Seven Pillars of Self Care

 

It’s goodbye festive season… hello, cold and wet January! With dark mornings and the demands of daily life returning, sticking to the resolutions we all made on New Year’s Eve can start to feel like a slog. But by investing in self-care, we can recharge our batteries, improve our happiness, and give our health a much-needed boost. 

 

This January, we’re prioritising all areas of our life: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. These are known as the seven pillars of self-care and they’re essential for getting the most out of your self-care routines. Take a moment for yourself this week and see how these tips transform your January:

 

Mental: Have a Hygge Day

In the northern quarters of the world, where winters are even darker and longer, Denmark has crafted a secret weapon against the chill… hygge! Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’, hygge is a concept celebrating everything that makes life enjoyable: warmth, good food, friendship and finding joy in the small things. Surround yourself with soft blankets, light some candles, and enjoy the process of making yourself an indulgent hot drink. Taking time for yourself and appreciating the simple pleasures in life can transform your mental state… there’s a reason why Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries on the planet! 

 

Emotional: Small Acts of Self-Care at Home

Self-care doesn’t always need to be expensive pampering or luxurious nights in (although we wouldn’t say no to either!). Prioritising small acts of kindness towards yourself can be just as impactful. This might look like taking a warm bath or enjoying a book for an hour before bed. These small acts of self-care each day soon add up to transform your confidence and self-esteem. 

 

Physical: Experience the Benefits of Dry January

Set yourself the Dry January challenge: a whole month without an alcoholic drink. The benefits of a teetotal 31 days include weight-loss, better sleep, clearer skin, more energy, and more money! Over 175,000 people took part in 2023, and with pubs and bars now stocking an ever-increasing selection of alcohol-free drinks you won’t need to sacrifice your social life to take part. 

 

Environmental: Tackle Home Chores with a Timer

Combat the winter clutter by setting a timer for 15 minutes and focusing on one messy area of your home, rather than attempting to tackle the whole house. Breaking down cleaning tasks into bitesized time frames makes chores seem less overwhelming and gets you back into a routine. Try setting your timer first thing in the morning or when you get home from work and see which works best for you!

 

Spiritual: Boost Your Vitamin D and Discover New Hobbies

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin since it’s made in your skin after sun exposure. But during the dark winter months, lower light levels mean lower vitamin D—making it so much more important to bask in the sun as much as you can. Try a 15-minute walk at lunchtime accompanied by a new podcast or audiobook to boost your vitamin D. 

 

Recreational: Explore Hearty Winter Recipes

Warm your soul with hearty winter recipes packed with immunity-boosting ingredients. We love batch-cooking soups, ready to be heated up for lazy dinners curled up on the sofa. Head over to Instagram next Thursday for our creamiest tomato soup recipe!

 

Social: Plan a Fun and Cosy Night In

Just because January is dark and cold doesn’t mean you need to hit pause on your social life. Invite your friends over for a bring-and-share night or have a cosy date at home. Good times with good friends will keep the January blues at bay. 

 

From creating a cosy home environment to nourishing your body and spirit, the seven pillars can help you embrace the season with warmth and positivity. Which are your favourite tips for self-care?