positive outlook on life and reduce stress, therefore preventing conditions like heart disease, depression, and diabetes. If you want to take better care of yourself this year, check out these six resolutions you should be making.

1) Take yourself out on dates

Do you ever watch a movie, go to a museum, or eat at a restaurant by yourself? You should if you don’t. Professor Rebecca Ratner from the University of Maryland has spent years studying why people are hesitant to do things on their own and believes this reluctance is taking away happiness from our lives. Her study published in the Journal of Consumer Research also found people consistently underestimated how much fun they would have doing activities solo. Doing things alone gives you freedom, control, and time to reflect – all great things for self-care.

2) Do regular digital detoxes

An American Psychological Association study from 2017 discovered that people who are on their phones constantly to check texts, emails, and social media apps experience higher levels of stress. Smartphone addiction is a real thing and has been linked to anxiety and depression and decreased sleep quality, which is why it’s important to disconnect from technology regularly. Try to stay off your phone for at least an hour every day (longer if you can) so you can be present in the moment and engage with people in real life.

3) Work on your sleep hygiene

Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health but did you know a third of Canadians are not getting enough of it? Make getting seven to nine hours of shuteye a priority and improve your sleep hygiene if you’re having trouble sleeping well. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits you need to maintain to ensure a good night’s rest. Some good sleep hygiene tips include setting a regular sleep schedule, getting enough natural light during the day, avoiding coffee and nicotine before bedtime, exercising regularly, limiting daytime naps to 30 minutes maximum, and eating meals at regular hours.

4) Nurture good relationships and cut out toxic ones

There’s no better time than now to cut off that emotionally draining friend or destructive family member. The people you choose to spend time with have a huge impact on your mental health. Surrounding yourself with caring, supportive friends and family is vital for self-care. Make sure to set boundaries with toxic people and spend more time with the people who matter. This goes for the digital world as well. Unfollow any Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts that aren’t beneficial to your wellbeing.

5) Practise gratitude

Thinking about the things we appreciate daily is one of the most common pieces of advice given by happiness researchers. Why? Because research has shown the stress centers in our brain reduce their activity when we express gratitude. Another study also found people felt more positive about their lives after making a list of what they’re thankful for. Practising gratitude isn’t hard. The next time you brush your teeth, simply make a mental list of things you appreciate. It can be anything from the beautiful sunset you saw that day to those new shoes you just bought to hitting a personal goal at the gym.

6) See a chiropractor (even if you don’t feel pain)

Chiropractors not only treat back and neck pain, they can help prevent it too. Your body uses physical pain as a way to tell you that something needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, it’s often the last symptom to appear after a problem that’s already been going on for a while. When you see a chiropractor regularly, they can examine your spinal column and notify you of any health issues well before the pain arrives. Regular wellness adjustments also help you achieve optimal movement, allowing your body to function at its best.