by BR Kellie
The term 'New Year resolution' has a tendency to make me cringe. I'm straight up not a fan. Partly because I don't like putting pressure on myself, partly because I don't believe I can change my whole word simply because the concept of time has clicked over into a year that has a new number tagged at the end of it. You could say that I'm the Grinch of New Year. THAT BEING SAID... I do believe that if we want to make changes to our life it can be done, and for many the New Year is a starting point that inspires them. So, if you're looking to make some beauty-full changes to your life this year, here's the ones the Beauty Review crew will be making with you.
Apply Sunscreen. Every. Single. Day
It's easy to remember to apply sunscreen on the days when the sun is scorching, where blue skies are abound. But on the days when the grey stretches endlessly and the chance of sun is nil? It's easy to forego the old slip, slop, slap. However, even on the greyest of days the UV rays can have an affect on our skin, and for the sake of our health... and, vainly, our looks... we are going to endeavour to do better by slathering our skin in sunscreen seven days a week.
Hydrate Better
The beauty benefits of being well hydrated includes improved skin condition, as well as fewer wrinkles and fine lines, which means this year we'll be upping our fluid intake by drinking more herbal tea, keeping our water bottles filled and aiming to get the daily recommended dose which, according to the Ministry of Health, is about eight to ten cups a day.
Other ways to keep ourselves hydrated can include drinking milk, eating fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking smoothies and juices, and even the odd Coke Zero or coffee is okay too. (Hear that noise? That's a sigh of relief from my fellow caffeine-loving BR Crew buddies.)
Create A Sleep Routine
We don't know about you, but lockdowns played havoc with our sleep patterns. It was easy to stay up too late watching Schitt's Creek for the third time. Even easier to just roll over when the alarm clock went off because it wasn't like we needed an extra hour to get ready before going to the office. Then there was the waking up at 3am with the mind racing issues. All in all, 2021 was not the year of beauty sleep. 2022 thought? We're all about creating a good sleep routine! It's not only good for the mind, but helps the body repair, so we'll be aiming to get back on track with set bedtimes and waking times. If you're keen to get your best beauty sleep ever, check this article out.
Check Ourselves
Boobs. Skin. Brain. Those are the areas we'll be self-checking more regularly this year. Regular breast checks will be a must, as well as keeping an eye on moles or freckles to ensure they're not changing (and being responsible and going to see the doctor, rather than putting our head in the sand, if we do see a difference). Just as important? We'll be checking in on ourselves mentally. What are our thoughts? Are they positive? Negative? How are we treating others around us? Where can we improve? Do we need to meditate? Practice mindfulness? Perhaps even see a therapist or a doctor if we find things going dark side. Which leads me to...
Be Kinder To Myself
This would be my goal for the future. To not let that nagging voice that says I am failing, that I could do better, that I'm not as good as those around me, that I'll never be successful, live rent free in my head. In the spirit of 'I don't do New Year resolutions' I've been working on this for a while now, but it's something I'm determined to keep up with. Which means talking to myself like I'd talk to a good friend - full of support, love and kindness. Along with a good dose of 'pull your head in' when I'm turning into Eeyore.
One Final Note
Change doesn't always happen overnight. Habits take time to build, to settle in, to become routine, and slip ups can occur, which is why if you forget to moisturise your hands one day, don't drink enough water, find yourself wallowing at the bottom of a one litre tub of Lewis Road after a particularly bad day, it's important to forgive yourself and move on. Don't let one bump in the road see you give up, just crack on with the changes you want to make the next day. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
So, my beauties, will you be stepping into the New Year with a beauty resolution in mind? Do you not bother with resolutions at the best of times? And what beauty resolution fails have you experienced in the past? Chat away!
I really like these suggestions x