The anticipation and excitement of the holiday season has come and gone. January is here and things are feeling pretty much back to normal, (with the exception of a feeling of optimism and excitement for what has yet to come!). Even here in New York City, the city that truly never sleeps, things feel quiet (and cold). There are far less plans and obligations on my radar, and for the first time in a long time I am finding a little “me” time. I’ve been using these moments to make a checklist of my beauty goals for the year ahead. I’m not getting any younger, but I can certainly look and feel that way by adopting new healthy habits and routines. My motto of the year is a quote by Roald Dahl that I have referenced a few times now: “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”
In keeping with this thought process, I have come up with a list of beauty resolutions that not only benefit me on the outside, but on the inside, because this is where REAL beauty and happiness and everything else for that matter originates. These are just a few goals that I am working on at the moment and I wanted to share them with you too.
Mantra: Remember to begin each day with an intention, repeating a personal mantra to bring about change and spiritual growth. For example, I have started saying to myself, “I choose happiness. I choose to see love instead of fear,” and I will repeat this little mantra to myself whenever I get overwhelmed and need clarity throughout the day. It really helps.
Drink more water: This is my area of weakness for sure. In the morning, drink a glass of water with lemon to cleanse your system, and, of course, drink more water all day long!
A juice a day keeps the doctor away: In the morning, I recommend drinking a juice with fresh ingredients, such as spinach, apple, cucumber, lemon and ginger. These fresh ingredients will make your skin vibrant and your mind clear.
Up the antioxidants: Nourish your body with foods in their most natural state that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. This will make your skin glow, and help you feel altogether lighter. But don’t skip the protein…! Also, download the new EWG Food Scores app which rates more than 80000 foods in a simple, searchable online format.
Try meditation: At night, find a time to meditate in a quiet space for 10 minutes to bring clarity and peace to your inner self. You’ll be surprised how effectively this relieves stress, tension and anxiety. Doing this before bed will also help you fall asleep easier and more peacefully. We’ve all had those terrible nights when we can’t turn our mind off and we toss in turn in bed for hours and wake up feeling exhausted. Unsure of how to get started? Download the Headspace app. It’s the best thing ever.
Beauty sleep: And on the subject of sleep, make sure to get more of it! This is the time when your body heals itself, inside and out. I know we are all busy, with our days scheduled down to the very minute, but it is just as important (if not more important) to schedule time for resting.
Exercise: I am aiming for yoga and more yoga. I am going to Modo and Strala in New York, and love how it makes me feel. We all feel productive when we accomplish things at work, but how about feeling productive when we’ve accomplished things for our bodies and our health. Make exercise a priority this year—I know I am.
Give back: This is really something I’m focusing on this year. I am going to try to give back to those I may not even know. Giving doesn’t have to be grand or glamorous, it just has to be significant and with love.
Remember the hands and décolleté: These areas are the first to reveal signs of aging. Here are my tips for younger looking hands, here and here. I have found taking care of these areas make me feel so refreshed.
If you need more New Year’s resolution inspiration, take a look back at my beauty resolutions from 2014… They still ring true! Happy 2015.