My 2023 lifestyle changes are utterly obsessing me
Hi everyone! Today's post excites me like a kid because I want to introduce you to the 2023 lifestyle changes that utterly obsess me.
Since the pandemic, I've been focused on improving my lifestyle and general wellness in multiple aspects. So, during the holidays, I introduced new habits that utterly obsess me for instant results.
Sleeping lamp
I saw the sleeping lamp all over TikTok and Lydia Elise Millen's vlog. I was intrigued but wanted to avoid buying one. However, at the end of the year, I was struggling to get a whole night of sleep. So I decided to try the sleep lamp from Amazon.
This lamp made me move my phone from the bedroom to another room, so I'm not spending time on the screen when I'm in bed.
This lamp is game-changing for multiple reasons. Firstly, it has a sleep timer. So, I set it from 10 to 50 minutes - but you can set it up to 120 minutes - and the lamp simulates the sunset to relax my mind. Also, I add the white noises function to the sleep timer to listen to the sound of the sea while I'm relaxing and reading in bed.
I bought the sleeping lamp also because I wanted to change my alarm. I used to wake up with an intense alarm that scared me every day. But now, I wake up with the sunrise simulation and lovely music. In fact, I set my alarm to last for 30 minutes, which means that before the music, the sleeping lamp simulates the sunrise and then wakes me up with the music. So, my awakening is more gradual and peaceful.
No phone in the bedroom
As I mentioned, I moved my phone to another room because I don't want to spend time on the screen while I'm in bed. So, I bought a 3-in-1 charging station for my iPhone, iWatch, and Airpods to move everything in the kitchen.
As a result, when I wake up, I don't look for my phone, but I use this time to listen to my body, get ready and conscious for the day, and make my breakfast. I added a rule to this new habit: I wait to pick up my phone until I finish breakfast. I wear my watch while cooking my porridge or making my morning tea, but the phone stays on the charging station until I finish my cup.
This new habit made me more peaceful in the morning and helped me get back a whole night of sleep.
Hair oiling
I started my hair oil routine after the summer of 2022, but I'm also keeping this habit for 2023 because I can see the results.
My scalp is visibly better, and my hair growth has dramatically improved. Of course, this is not the only reason for my improvements in hair growth, but it is one of the most significant. The whole routine consists of rosemary oil for the scalp, a hair mask, or hair oil for the lengths the night before my hair wash day. If I'm in a rush, I put them on an hour before shampoo or a workout. Then I double shampoo and condition my hair under the shower. The microfiber towel is the only thing I use to dry my hair right after washing it.
Before the styling or the blow dry, I use a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant spray. Next, I detangle my hair with a gentle comb, then blow it out. I'm trying to use the littlest heat on my hair because it is so fragile.
Haircuts
One of my goals for 2023 is to plan more moments for myself and my self-care. So, I scheduled a haircut every other month to keep my ends fresh and in excellent shape.
Consistent manicures at home
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm doing my manicure at home to save some money. Unfortunately, it happens that I'm not consistent, and I end up missing my manicure for a very long time. So, my lifestyle change for 2023 is to stay consistent with my manicure and keep my nails put together.
Vogue subscription
I gifted myself a Vogue subscription because it has been my all-time favorite since I was a kid. I love this magazine, and it keeps me inspired every month. Also, it's a great occasion to schedule some me-time a go through the magazine with a nice glass of wine or a cup of tea. Financially wise, the Vogue subscription makes you save a lot of money because 12 issues cost 30 euros, which is like buying 6 of them at the newsstand.
4 workouts per week
The final lifestyle change for 2023 is the most significant for me. I've struggled with my workout routine since I got sick in 2020. I've tried so many options for my workout at home that I can finally tell you what's working for me. First, I bought a subscription to Balley, a program that mixes pilates, yoga, and ballet. Every lesson is a low-impact workout but so challenging and relaxing simultaneously. I started doing it recently, and I am already seeing changes in my body, which motivates me so much!
But what is really working is scheduling my 4 workouts into my calendar with the direct link. In fact, every Sunday, I spend 15 minutes searching and planning my activities in my weekly calendar. This makes my life so much easier, and I already know how much time I need to complete this task.
Some of these changes started in December 2022 because it's never too late to start. My lifestyle and general wellness have improved, and I feel more energized during the day. So, I'm excited to keep these new habits and see how they work for me during the following months.