Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to make big changes in the new year and have daunting New Year’s resolutions we often fail to live up to. What if we could skip the self loathing, failed expectations and disappointment and instead, fast forward to loving ourselves for who we already are and what we have already done?
With these 14 self care ideas, you’re sure to feel good about life and yourself.
In this blog…
I share some of my favorite New Year Self Care ideas with places all around the US and specialists who make you look & feel like a million bucks… I also share self care rituals you can follow if you prefer pampering at home. You can even shop the blog for self care essentials!
Where to go for self care:
At home self care:
[This post was originally posted January of 2022. Updated January of 2023]
New Year, Same You?
New Year, New You? That’s pure hokum my friends, you’re already perfect. More like, new year, same you!
Now, if you aren’t a fan of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, chances are, the amusing part of that will be lost on you. So, to clarify…
“New you” is just some piece of writing that a highly paid marketing person came up with one day as a slogan to make us all feel bad about ourselves once a year. So bad in fact… that we base our entire New Year resolution around the idea that somehow something is wrong with us individually..
NOT SO FUN FACT
In 2019, the weight loss industry reached a record $78 BILLION in sales.
Source : Business Wire
This has helped the diet industry rake in a whopping 60 BILLION… (yes, that’s billion with a B), per YEAR.
Ahem… Screw that. You’re perfect the way you are! Let’s bring those numbers down.
The truth is… you don’t constantly have to update yourself as if you were an app… Sometimes, you’re already perfect just the way you are. Yes, I’m lookin at you beautiful. 😉 But, that’s not what diet pill companies, beauty brands and influencers want you to think. By pushing a false standard of beauty upon all of us, they’re getting rich. Because if you’re perfect as you are then you don’t need the latest bag or concealer or diet pill. Where is the money in that? They only profit from our insecurities.
This new year, instead of making new years resolutions to fix, transform, or better ourselves… let’s do something crazy and celebrate the amazing people we already are! Because life is hard enough… Why add another insecurity to the list?
Celebrating You Just As You Are
So, how do we stop this “never good enough” syndrome that a lot of us seem to be suffering from?
If you are in need of a refresher, a feel good day, or something to incorporate into an overall wellness and positivity plan, I’m your girl!
Goodbye New Years Resolutions, Hello Self Care!
What if I were to tell you that not only can you thrive without the (biased) advice of bogus magazines and Instagram ads telling you what new fad diet or dangerous exercise trend you need to try… but that all you have to do to feel good about yourself this new year is to relax and indulge in some self care?
Self Care Has Huge Health Benefits
Contrary to what a lot of people think, you need self care. It’s not just an eye roll of a beauty recommendation by Instagram influencers and TikTokers..
Studies have literally shown self care regimens to improve your quality of life while reducing stress and anxiety which have been known to play a powerfully negative role in your health overtime. Um… hello! Being physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy… I don’t know about you, but I could use a little bit of that. We all could. 😉
So, if many health issues arise from stress and stress can be relieved from self care and relaxation, it’s a priority. Wellness starts from the inside, out.
What is Self Care?
Self care can mean lots of different things depending on the person. In short, it’s anything you do that helps you to take care of yourself and feel good about yourself.
If I were a guy, self care would probably mean playing video games, hitting the batting cages, ice fishing, or paintballing.
But, since I’m a girl… (& a super girly girl at that), I’m all about beauty, pampering, ways to unwind, and how to have an easy health regimen you can stick to.
Self care can be as simple as taking a bath with some pretty bath bombs, putting on some soft music and lighting a candle, having a cup of your favorite tea in the morning or, getting a bikini wax or a massage.
Self care doesn’t have to consume your whole day. What’s better than quick spurts throughout the day doing something you enjoy?
The only decision you need to make now is whether you want to go out or stay home for some self care! It’s time to treat ourselves to some good old fashioned “me time”. You deserve it!
Where to Go for Self Care
Where to Go for Self Care NO, these New Year Self Care places are not sponsored. These are providers of services that I use personally and have enjoyed. I paid them.
Dentist
- Dr. Layliev, New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry | NYC
Full disclosure. My smile is 100% compliments of New York’s best cosmetic dentist. Dr. Layliev, who has been perfecting my smile since I came in at 15 with crooked teeth and damage done from my Sjogren’s Syndrome.
In 3 hours, he transformed my jagged smile with bonding. I’m so grateful that I found him. He’s the only cosmetic dentist I would trust with my teeth.
And yes, I get giddy to say that the same hands that have been in my mouth have also been in the mouths of Tom Brady, Ben Stiller, Kim Catrall, and Hugh Jackman to name a few of the celebrity clientele. You know.. just another day when one of your favorite actresses (ahem.. Mary Louise Parker) plops right down right across from you in the waiting room.
Both him and his team are more than worth the 7 hour one way drive down for treatments. If you don’t need corrective work, a great way to enhance your smile at Dr. Layliev’s office is with teeth whitening (I’ve gotten treatments & loved it there before).
Follow him on Instagram.
Spa
Floatation Therapy
Balans Spa | Boston, MA
Floatation therapy (a.k.a. “Hydrotherapy”) is a combination of weightless feelings and sensory deprivation or, “heightened sensory” if you will.
With my chronic illness, I often feel like I literally cannot rest my body. Between massages, chiropractor, and physical therapy, nothing seems to give. When I first tried this treatment, I was a bit skeptical and honestly afraid that I’d be trapped in this dark box and drown…lol.
Fortunately those misgivings could not be further from the truth. You are floating in heated water about 8-10 inches which is filled with salt so you literally float. They then pump in soft music and turn down the lights. It is very very relaxing.
Halotherapy
- G2O Spa | Boston, MA
I love massages and had a membership here when I lived in Boston. Since I’m now several hours north of Boston, I no longer have a membership. But, it is still on my list of day visits for a nice massage.
For something a little different, I highly recommend the experience of Halotherapy (or Dry Salt therapy). G20 Spa’s salt cave (Boston’s only one) is perfectly lovely and is said to increase positive energy and have an effect on your mood as well as breathing benefits. Just check with your doctor first before scheduling a visit! We want you to be safe & healthy. 😉
Can’t make it out to a salt cave? Check out this Himalayan pink salt essential oil diffuser for your home.
Hair
Leyvis (Hair Stylist & Owner), Love Lites Stylist & Co. (formerly Air Heads Beauty Bar) | Miramar, FL
Like my dentist, my stylist is well worth the trip when I am in Miami and I’ve been known to plan my trips around my various beauty & wellness appointments… visit to Leyvis included. 😉
One day, after a hair stylist screwed up my hair, I came to Leyvis and she saved the day. Here’s the before & after to prove it.
Eyelashes
Lash Lamour | Boston, MA
Located directly on Boston’s famed, Newbury Street, this is my go to place in Boston! I love the ambiance of the salon which is always welcomed with an offering of a cup of tea and a relaxing environment. When you lie down on the bed, they even give you a blanket and earplugs to really relax. Sometimes, I even fall asleep and wake up feeling so refreshed and beautiful!
Check out other Boston neighborhoods while you’re in the area and things to do here.
LashPro | Miami, FL
Their place is a little small but they do a solid job and their interior is cute.
Makeup
Kriss Cosmetics | Manchester, NH
What a hidden find in Manchester, NH, (a.k.a. a preliminary hotspot for political candidates). From the moment owner and makeup artist Kriss Blevens touched my face, I knew she had a special skill. She’s a total sweetheart and so good at what she does. Which is why she’s been tapped over the last few decades to be the makeup artist to stars and politicians, a few being Barack Obama and Bernie Sander, Hillary Clinton, and Ted Cruz.
They do really good eyelash extensions here.
MAC Cosmetics | Beverly Hills, CA
I’ll never forget my first encounter with MAC. I used to play around with my mom’s makeup… Then, when I was 13, I went in for my first makeover before my Sweet 13 birthday party. I felt so glamorous! Needless to say, I was hooked…
MAC is undoubtedly my favorite makeup brand (unsponsored). Their makeup artists do some of the best work. Not to mention, the quality of the makeup in store is phenomenal and lasts a long time. You can even trade them in for free makeup. They have such a vast selection of colors from bold and bright to shimmery and smokey. Everything you need to bring out your facial features’ best qualities.
Every now and then just to feel glam again, I’ll go in to shop or for a makeover.. So far- in NYC and Cali (LA & Beverly Hills). I like going in on my birthday. I’ll pick up my free gift and complimentary makeover which you get when you reach “Devoted” level. MAC memberships are free and have so many benefits.
Lip Filler
Dermatologist Dr. Haleh Bakshandeh | Beverly Hills, CA
Speaking of glam…. If you find yourself on the west coast and want to feel like a celebrity before walking that red carpet or just for fun, Dr. B has got you covered! Full disclaimer… she is the main reason I still fly out to California and it’s well worth it.
I love her bedside manner. She is just as sweet as she looks. My mom, sister and myself all see her for various services. I’ve seen her for everything from my Lupus hair loss and chemical peels to lip filler. And if you want to get rid of the pesky pimple that’s been bothering you before taking a stroll down Rodeo Drive, she’s the one to go to.
P.S. You never know who you’ll bump into in her office as she truly is the derm to the brightest in Hollywood… (Britney Spears openly goes to her). But you know… some people want to keep it hush hush… so don’t peel and tell. 😉
Feel like a celebrity for a day!
Blowout
Dry Bar | Boston & LA
Blow outs are the bomb! Nothing feels as pampering as someone else doing the dirty work. Or, in this case… the clean work, lol.
But, let’s be honest. Having someone brush out and run their fingers through your hair has to be one of the best quality pleasures EVER! When I’m traveling or just want a treat for the day…Dry Bar hits the spot. I’ve frequented locations on both coast and have always had a great experience.
I love how they serve you complimentary white wine and champagne while you wait! Not every location mind you.. (depends on state laws), but you’ll still be served coffee or tea.
Waxing
Bliss Spa | Boston, MA
At Home Self Care Ideas
Now, if you can’t get away, or better yet, just decide to do some self pampering / self care at home, I’m going to share some of my favorite wellness rituals that you can follow too!
A Few Ways to Unwind at Home
Skin Care
For some, it’s daunting… I think because they hear supermodels’ skincare regimens and think, “God, I’ll never be that beautiful”… or, “Dang! That looks like it takes only forever”… or, “Sure, let me go bankrupt first”. LOL
Skin care is not just a beauty thing. It feels so nice and refreshing! Buy a yummy body butter and rub it all over your skin. Or, put on a face clay or fizzy mask and let your skin get all tingly… Then, wash off and feel how smooth and dewy your skin looks and feels. It’s so nice! I dare you not to try it.
Tea Time
When I’m having a busy day, the best way for me to have some relaxation and “me time” is through some tea time. Not necessarily the fancy tea time with h’ordeuvres and finger sandwiches.. (need a few hours & a cutesy outfit for that.. ha!) I’m talkin just a cup of tea!
TEA TIME
Luxurious Sleep
Who’s up for a five star snooze? I know I am!
Hearing, smelling, feeling… relaxing all of these sense will make for the perfect night time ritual.
Some ways to wind down before bed…
- Aromatherapy .. there’s even an aroma called Dream!
- Cozy pajamas or a silk robe
- Silk pillowcase
which has many beauty & health benefits. My favorite is by Slip. It’s a little bit of a splurge ($85-110 depending on size of pillowcase). But, sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself especially since you’ll use everyday, literally.
Pillowcase (by Slip)
- Eye mask or ear plugs to drown out the light and sound.
SLEEPY TIME
Workout
Since I travel a LOT, my fitness routine has to travel with me. Yoga is my primary go to. I like feeling comfortable when I exercise and yoga doesn’t wear me out. It also keeps me flexible.
Shoes (Amazon) , Pants (Alo Yoga)
But, I also need to work on maintaining muscles. Because… I’m not that person you see on social media doing crazy jump squats in my tight *** yoga pants while making punching motions from a Jackie Chan movie.
No, babe.
So, in my arsenal are 3, 5, & 10 lb. dumbells, a 12 lb. weighted bar, yoga mat, yoga ball, strength/resistant bands and a set of foam blocks. All of these fit into a small carry on suitcase with room for my work out clothes, workout shoes, toiletries and other travel essentials.
If you think this wellness regimen may work for you and want to give it a go but, don’t have anything to get started… I’ve included my favorite workout essentials below!
Shoes (Adidas) , Pants (Adidas) , Sports bra (Puma)
Workout Essentials
Equipment
WORKOUT WEAR
Work Out Clothing
Pants (Alo Yoga) , Shoes (Puma)
Shoes
That’s a Wrap!
The new year doesn’t have to mean a “new you”. The most important thing is to be as healthy and as happy as YOU can be. That’s all any of us can really hope for in this crazy world we live in anyway. I’m so proud of you for following your heart and wanting to take better care of you. You go Glen Coco!! Be kind to yourself my friends and don’t forget to always keep it real.
Do you have any suggestions that I should share with my readers that helps you to feel like the best version of you? I’d love to know, please share in the comments below.
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Fact Check:
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I 100% agree. Your best bet is to focus on yourself instead of the New year’s hype. Thanks for the self-care tips.