New Year, New You?

1)   Get more sleep.

This should be so easy to do…so why don’t we do it? Schedule in sleep the way you would schedule in a meal – it is as essential to your wellbeing as food is.

2)    Clean your make-up bag and equipment.

There’s no point trying to cover up your flaws with brushes so dirty they’ll give you spots, mascara so old you’ll end up with an eye infection, and all from a make-up bag which is, quite frankly, mouldy. Sort it out: throw it out.

3)    Get flossing.

Flossing your teeth is actually more important than brushing. It gets out all the nasty stuff which your toothbrush will never be able to, and which can otherwise linger for months, putting you at risk of cavities, gum disease and – worst of all – bad breath.

4)    Beware of your pillow and phone.

Yep, that’s right. Your pillow and mobile phone could be contributing to your skin woes. By cleaning your phone you remove the dirt, sweat and other crusty stuff which gathers from your face, pocket, bag, the bus…you get the picture. Also, by flipping your pillow (and, of course, remembering to change your bed sheets at least every fortnight) you avoid the risk of transferring the muck which you shed in slumber back onto your face.

5)    Leave your hair(s) alone.

Don’t worry, I’m not about to lecture you on the merits of going back to the 70s and letting it all hang out (although serious respect if you do this), but in reference to your eyebrows and hair: STOP plucking to within an inch of your poor brows’ life, and STOP splitting your split ends. That is an order.

6)    Eat right, drink right.

As the adage goes, if you put crap in, you’re gonna get crap out. Eating foods such as salmon and almonds that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is great for your insides and your outsides. And do I need to tell you about water? Drink it. Lots of it.

7)    Breathe fast, breathe slow.

Exercise is still the most important thing you need to take up this year. But don’t just focus on the fast-paced aerobic side – although this is obviously essential if you want to change the way you look and feel – but try to incorporate some more relaxed exercises into your routine as well. Yoga, Pilates and Tai-chi are perfect for calming and re-centring after a long and stressful day, in addition to being great for toning. 

8)    Practise Safe Sun.

Step away from the sun beds. Get to grips with good self tanning (especially those gradual tan moisturisers) and rid yourself of the risk of premature wrinkles and, most importantly, cancer.

9)    Scrub and soothe.

Exfoliate your woes away! Having a really thorough scrub in the shower is not only good for smoothing your skin, but for boosting your circulation and re-energising your body as a whole. Don’t forget to lather on some replenishing body cream after – you will be so goddamn smooth you won’t know what to do with yourself.

10) Don’t give up, take up.

Taking something up (be it something as simple as walking to uni or a big change like becoming a volunteer) is a positive change to make to your life this year. Just don’t take up smoking or something. That is not the idea.