Happy 2025! I’m not here to give you the classic “new year, new me” spiel. Let’s be real—we’re all just trying to carry the best parts of last year into this one. For me, that meant kicking off December 2024 with a challenge. The goal was to set the vibe for the new year: 31 days of self-care.
I won’t lie, I missed a few days (life, you know?), but the point was to prioritize myself throughout the month, and that’s exactly what I did. If you’re looking to take on your own self-care journey, here are some of the things I did, along with a few products and places I recommend from my personal experience.
Skincare
A key moment in my 31-day journey was simplifying my skincare routine. For me, it’s quality over quantity. Embracing the “less is more” mindset showed me that a few effective products can nourish my skin and boost my confidence, proving self-care can be simple.
Products I Love:
- Beekman 1802 Milkshake Toner – This has been new to my winter skincare regimen, perfect for a hydrated base!
- Good Molecules Daily Essentials – This skincare lineup has been a game-changer for keeping my skin moisturized.
- Black Girl Sunscreen – As a combination-dry skin girl, the SPF 30 has been my daily defense and key to GLOWING skin.
Move the Body
A pilates princess indeed. I can’t commit to a gym but a good pilates class? I’m there. Pilates has not only improved my core strength and flexibility, but also taught me how to move my body with intention and softness. During the off days, I also enjoy nature walks in the warmer months, which offer a gentle workout while allowing me to appreciate my surroundings.
Aromatherapy
Getting complimented on a fragrance is so top tier. But also highlighting positive moods though fragrance is an art! Aromatherapy became an essential part of my self-care routine. Lighting candles, diffusing essential oils, and using body oils helped create a serene atmosphere wherever I go.
My Favorite Fragrances
- The Home Collection by Dajah Elise – The candles and wax melts have been essential to curating a cozy vibe at home. My go-to scents are Love Touch and Date Night.
- Brown Sugar Babe Body Oils – Imagine your favorite fragrances available in a body oil–thats BSB. This brand has changed the game for perfume pairings and fragrance combos!
Rest, You Deserve It
Embrace the breaks because burnout gets us nowhere. Rest is a boundary I set to balance my work and let others know my limits. Rest is my way to recharge, not just a reward. Therefore, sometimes its okay to leave the phone and embrace these moments, free of distractions.
Journaling
I have no idea why I’m so late to journaling, but I’m glad I’m here. For me, it’s the guided journals that make journaling easier. Such a perfect way to reflect and de-clutter the mind. The brand Inside Then Out creates some of the most thought-provoking journals I’ve ever seen.
Floral Therapy
Ummm… nobody told me floral arranging was so therapeutic! Of course a girl loves receiving flowers, but being able to curate your own masterpiece is top tier self care. I enjoyed visiting Blossom Flower Bar, a local flower bar that specializes in a “Build Your Own Bouquet” model. Such a cute Girl’s Day activity and I will indeed be returning.
Wrapping Up my 31 Days
Despite missing a few days, I’m thankful for the time I dedicated to myself. The mix of relaxing, being creative, and enhancing my normal routine indeed set the tone for self care. I hope this post encourages you to try some of the things I mentioned. Feel free to add your own ideas to your self-care journey!
Crystal's Palette 