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New Year, New Glow : Self-Care Practices to Start 2025 Right

New Year, New Glow : Self-Care Practices to Start 2025 Right

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to hit reset and focus on yourself. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, January offers an opportunity to prioritize your well-being. Let’s dive into some self-care practices that will help you start 2025 glowing—inside and out.

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Physical Self-Care: Nourish and Flourish

Your body is your temple, and taking care of it is the foundation of self-care. Here are some simple ways to honor your physical health:

Revamp Your Skincare Routine: The winter months can be harsh on your skin, so hydrate and protect it with a solid skincare regimen. Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Don’t forget sunscreen—even in winter!  Here are some products that are great for dry, winter skin:

Get Moving: Whether it’s yoga, brisk walking, or even dancing in your living room, find a way to stay active that brings you joy. Consistent movement boosts endorphins and keeps you feeling energized.

Fuel Your Body Well:  Incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your meals. A smoothie can be a great on-the-go option, and meal prepping can make healthy eating easier.

I’ve found that smoothies are lifesavers on busy days. I recently discovered Truvani’s vegan and gluten-free protein powder, which has only five pronounceable ingredients—no chalky or weird aftertaste. For snacks, I’m obsessed with Truvani’s Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bar; it tastes like actual banana bread! I just ordered the variety pack to try all the flavors.

When life gets hectic, I also rely on food delivery services. I’ve tried HelloFresh and Blue Apron, but lately, I’ve been loving Tovala. Their smart oven scans meal cards and cooks everything perfectly, from toast to filet mignon. Even if you stop ordering meals, the oven is worth keeping for its versatility.

Mental Self-Care: Clear Your Mind

Caring for your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your body. Practice mindfulness, take 10 minutes each morning to sit in stillness, focus on your breath, or try a guided meditation. This helps center your mind for the day ahead.  Headspace is a  popular app that offers you can learn about the basics of meditation and they even offer a 14 day free trial.

 I had heard about vagus nerve devices and was very curious about them so I waited for a sale and purchased the Apollo Neuro which is designed to offer the benefits of mindfulness practices like meditation and breathwork, through our body’s natural response to touch, it evens boasts better sleep.  After one week I was hooked on it, it not only helps increase my deep sleep time but it also helps when I’m stressed or have anxiety.  The gentle vibrations really help keep me calm.  My Apple Health app picks it up as 468 min of mindful minutes a day!

Set Boundaries: Protect your mental energy by saying no to things that don’t serve you. Start prioritizing what truly matters.  I like to keep a board in my room that says “set boundaries” to always remind myself that I am the captain of my ship.  It’s not always easy to say no but over time it does become easier.

Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your feelings and reflections can be incredibly therapeutic. Start by jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day. I like using an inspirational journal to write down and reflect my thoughts.

Create a Self-Care Ritual: Dedicate an evening to pampering yourself—run a bubble bath, light candles, and listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite binge worthy show.

self careEmotional Self-Care: Fill Your Cup

Your emotional well-being is the cornerstone of your happiness. Here are some ways to nurture it:

Create a Self-Care Ritual: Dedicate one evening a week to pampering yourself. Draw a bubble bath, light candles, and indulge in your favorite playlist or binge-worthy show.

Pursue Joyful Hobbies: Make time for activities that spark joy. This year, I plan to dive into creative outlets like bedazzling accessories and painting.

Stay Connected: Relationships play a big role in emotional health. Schedule regular coffee dates or phone calls with friends and loved ones who uplift you.

My Self-Care Journey for 2025

Last year was a whirlwind for me, and I often put my needs on the back burner. But not this year! My plan for 2025 includes morning meditation, evening skincare rituals, and making time for creative hobbies like bedazzling my favorite things and painting. I’m also committing to moving more—whether it’s riding my bike or just walking around the neighborhood.

self careThe most important lesson I’ve learned? Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Final Thoughts

This January, let self-care take center stage. By nourishing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, you’ll be ready to handle anything 2025 has in store.

Remember: when you take care of yourself, everything else falls into place.

Which self-care practice will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!

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5 Simple Ways to De-Stress After a Long Day

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5 Simple Ways to De-Stress After a Long Day

After a long, hectic day, taking time to unwind and de-stress is crucial for both mental and physical health. Whether you’ve had back-to-back meetings, been on your feet all day, or simply need to recharge, here are five simple ways to help you relax and rejuvenate.

1. Create a Calming Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine can be more than just a way to care for your complexion—it can also be a relaxing ritual to signal the end of the day. Start by cleansing your face with a soothing cleanser like Farmacy Green Clean Balm (use code JODY20 for 20% off) or Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (use code JODY for 15% off) to gently remove makeup and impurities. Follow up with a hydrating serum or facial oil and finish with a nourishing night cream to lock in moisture. Taking a few moments to gently massage these products into your skin can help you unwind and feel pampered.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about staying present in the moment, which can significantly reduce stress. After a long day, set aside 10-15 minutes for a simple mindfulness practice. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breathing. Let your thoughts come and go without judgment, and allow your body to relax with each exhale. Apps like Headspace and Calm can also guide you through mindfulness or meditation exercises to help you reset your mind.

3. Indulge in a Relaxing Bath

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to soothe tired muscles and ease the mind. Adding bath salts or oils infused with lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can elevate your bath experience, offering calming aromatherapy benefits. Light some candles, put on soft music, and let your worries melt away. If you prefer a shower, try using an aromatherapy filter on your shower head or use a calming body wash with essential oils to create the same soothing atmosphere.

4. Stretch and Breathe

A few simple stretches can work wonders for your body, especially after a day of sitting or standing for extended periods. Stretching helps release tension in your muscles, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation. Consider doing some gentle yoga stretches, such as child’s pose, downward dog, or a seated forward bend. Pair your stretching with deep, intentional breathing to enhance the relaxation benefits.

5. Unplug and Read or Listen to Music

Sometimes the best way to de-stress is to disconnect from the digital world. Put your phone on airplane mode, turn off the TV, and dive into a good book or listen to some soothing music. Reading a few chapters of a novel or listening to your favorite playlist can transport you to a different world, helping you unwind and shift your focus away from the day’s stressors. If you enjoy podcasts, listening to something light and calming can also be a great way to relax.

By incorporating these simple de-stressing techniques into your daily routine, you’ll be able to recharge your body and mind, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next. Your well-being matters, so take the time to unwind and care for yourself after a long day.

Check out more lifestyle tips and skincare advice on lifebyjody!

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