SELF-CARE HABITS FOR THE NEW YEAR

As a parent, time is valuable. There never seems to be enough of it and prioritizing self-care for yourself may end up taking a back seat to work, home and family. However, not taking time for yourself can create added stress and do more harm than good. Self-care does not necessarily mean a day at the spa. It can be focusing on an emotional, physical, mental or social area. It’s important to try and carve out time to take care of YOU, whether it’s ten minutes a day or an entire day. As we begin 2022, here are a few self-care tips to help get your new year started off right.

By Brie Gorecki

GET PHYSICAL

Exercising and eating right is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. The key is getting into a routine and figuring out what works best for you. Whether you prefer boot camp classes or hot yoga, listening to your body and enjoying what you are doing will make it easier to stick with long-term.

Most gyms and fitness centers have January specials. With centers all over Tampa Bay, the YMCA offers affordable plans AND childcare at most locations. Some companies offer Gym Pass, which gives you access to fitness classes and gyms in your area, and many healthcare providers offer monetary incentives for going to the gym and getting a certain number of steps in each day. Check sites like Groupon for class packages to local health clubs. If larger fitness centers are not your thing, local groups such as Insane Fit Girls and FIT4MOM Tampa offer smaller group classes that are often held outdoors or in recreational facilities.

PAMPER YOURSELF

Whether it’s a massage at a spa or a bubble bath at home, pampering yourself can boost your mood and mental wellbeing. Places such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone Massage have monthly membership packages that will force you (in a good way!) to carve out time for yourself each month. ResortPass allows you to visit local hotels and resorts for a day to enjoy all that they have to offer without booking an overnight stay. Some hotels also offer monthly memberships so you can make daytime relaxation a regular part of your monthly routine.

Places such as Lit Labs, Salt and the Natural Spa have unique services to help improve your health and wellbeing, such as whole-body cryotherapy, red light therapy and pulse electromagnetic field therapy.

If a spa day away does not work with your budget or schedule, setting aside time for yourself at home can be just as relaxing. Take a bubble bath, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, or try out a new face mask. Local mom-owned businesses, Savasana Scrubs and The Blushing Honey Boutique, sell moisturizing sugar scrubs, lip balms and bath bombs that will make you feel relaxed and refreshed without having to leave the house.

H y att Regency Clearwater GET SOCIAL

Socializing is a key component for mental health. Although scheduling can be tricky, consider planning a monthly dinner or happy hour with friends. Joining a book club is also a great way to socialize and – bonus – you’ll also get to set aside alone time each month to read a new book! While the kids are in school, get together with a friend to go walking or grab a coffee. Check your area for local moms’ groups as well. A great resource for finding moms with kids the same age as yours, most of them host regular outings.

SHARPEN UP YOUR SKILLS (OR LEARN A NEW ONE!)

Perhaps you loved photography when you were younger but haven’t had time to focus on it in recent years. Or maybe you always wanted to learn how to cook Greek cuisine. Whatever your interests are or were, learnCozyMeal ing a new skill or picking up an old one can boost your mood and energy level. Websites such as MasterClass and Shaw Academy offer everything from interior design and economics to pet care and sports nutrition. Local places such as AJ’s Kitchen Drawer and Cozymeal have an array of cooking classes from beginner level to intermediate.

TREAT YOURSELF

Subscription boxes are a fun way to treat yourself to something new without having to leave the house (and who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail?). FabFitFun and AllTrue offer quarterly lifestyle boxes filled with beauty products and home goods while Fabletics, Stitch Fix and Curateur will send you clothing and accessories based on your style profile. SnackCrate imports snacks from around the world while Thrive Market FabFitFun and Love With Food will deliver healthy snacks and pantry items straight to your door. Firstleaf and Winc send cases of wine based on your palate and lifestyle profile.

BE HAPPY

Most importantly, find what makes you happy. Whether it’s getting up early to have coffee and some peace and quiet, or starting a new hobby, make sure that you are focusing on yourself. Happy 2022!