These Self-Love Habits Will Set You Up For A Balanced 2023

Now that the festive SZN celebrations are finally settling, let’s take a moment to look at 2023 for what it is – an opportunity to start afresh. As always, we’re here to help you level up your self-care habits for the next 363 days. Whether you’d like to turn over a new leaf or take things one day at a time, here are some easy – but achievable – ways to make this week, year, and month the best yet.

1. Practice Gratitude & Manifestation

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Acknowledging the fluffy clouds and chirping birds may feel strange initially, but studies prove that being thankful for the little things can help you eat healthier, sleep better, and keep your heart in check. It’s a good thing that there are many things to be thankful for, right? Whether it’s a cup of coffee in the morning, a good night’s sleep or your train arriving on time.

Our fave way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal, as studies show that simply making a note each day of the things you’re grateful for can significantly improve your mental health. We also love to use our journal for manifestation, the practice of visualizing and speaking your dreams into existence.

To do: Practice positive affirmations each morning as you have your morning tea, and finish the day by writing down five things you’re grateful for.

2. Try Sense Hacking

Quick science recap: our body tells our brain about our surroundings through the five senses – touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste – which our brains then interpret further. In short, they change how we feel and think about things. Research confirms that using fragrances, candles, and soothing music stimulates your senses to feel happier. It makes the vibes – in your home, office, garden, wherever – immaculate, so you appreciate the ‘now.’ So if you’ve had a hard day, hack your senses and create the ultimate self-care vibe in your home. It works, trust us.

To do: Light up that candle you’ve been saving for a ‘special occasion’ tonight – you can always buy another candle, but you can’t buy another day, right?

3. Organize Something to Look Forward to

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Why use your calendar for birthdays and appointments alone? This year, get some dates in the diary for a road trip, a go-karting race, or even a quick Zoom catch-up with your nearest and dearest. Studies confirm that spending quality time with loved ones – even if it’s simply eating together – can help improve your mental health while helping you deal with stress better and lowering your blood pressure. But if you can’t get everyone’s schedules to align, take yourself out on a solo date, preferably outdoors, as studies show that spending some solo time in nature helps improve focus.

To do: Schedule some time with your besties – whether that’s just running errands like grocery shopping or a quick catch-up call. Riding solo? Set your alarm and go for a sunrise walk with a cup of matcha latte.

4. Become a Plant Parent

Hear us out: becoming a plant parent can bring you more joy than you realize. First and foremost, inviting Mother Nature into your space will help soothe your mind. Yup, research proves it has a calming effect, whether it’s in your home or office. Secondly, studies confirm that the responsibility of watering your green friends keeps your mind and body in a daily routine, which can be helpful if you’re feeling low. Researchers have even found that becoming a plant parent can help increase productivity thanks to taking in healthier air.

To do: Take care of a new green friend, and then let it take care of you.

5. Take a Digital Detox  

Here’s the thing: it’s super hard to ditch your phone for hours on end – believe us, we know – but science shows that a tech disconnect can seriously improve your mental health. If the idea feels impossible, indulge in some soul-satisfying rituals like stargazing and daydreaming that are also research-approved stress relievers and creativity boosters. We promise you’ll enjoy where this creative dreaming takes you… maybe art, maybe a badass business idea!

To do: Try taking a day or afternoon off social media every week and use the time to reconnect with yourself. Also, try to stay clear of the TV and instead take the time to switch off completely. Run a relaxing bath, journal, or go for a long walk.

6. Spring Clean Your Sacred Space

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It’s only logical that an out-with-the-old and in-with-the-new mindset comes with good ol’ spring cleaning. Tossing clutter may sound like a chore, but studies confirm that a decluttered life equals a decluttered brain. Translation: more brain space to focus on what’s actually important. Take some time to clear out the clutter, remove anything that expired in 2022 and restock the empties that served you well last year. Organizing your beauty (or clothing, cooking, and bathing) essentials can help streamline your daily routine, ultimately saving you time, money, and energy.

To do: Play some feel-good music and Marie Kondo every section of your home – here’s how.

7. Practice Mindful Eating & Meal Prep

To have a healthier lifestyle this year, try prepping your meals ahead of time, so you always have access to something nutritious. Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks – we love protein balls and chocolate-covered banana balls – so you never have to worry about cooking or ordering in after a long day at work.

Another must this year? Practice mindful eating. It’s safe to assume that our phones and even Netflix are regular guests at meal times, but did you know it distracts you from enjoying your meals? Think about it: when was the last time you savored every bite? If you shrugged – we did too – it’s time to cultivate a healthier relationship with your meals by keeping your phone and remote far (far) away and listening to your body as you chew.

To do: Set aside a few hours – or however long you have – to map out and prep your meals. Keep a note or bookmark your fave recipes so you always have options close by.

8. Curate a Personalized Self-Love Skincare Routine

The new year’s a great time to create a streamlined skincare routine catered just for you. Recall what worked (or didn’t) in the past, examine your skin closely, or even visit a derm for a skin checkup if you can. Collect the facts and put together a routine – including a serum and SPF – and make a conscious effort to stick to it, both in the morning and at nighttime (don’t forget about your neck and chest too)! You can even combine your routine with your daily affirmations, manifesting, or maybe even lighting up a candle to decompress after a long day.

To do: Reassess your skincare routine and try your best to stick to it – you got this!

Speaking of skincare resolutions, here are ten that’ll do the most for your skin.