When is it too late to say ‘Happy New Year’? I heard after January you can no longer say it, but I’m going to do it anyways….Happy New Year everyone! One of many things that 2020 taught me is the importance of self care. It’s like what they say on the airline videos, “put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.” I found that in all the uncertainty with Covid, work and my sons’ schooling, I was able to better help my family through 2020 when I was taking care of myself. Eating healthy, keeping my routine exercise schedule, working the same hours, etc, kept me feeling as good as I could going through a global pandemic, and in return I was able to be strong and supportive for my family when they needed me the most.
“Self-care” has become such a buzz word these days but it truly is, and always has been, SUPER important! I challenge everyone to take a little bit better care of themselves this year. Here are a few self-care ideas to help start 2021 out right:
1 – Pick up a new or old hobby. You are currently reading my new hobby! I used to blog a LOT before kids, then life happened, and my blog took a backseat. I didn’t realize how much I missed it as an outlet until recently. So, I rebranded my blog so it aligns with everything that is important to me, and hopefully it will be easier to find the time to write about topics that I’m currently experiencing every day. Other hobbies could include knitting, a dance class, a new sport, and reading more. And as much as you can, immerse yourself in it. Join a Facebook group that focuses on that hobby, start the hobby with a friend, join a book club, sign up for a course, etc.
2 – Take something off your plate…being a full time working mom makes this a no-brainer. Breaking your back cleaning house? Hire a housekeeper every other week. Struggling to find time to cook dinner? Sign up for something like Blue Apron or a food delivery service like Small Potatoes Catering (local Detroiters can check them out!). I found that grocery shopping took 3 hours on the weekend, which was 3 hours I didn’t get to spend with my boys, so I signed up for Instacart (click here to save $10 on your first order) and haven’t looked back (plus so much safer during a pandemic). Kids crazy? Hire a high schooler to be a mother’s helper so you can focus on you for a few hours a week. Get comfortable with asking for help.
3 – Get healthy. I’m not referring to a short term new years resolution to lose 10 pounds. I’m talking about sustainability. You can set milestone goals along the way (this is what I do) but beyond that you need a plan that you can commit to for years to come. Come up with a nutrition and workout plan that is tailored for you that you can stick to long term. There are so many resources online that are free, or you can pay to work with a trainer or nutritionist to put together a plan. Figure out what kind of exercise or movement fits your lifestyle and make time for it.
4 – Pick one night a week to be your pamper night or “me” night. I know it’s not realistic to get hours to yourself, however, pick one night where you prioritize a bath with a glass of wine or you do a face mask after your kids go to bed. One night a week I try to do an at home facial treatment. A face mask, under eye masks, a clearing mud mask, etc., can be relaxing and help any problems you have with your skin. My skin tends to get really dry so I like to do super moisturizing treatments. I’m a huge Neutrogena fan, and I like their simple Hydro Boost masks you can buy at a drugstore, Amazon or Target. I also recently discovered Lapcos and I’m loving their 24 karat Gold Foil mask (Lapcos has an amazing price point too, and you can buy on Amazon).
5 – Splurge on something for YOU. Last year, I signed up for laser hair removal and let me tell you, it works. I always wanted to have it done but never believed it truly worked. It took my best friend working at Milan Laser Hair Removal in Ann Arbor to convince me to try it, and I never looked back. I started with my bikini line which included an awful c-section scar, and I saw hair reduction after the first treatment (meaning I had to shave less!). I’ve had about 5 treatments so far and barely need to shave anymore! I was so impressed that I signed up to get my lower legs done. I’ve only had one treatment on my lower legs so far and I can already tell a difference. I haven’t shaved in a week and barely have stubble. It’s so nice to get those minutes back from shaving in the morning!
I usually make morning appointments and think of the whole process as ‘me time.’ I get a coffee before I drive to the appointment, I get to visit my friend while she works, and have the satisfaction of knowing that I won’t have to shave much longer.
Milan Laser Hair Removal has a lifetime guarantee, meaning, you get as many treatments as you need for one price (it’s what they refer to as their Unlimited Package). It was a no-brainer for me. If you have a Milan near you (they have over 110 locations!) and want to find out more, you can book a free consultation. And, if you decide to purchase, you can use my custom discount code ‘Angela60’ for 60% off a body area! Please email me or comment below if you have any questions regarding laser hair removal!
I’d love to hear any other self-care suggestions you may have! What are you doing to take care of and pamper yourself this new year?
*Disclosure: I am a Milan Laser Hair Removal partner – all opinions are my own
