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When it comes to kicking off a New Year the first thing we all do is start making resolutions.

Usually the same resolutions year after year; lose weight, stop drinking, start working out 5 x a week, save more money and come the middle of January those are all but a distant memory and that strong desire you had to make major life changes has left you.

It’s something we all go through but there is a way around it. Instead of making resolutions, set intentions instead. The theory is that resolutions, whilst they are goals, they often set us up for failure from the very start because whilst we vow to lose weight, drink less or learn a new hobby we don’t set a plan on how to achieve to it.

If you’re looking for an easy way to lower stress and give your immune system a hearty boost then look no further than your local forest. Shinrin-yoku also known as forest bathing is a Japanese art of taking a solitary walk through the woods in order to bathe in the nature around you.

Shinrin-yoku translates as “taking the the forest atmosphere" or “forest bathing” and the best thing about this trend is no matter what the weather, it is still effective.

So where did the term shinrin-yoku come from?

Self-care is one of the most important things you can do, not just for yourself but for those around you. If you ever feel guilty for indulging in a spot of daily self-care then just remember that you can’t feed from an empty cup. So whilst self-care has become a bit of a buzz word within wellness circles, that doesn’t mean that it’s not important.
In fact, research has shown that by making sure that you practice an act of self-care at least once a day, you’ll find your stress levels will be lowered, your productivity will increase and you’ll feel happier and healthier.

Why do we fail at self-care?

Times are tough. We are more connected and switched on than ever and that’s having a major impact on our mental health and wellbeing. But meditation can help. Without meditation, we may find ourselves turning to alternative ways to cope with life’s stresses and strains.

Do you do any of the following?

• Ignoring problems or things going on around you?
• Procrastination and avoiding things?
• Trying to control everything?
• Quitting projects or not even getting started?
• Complaining or lashing out at others?
• Worrying?

Whilst most people prefer to start or end their day with a warm shower, studies have shown time after time that taking a cold shower could be beneficial to your physical and mental health.

One study from Virginia Commonwealth University claimed that cold showers can help alleviate low mood symptoms by sending electrical nerve impulses to the brain, resulting in an uplifting effect. Whilst in the Netherlands a studyfound cold showers to increase productivity and reduced sick days.

So it’s crazy to think that just a twist of the temperature dial can have such a huge impact on your life. Here are just some reasons why taking a cold shower is good for you.

It’s important that no matter what is going on in life, at work or at home, we prioritise at least a portion of our day to practice self-care. Of course, going to the spa, gym etc are great but if you’re low on funds or time then they’re not always accessible.

We’ve put together a list of 10 ways that you can practice self-care at home, for free. Please leave a message in the comments with your favourite ways to practice self-care.