7 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Still Keep in Lockdown

The Experts at Martin and Phelps Hair & Beauty Salon in Cheltenham Explore How To Keep Your Resolutions During The Lockdown

Did your Dry January fall flat at 8.05pm on 4th January 2021? Are you shielding and perhaps now can’t go on that daily jog that you promised yourself?

Whilst it is perfectly acceptable to view the coming months as challenging enough without added pressure, we know that many people will be feeling despondent at their resolutions seemingly being hobbled before they’ve really gained any traction. Below, the Martin and Phelps team have a few ideas for how you can continue to develop and grow with your New Year’s Resolutions despite the ongoing pandemic…

#1 Dry January

Dry January Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

So this is the big one, one of the main resolutions that people attempt every year and it makes a lot of sense, drinking is bad for your body, your skin, bank balance and can heighten anxious feelings as alcohol is a depressant – not ideal during a global pandemic.

Many people struggle with Dry January because they feel that they miss out on the social aspects when they aren’t partaking. This year, you’ve got the perfect excuse to say no to that large glass of wine after work – so many of us are at home and there’s no bars open to be social in!

Use this time to learn how to make a new mocktail, or sample some of those herbal teas that have piled up in your cupboard over the last year!

 

#2 Exercise More

Home Exercise Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

We appreciate that if you are shielding it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise but, if you aren’t able to get out on your daily walk, cycle or run, there’s still plenty that you can do. 

There is a wealth of free videos on the internet for all levels of fitness, so whether it’s your first yoga session or you can already perform a perfect handstand, you’re sure to find something to get you moving. There are many benefits in using exercise as a proactive way to release pent-up tension and reduce feelings of fear and worry.

A new fitness programme can help you to focus on improving the way you look and feel during the lockdown. 

 

#3 Develop a Skin Care Routine

Skincare Routine Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

If you are at home during this lockdown, now may be the perfect time to perfect your skin care routine. Often, our clients tell us that they don’t have the time or aren’t sure how to develop this.

Firstly, we would recommend that you double wash your face morning and night, the first wash will remove make up and debris, whilst the second wash helps to dissolve deeper dirt, oil and dead skin cells, giving you a much more thorough cleanse.

Using a toner which incorporates salicylic acid will help to exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter, more smooth complexion. Finally, a hydrating moisturiser with a high SPF factor will nourish your skin and target problem areas. Top Tip – massage the product into your skin slowly, the movements of your fingers will help with lymphatic drainage to de-puff your face and improve circulation.

 

#4 Taking More Time For Yourself

Me Time Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

The last lockdown taught many of us that it’s ok to switch off every now and then, we don’t always have to be firing on all cylinders. With the new lockdown in force however, many of us are already starting to feel overwhelmed with back to back calls, Zoom meetings and home schooling. If your resolution was to have more “me time” get that meeting booked in ASAP. 

Silent reading, meditation or listening to your favourite music can help to calm and improve an otherwise stressful, challenging day. Your “me time” may include running a bath, lighting a few candles and popping on a face mask.

Whatever it is that works for you, it’s important to give yourself some time to rest and recharge your batteries. 

 

#5 Get Organised

Life Admin Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

Do you ever find that there’s just not enough time in the day for your “life admin”? Well, now there is. 

Whether your life admin looks like filing taxes, cleaning out the cupboard under the sink or throwing out those clothes that you promise yourself each year that you’ll definitely wear, but never do, now is the time to sort it out.

Make a list of one thing every day that you need to organise, set a timer and get to it. We promise you’ll feel a lot happier when you’ve finished your task. Extra points if you give any unused items to charity or sell them and add it to your savings pot!

 

#6 Spend Less, Save More

Save Money at Martin and Phelps Hair and Beauty Salon in Cheltenham

Many of us have felt the pinch over the last year so it’s no wonder that a big New Year’s Resolution for many was to spend less and save more.

With next day deliveries widely available, it was easy during the long initial lockdown for us to satisfy our itch to get out and about with mindless consumerism (yes we’re looking at you with the daily Amazon deliveries). This time, there’s not so much of a call for inflatable pools and the constant takeaways don’t fit the healthy living that we are trying to do this January, so it should be a little easier to save money. 

Clearing out old or unused items can fetch a tidy sum when you sell online, why not open a lockdown savings account and put your profits into it. Take the time to shop around for items you do need and move money that you would normally spend on the bad habits that you’ve given up into your savings fund instead – you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up!

#7 Love Yourself

Whilst this isn’t necessarily a resolution many have consciously made, we feel that it is one that should be a priority. These last 12 months have been particularly hard and yet you’ve made it, you’re still here standing strong and making resolutions to improve your life and that’s really impressive.

It’s not always easy but promise yourself that you’ll remember just how strong, fabulous and loved you really are. If you struggle, don’t forget that we’ll be open again soon and we’ll be delighted to remind you!