Do you often wake up tired no matter how many hours of sleep you get? And then that incessant tiredness keeps following you the entire day—halting tasks, pushing deadlines and fuelling endless procrastination? If yes, then both your improper nighttime and morning routines are to be blamed. But don’t worry, it’s never too late to wish for a healthy change. This year, make it a habit to not only sleep longer but better. Step away from the screen, make journaling a part of your everyday routine, work out in the morning, get into meditation, and of course, schedule adequate sleep time.

Invest in the skincare routine that you’ve always wanted

All throughout 2021, we encouraged you to invest in a proper skincare routine. But if you’re still behind in this particular area, then consider the new year a perfect opportunity to start. We understand that you might not feel comfortable with the infamous twelve-step skincare routines that social media influencers keep promoting, which is why we’ve curated multiple guides to help you make that decision. Are you a minimalist or you’re looking for a winter skincare guide? Or perhaps you want a detailed cheat sheet with all the possible information? Take your pick.

Just like skincare, diets were a huge part of the collective conversation this year. While healthy eating is a self-care habit that we all strive for, it’s a universal fact that very few of us actually end up sticking to our regimens. After all, junk food can be incredibly tempting so don’t be too hard on yourself. Talk to your nutritionist and build a diet that you can actually follow. Be it gluten-free, keto, or intermittent fasting—remember that it’s okay to fail from time to time. At the end of the day, if you’re eating healthier than the previous year, then that’s all that matters.

Ending the list with the most important point—you can rarely take a one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. We all are unique beings with different needs and requirements, so why should your self-care regimen be cookie-cutter? Before you start the new year with a bang, take some time to reflect on the things that actually make you happier and try to do them more this coming year. Like taking long walks but hate running? Do that. Love cooking homemade meals but can’t seem to fit that into your schedule? Get better at time management. Buy that outfit. Light that fancy candle. Take that day off. Remember that self-care is all about improving your mental health more than anything else.

Remember to inhale and exhale, and go slow as you do these stretches.