The holidays are behind us, and winter is in full swing. Unfortunately, most of us are stuck paying bills and moping around without taking a moment to think about self-care. Treating yourself to speciality items and things that you might consider luxurious is important to make sure you keep balance in life. Because of this, finding new ways to upgrade yourself can come handy. Here are a couple of tips to help you live your best life.
Words: Jasmine Anderson
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1. Treat Yourself to a Bubble Bath
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Taking care of your well being starts off at an intimate level. After a stressful day at work or just a long day of running around town, it is important to make sure to step back and relax. One of the best ways to soothe the nerves is to get your hands on an aromatic bath bomb and draw yourself a warm bath. Not only will the tension in your body be relieved, but you will also give your mind a break from all the responsibilities of everyday life. Nevertheless, do not feel guilty for wanting to treat yourself! A great idea to incorporate your spouse is to get them to take a bath with you. Not only will this help strengthen the relationship, but it might also be a fun date night finisher for both of you.
2. Get a Massage
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Sadly, modern-day life has trained people to find pleasure and gratification in highly processed food, booze and cigarettes, instead of turning to much healthier alternatives. One of the healthiest ways to relax and treat yourself is booking a schedule for a therapeutic massage. As a matter of fact, getting a massage regularly can help in easing mobility and flexibility issues. Also, it is an excellent way to improve blood circulation in various parts of the body. If you do not have the time to go out to get a message and if you are looking for alternatives, then investing in a set of luxurious premium massage chairs might do the trick. These first-class massage chairs work in the way that they focus on the body's shiatsu points. So, next time you get a raise or just feel like treating yourself, go get a massage.
3. Indulge in Dark Chocolate
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It is not a secret that women (and men!) adore chocolate. In fact, did you know that in Mesoamerican cultures, people believe that the cacao bean was handed down by the gods to heal a lot of chronic illnesses? Also, it is believed that warriors consumed dark chocolate on a regular basis to improve stamina. So, next time you want to treat yourself, take a bite of extra dark chocolate. Due to the fact that it is full of antioxidants, you will reap the benefits such as reduced inflammation and regulated glucose levels. Also, it is said that dark chocolate is excellent for treating high blood pressure! Nevertheless, do not take the munching overboard and remember to stay mindful.
4. Sleep it Off
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Nowadays, a lot of people suffer from a lack of sleep. Unfortunately, due to having stressful jobs, spending too much time on electric devices, and poor nutrition, it is not a surprise that people are not getting enough quality sleep. As a matter of fact, sleep plays an important role in maintaining good physical health. Making sure that you get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep every night is crucial for optimal hormone levels. Also, it helps in repairing your heart and blood vessels. The lack of sleep is linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. If you cannot get those seven hours in, then maybe try taking regular naps throughout the day and remember to cut down on the caffeine!
5. Get Rid of Unnecessary Stuff
Be honest, no one wants to get back from work to a pile of dirty dishes or a room that might look like a bomb just went off. Clutter and filth can have terrible side effects on the human mind. As a matter of fact, it is a well-known fact that clutter makes it harder to concentrate on achieving certain goals. For example, you will definitely lose motivation to study if you are constantly surrounded by things that give off an impression that there is always extra work to be done around the house. If you are not keen on throwing stuff out, then maybe consider donating everything that does not add value to your life. Not only will you get rid of unnecessary stuff, but you will also contribute to a good cause.
6. Start Meditating
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Most of us get a bit of anxiety from time to time, which is absolutely normal. Of course, it is important to find a way to manage this feeling of restlessness. One of the best ways to relax is to take up the practice of meditation. Meditating daily not only calms your mind but it also helps with increasing focus and other cognitive functions. If you are new to the whole practice, then consult with a friend or look up guided tutorials. Luckily, the internet is full of how to’s, so anyone will be able to master meditation in no time. By meditating for at least ten minutes a day, you will be more confident and relaxed in everyday life.
7. Practice Kindness
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As a matter of fact, kindness is said to be a habit that can be easily cultivated. One of the best ways to step into the New Year is by changing up your mindset and making it a goal to do something nice for someone every day. By focusing on kindness for at least one month, you will notice a change in how people treat you. Be friendly and try to interact with people as much as possible. Also, you can try out volunteering!
All in all, whatever you decide to do to make your new year as fabulous as possible, remember to choose an activity that will make you happy. A happy person is like a little ray of sunshine, so do not forget to put a smile on and conquer 2019.