The start of a new year has always been a chance to reflect and refocus on things to come. And whilst there were many new things to learn over the past two years, including buzzwords such as "hybrid working", "unprecedented times", and how to stay safe and sane in lockdown, 2022 finally feels like a chance for some much-needed newness and indulgence.
After two years in hibernation, it's time to think about shifting our focus, changing our mindset, and finding (or refinding) the things that bring us joy. With that in mind, here are 12 new things to try this year that elevate the everyday.
1. BATHE LIKE A GODDESS
A goddess bath is the most indulgent bathtime you'll ever gift yourself, combining a heavenly bubble bath with setting intentions. Set the scene by carefully choosing your bath salts and scents, lighting candles, and playing some relaxing music. Then, as you run the water, take a few moments to set your intention before unwinding and bathing in your new hopes and dreams.
2. AN ATTITUDE FOR GRATITUDE
Start each day with an attitude for gratitude by creating a gratitude journal. Cultivate the habit of writing down three things you feel grateful for each morning - perfect over a cup of tea. Research shows that exercising gratitude is good for our physical health and mental well-being.
3. DATE YOURSELF
Dinner, lunch, breakfast, the cinema, our advice, just do yourself a favour and take yourself out! There's something freeing about spending quality time alone and making time to do things that make you feel good.
4. DIGITAL DETOX
One thing we can probably all agree on is how addicted we are to our phones. Whether for work, family, or downtime, it's all too easy to pick up and mindlessly scroll. So why not plan on a regular digital detox? Maybe that's a couple of hours in the evenings or perhaps even a Sunday switch-off; make 2022 the year you learn to switch off fully.
5. CREATIVE CUISINE
One of the best ways to get adventurous in the kitchen is to cook new things. But that doesn't have to mean fancy ingredients and complicated recipes. Instead, open the fridge or cupboard, type a few ingredients into Google and see what recipes come out. It's a great way to get inventive and find a few new dishes to add to your repertoire.
6. PEN FRIENDS
Remember those pen-pal days? Before emails, texts, and social media, letter-writing was a serious art. Well, it's time to dig out that fancy stationery or to purchase some cute postcards* (and even treats) and send a little love to friends and family in the form of snail mail.
*Did you know that February 7th is ‘Send a card to a Friend’ Day? If you use promo code FREECARD on any orders placed on the 7th, we’ll include one of these pick-me-ups for free.
7. BOOK UP
Simple pleasures like reading can be a great way to relax. And, thanks to lockdown, there are now plenty of online book clubs to join that encourage reading, plus, there's an array of niche book clubs from self-help to thrillers and crime. So find your book tribe and make 2022 the year of a good book or two!
8. A GOOD NIGHT
We all have a morning routine, whether that's rushing out the door fueled by caffeine or getting up early to fit in a workout or meditation, but what about your bedtime routine? Create a nighttime schedule to help you unwind from a busy day. Read, journal, have a bath, try a body scan mediation, and set the scene for a restful night.
9. ROUND MY HOMETOWN, MEMORIES ARE FRESH
When was the last time you went for an aimless wander around your village, town or city? Plan a day to visit that museum or park you've been meaning to check out, grab a coffee or lunch from your local independent cafe, and get stuck into some hometown culture.
Love that hit of nostalgia? If they’re still there, seek out a few of your favourite places from your childhood and reminisce. Your favourite park, walk, library, even walk by your old house and nursery school.
10. TREAT YOURSELF
How often do you post presents, send cards and deliver parcels to friends and family for birthdays, get well wishes, new jobs, or just because? Well, don't forget to include yourself in that list. It's time to send yourself a care package - maybe as a one-off or as a monthly treat. So add yourself to your priority list.
11. DITCH THE CLUTTER
Clothes we no longer wear but save 'just because' or the thousands of photos saved on our phones to the drawer of doom that just won’t close, there's always something to declutter. So book in some time and get organised! It will help you feel calmer and free up space in your home and mind!
12. SOW THE SEEDS
You don't have to be green-fingered to plant herbs. Indoors or outdoors, a herb garden is simple and can be grown with ready-to-go plants or seeds. Inexpensive and fairly hardy, creating your own herb garden is good for the mind and soul and the perfect way to add some extra flavour to those new recipes! We love this ideas so much that we’ve decided to add seeds to the Build Your Own Boxes!
Go on, give something new a try for 2022. We'd love to know what new things you're getting stuck into this year.
