Once you find yourself fielding the arguments of, ‘who ate the last purple sweet’, you know it’s time to start thinking beyond the festivities
This time of year can be intense for many reasons. Here are some of the self-care tools we will be bringing into the new year:
Journaling
It might seem simple but pouring your feelings onto a page can give you somewhere to reflect on your life experiences, relationships, goals and sort through your thoughts. Even better, you can do all this without having to worry about how someone might react or holding back on what you really want to say for fear of judgement. Now all you need to do is carve out a few minutes just for you. We love this journal from Irish brand The Head Plan.
Using body oil
A soothing body oil can be just the thing you need to provide a little bit of nurturing at what can be an uncertain time, and a time of transition. If we had to pick one, it’s the body oils from Irish-made and locally sourced brand, Ground Wellbeing. Their Comfort body oil (suitable for pregnancy and beyond) features calendula oil and jojoba oil which helps to hydrate the skin, while soothing marjoram and gentle neroli can induce a calming effect. Ideal if you need to change the emotional atmosphere, or regulate your nervous system.
Setting intentions
Drifting through life without a plan can cause more stress than it’s worth. If there is one thing we have learned, it’s the power of having a vision, putting it onto a vision board, and watching what were once dreams become reality. If you feel like you don’t know where to begin when it comes to goal setting, you might try a manifestation course. We spotted this one from Irish brand, Vibo Vision Boards. Hosted by Yoga and Meditation teacher Kate O’Shaughnessy. It includes a Vision Board Book and a five-day manifestation course that promises to take you on a journey of guided breathing, journaling and meditation practices.
Getting outdoors
We all know the many benefits that getting outside for a brisk walk, hike, or a run, has for our physical and mental health. However, as the January blues set it, sometimes it’s good to be reminded just how lucky we are to live in a beautiful country, with lots of areas we can immerse ourselves in to move our bodies. We will be taking inspiration from influencer, author, and hiking expert Roz Purcell, who has a built a community via her hiking group The Hike Life. Through this, she hosts hiking get-togethers throughout the year, that anyone can join. A lovely and active suggestion to up your self-care routine. Check out @thehikelife on Instagram.
Lighting candles
It seems simple and obvious. Yet, how often do we have candles in the house and decide they are, ‘too good’ to light. This year, I am making a point of actually lighting the candles I have. Like this one from the oldest candle company in the world, Irish brand Rathbornes 1488. This is their Dublin Retreat Scented Luxury Candle (with hints of Musk, Black Ebony and Amber). And of course, they have a huge variety to choose from on their website or in-store in Brown Thomas nationwide.
Stretching
Days on the couch are glorious but so is factoring in a little movement. Even if it’s just following along to a YouTube video, yoga can be the self-care indulgence you need to wind down, stretch it out, and breathe. And a beautiful mat can make it all the more appealing to do. I love this one from Irish-founded brand Flowstate. What began as a project between three friends, fitness coaches Adrienne Murphy and John Belton and Irish artist Maser has evolved into a hugely popular brand.
Running a bath
Baths can be a simple yet lovely way to relax your nervous system and unwind. If you feel you need an extra boost; pick up some Epsom salts in your local Pharmacy. Epsom salts are really effective when it comes to easing tired muscles and they only cost a few quid. However, if you are in the mood to really indulge, go for something like this gorgeous bath and body giftset from Rituals. Being kinder to ourselves has to be the mantra for 2024. You deserve it.
