It’s easy to say that you care for yourself. You can drink healthy smoothies, use high-quality skincare products, or attend yoga classes. Still, the essence of self-care is being consistent with your chosen practices. After all, you can’t achieve a better version of yourself by only doing yoga when you want to or using the most expensive moisturizer on the market—you have to form habits.

Previously, we discussed how you could manifest a positive year by making time for self-care. Because it’s easier said than done, we’re here to help you develop some simple practices for this year. If you want to practice consistent self-care in 2023, keep reading below.

Choose baths over showers

This might come as a surprise, but baths effectively reduce fatigue and increase relaxation. Submerging in warm water soothes your mind and muscles, releasing tension. That said, try to bathe instead of showering whenever possible.

To make your baths more relaxing, consider investing in the best bath products, for relaxation, such as bath treatments and lavender-scented oils. Lavender oil has a calming fragrance that soothes anxiety, and you only need to put as little as 25 drops in your bath to feel its effects. Meanwhile, bath treatments like those offered by Aveeno have anti-inflammatory properties to soften your skin—adding to that feeling of relaxation.

Practice better posture

Women are more at risk for back problems due to having a smaller sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. Staying in one position—like sitting—strains this joint, causing pain and stiffness. If ignored, this can lead to long-term back pain.

Correct your posture by refining your workstation with ergonomic equipment, including desk converters. The best standing desk converters allow you to conveniently switch between sitting and standing positions—without buying a standing desk. In particular, the Versa Desk Power Pro can lift your belongings up to 20 inches higher so you can find an ideal working position no matter your height. It’s also motorized, making it easy to switch positions with the press of a button. Another way to practice better posture is to have a mirror in front of you. You’ll be more conscious of your posture, reminding you to sit straight whenever you catch your slouching reflection.

Learn to say no

Everyone experiences burnout, especially working professionals. However, women are more burned out than men because they have additional responsibilities at home or need to do more work to be seen as equal to their male counterparts.

To prevent burnout, learn to say no. Decline additional work outside your job description or frequent hangouts with friends, especially if you’re tired or simply don’t want to go. Doing so gives you more time to get the proper amount of rest and even do things you love, so you avoid experiencing the pent-up stress that leads to burnout.

Start a journal

Journaling is a great way to let out frustrations and release feelings—good or bad—so they’re not bottled up. This improves your mental well-being by giving you a safe space to pour your emotions into.

If you’re interested in starting journaling this year, you can make your own journal by decorating an ordinary notebook with stickers and stamps. Keep it by your desk or bed and write in it whenever you need to let something out. Doing so is a healthy way to process feelings and can help you improve your emotional health.

Take breaks from social media

Social media is a great way to connect with others, share stories, and learn more about what’s happening in the world around you. Unfortunately, it can also be toxic. You might compare yourself to strangers’ seemingly perfect lives, get upset by unnecessary discourse between parties, or feel stressed by the number of negative headlines you see.

This is why it’s essential to step away from social media once in a while. When you notice that being online is causing you more stress than happiness, put your phone down and engage in offline activities, like baking. Removing yourself from such negativity—even when they happen online—allows you to better care for yourself.

Self-care is important for your overall wellness. Develop these habits this year to improve your physical, emotional, and mental health!

Guest blog written by Jackie Baiss