With the holidays nearly over, self-improvement time is right around the corner. And in a year where COVID-19 promises to extend its stay in our lives for yet another year, we’re all here in need of some positive energy and a few new ways to jumpstart our 2022 with mindfulness, mental health, and wellbeing.
Here are five easy to achieve, big benefit self-care resolutions, inspired by The Healthy, from Reader’s Digest:
Swap out single-use food storage containers for reusable options
Start the year off right by replacing single-use food packaging with reusable options. You’ll avoid potentially harmful chemicals found in some food packaging while also reducing the use of single-use plastics and pollution.
“Swap plastic baggies for food-grade silicone Stasher bags, and tin foil or plastic wrap for Bee’s Wrap. These eco-friendly solutions make it easy to pack and store healthy snacks — and help you feel good knowing you’re doing your part for the environment,” The Healthy writes.
Trade drinking for an outdoor walk
Why not get some fresh air on an outdoor walk instead of spending a Saturday indoors drinking or binge-watching Netflix? Lace up your shoes, turn on your favorite podcast or meditation app, and start walking.
Ditch your phone for soothing alternatives
Step away from social media for a well-deserved mental health break. The Healthy recommends to instead, “focus your energies on a mindfulness coloring book, which can reduce anxiety and nurture your inner creativity, among other adult coloring book benefits.”
Upgrade your throw to a weighted blanket
Weighted blankets are a great option for anxiety-reducing and sleep-enhancing benefits.
“For many people, weighted blankets have become a routine part of stress relief and healthy sleep habits, and for good reason. Research suggests weighted blankets may benefit people with anxiety, autism, and insomnia, among other conditions,” Healthline reports.
The key to picking the right weighted blanket: look for one that is roughly 10% of your body weight.
Replace traditional bath salts with CBD-infused salts
Bath soaks can benefit the skin and provide a relaxing bathing experience, but adding CBD to the mix can “truly maximize your Zen zone.”
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