How to live a happier life this year: Sensible tips to practice self-care

Gym: Novo Fitness Studio | Leggings (similar)| Tank (similar)

The new year’s resolution posts for 2017 have probably already flooded your timelines and inboxes.  I’ll admit I was even one of them last year. Blog posts that share “How to finally fit into that size 2” or “Fall in love with your soul mate” are toxic. Kick ’em to the curb immediately!  2017 is all about practicing self-care. Some may think that’s selfish, but how can you give 100% when you’re only at a 50? If your Facebook is like mine, it’s filled with a bunch of nasty political debates and it can get overwhelming! While we must always stay vigilant, you’re allowed to take a break once in a while! Here are my tips that will help you practice self-care:

Count your blessings: Seriously! My small group and I used to do something called “Pits and peaks”. We’d go around and share the “pits” of our day (aka the icky parts) followed by the peaks. These would’ve been the smallest of moments like finding your favorite pair of leggings again or your teacher bumping up your exam grade. Whatever it was, it instantly helped overshadow the low-points of our day.

Staycations: You don’t need to go all the way to Aruba to unwind! (However, I definitely wouldn’t complain if one of you would like to take me! Poor post grad over here. Ha.)  Make your own oasis right at home. Light some candles, draw that bath and bring out that mystery novel you’ve been trying to read for the past 6 months. Kids or pets in the picture? Coordinate with friends that gives them a fun day out and gives YOU a chance to relax.

Ctrl + Alt + delete the negativity from your life: I’m sure you can already guess the first place you should start. If there’s something on social media causing you negativity, simply block it! With friends or family, it can make it a little tricky, but you can unfollow them without completely deleting them as friends! This allows your timeline to stay drama free and keeps those relationships intact. In my life, I would follow a lot of beauty/fashion accounts on Instagram for inspiration that caused me to become severely insecure. Has this happened to you? Over time it became an unhealthy obsession and I soon realized it was time for me to find more positive role models to be inspired by.

Dance in the mirror + sing in the shower: If you didn’t start singing this song, we can’t be friends (kidding, but only slightly). Make yourself a funky playlist! Some of my go-to pump up songs have to include 2 Chainz, Broadway music, and of course my girl Bey.  Music can have such a positive impact on your mood! There’s a reason psychologists encourage it for therapy. Don’t be afraid to sing your favorite tunes with the windows open in your car or pick up that hairbrush and dance in the mirror 80’s movie style.

Vent System: There are days you just gotta scream and it can’t be all fixed with sunshine and rainbows. And that’s ok! We all know it’s not healthy to keep it all in. Find someone who you can share whenever you’re struggling. Whether it’s your mom or your best friend, pick someone you’re comfortable with so you don’t have to hold back.

Pamper yourself: Going to the spa or buying a new pair of shoes is nice every once in a while! Especially with the health benefits of massages, it’s almost shocking that most people don’t commit to getting them done more! If shopping or spa days aren’t for you (again, not sure we can be friends…) find your own way to #treatyoself.

Exercise: Eeek. The dreaded word. Even I struggle with doing it continuously, but I can feel such a difference when it’s in my normal routine. As we learned from Elle Woods, it can be pretty important in your relationships, too! Find a way to make it enjoyable by finding a group to go with you, a supportive studio community, colorful workout gear, or a fun class!

*Honorable mention: Follow adorable pets on Instagram. Doug the Pug, DailyDougie, and Jiff Pom are just a few of my favorites. Whoever first thought to make accounts for their pets sincerely has my thanks. Social media can be a discouraging place at times, but I automatically light up when I see a new post from my favorite pups! If you’re an animal lover, this is a MUST. #makeamericafluffyagain

Did I miss a big tip? What are your favorite ways to practice self-care and create more happiness in your life? Let me know below!

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