Tips for Making 2023 the Year of “Me”: Prioritising Self-Care

New Year means new possibilities; right? With each passing year, we tend to set new resolutions and try our utmost to stick to them in order to become the best version of ourselves. While for some people, it could be achieving a seemingly tough weight loss goal, for others, it might be creating wealth or attaining financial freedom. Although there is nothing wrong with such a resolution, we, at Powerscourt Springs – Ireland’s first “Feel Well Hotel” – are here to make sure that this year, your resolutions are geared towards self-care.

What Is Self-Care?

“Self-care” is a collective term, which includes all the activities that help you take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. Imagine how exercising alleviates stress, how practising meditation and yoga brings relaxation, and how writing in a journal aids in lowering anxiety and eliminating negative emotions. These are different kinds of self-care activities that can positively affect your physical, mental and emotional health.

10 Practical Self-Care Tips for 2023

Self-care is the key to living a stress-free, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Here are some easy ways to prioritise self-care in your day-to-day life in 2023:

Physical Health

1. Exercising Regularly: For the physical body, one of the greatest types of self-care is exercise. It is scientifically proven to alleviate stress by releasing the feel-good brain chemicals (endorphins), enhancing your mood and giving you a physical vent to let go of anything niggling you. Try to dedicate a minimum of three days every week to exercising – whether it involves working out in the gym, joining guided meditation or yoga classes, going for a morning walk, or being part of a sports team for your daily dose of regular exercise.

1. Practising Good Hygiene: No matter how obvious it may sound, make sure to maintain good personal hygiene this year. Brush and floss your teeth each day of the year. Brush your hair, wear clean clothes, and make sure not to skip regular check-ups at your dentists or doctor’s office. A spa or wellness session, including massages, facials, aromatherapy, etc., at least once a week can also make you feel good about yourself. Practising personal hygiene is known to improve self-confidence and self-esteem while making you feel better about your physical body. It is, in fact, a crucial part of self-care.

1. Feeding Your Body with the Right Kind of Food: We all have days when we gorge on favourites, such as pizza, chocolate, ice cream, etc. However, no matter how great these delicacies taste or how much you enjoy having them, they are not good for your physical health. To stay fit and healthy, it is crucial to eat the right kind of foods most of the time. Make sure you are also drinking plenty of water, including a lot of green veggies in your meals, and following a balanced diet. Feeding your body with nutrient-rich foods will improve your performance and it is a great way of caring for yourself.

1. Getting Enough Sleep: Nothing can make the body function better than a good night’s sleep. Try to stick to a routine of getting at last eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. A well-relaxed body will keep you active all day, providing your physical health with what it needs to be in excellent condition.

Mental Health

1. Taking “Mental Health” Days from Work: Just as we get physically exhausted, we sometimes get mentally “tired.” So, we should often use a paid day off from work to take better care of our mental health. If you are overtired, burnt out or overworked, you might not be able to give your 100% at work. Don’t hesitate in calling out of work when you want to recharge yourself mentally. A day spa break on such a day off is a great way to melt away your stress and recharge yourself for the busy days ahead.

1. Reducing Your Screen-Time: If you think that social media is a guilt-free space to share posts – or swiping left or right on dating apps would calm you down, you might be wrong! We all should take a break from our smartphones and tablets. An average adult person spends roughly 24 hours online per week, as per the Center for the Digital Future. That is equivalent to a whole day! We spend way too much time scrolling through social media posts, binge-watching shows and movies on OTT platforms, and swiping on online dating apps. Give the break your brain needs in 2023 by decreasing your daily screen-time.

1. Reading More: Reading is a very relaxing hobby that allows your mind to think beyond your work and chores. Instead of picking up your smartphone to relax after a hectic day, take time to read a new book of your interest. Delve into the world of fiction and take your mind on a literary journey. Make a commitment to yourself to read at least one book every month in 2023!

Emotional Health

1. Being Kind to Oneself: While you are busy setting your life goals, giving your best at work, and taking care of your kids and family, it can be tough to be kind to yourself. You experience highs and lows in your life. Just like any other year, 2023 will likely bring new achievements and not-so-great experiences. When you are already experiencing something bad, it is even more important to be kind to yourself. Never compare yourself to others and always try to stay optimistic even when things are going downhill.

1. Learning to Say “No”: If you want 2023 to bring you peace and bliss, you must start learning to say “no” to anyone or anything that could make you sad. Your emotional health is way more important than the happiness of others. Say “no” immediately when you realise that others are taking undue advantage of your kind and generous behaviour. Try saying “no” more often to those things that you don’t enjoy, so as to create room for those things that make you happy.

1. Practising Gratitude: We should always be thankful for everything we have. Reflecting on your good fortune will not only allow you to put things into perspective, but it will also cause you to admire the things and people around you. Practising gratitude is a great way to take care of your emotional health. Whether it involves praying, writing in a periodical, or helping less fortunate people through volunteerism, practice gratitude to stay emotionally fit.

The tips above will help you put self-care at the forefront of your to-do list in 2023. If you are looking for a Stay Break or Day Spa Break to rejuvenate yourself mentally, emotionally and physically, Powerscourt Springs welcomes you to a peaceful adult-only location, set on 38 acres of picturesque Wicklow countryside, just 30 minutes from Dublin.