What does self-care mean to you? For some people, it’s spending the afternoon in a spa or enjoying a seaweed bath. For others, it might be getting out on to the beach for a run or to enjoy a swim or other exercise.
For us, self-care in 2021 means not restricting ourselves too much, especially with the onslaught of diet messaging that happens every January. This year, of all years, don’t adopt a gruelling exercise routine or cut down on food until you’re left with rabbit food, making yourself miserable! Instead, celebrate the little things with a cake from our brand new food delivery service which includes cakes, pies and other treats. Here are our top tips for self-care in 2021.
1. Take A Few Minutes A Day To Exercise
While we’re not suggesting you run a marathon in January, it is always a good idea to up your step count and your active minutes each day. With many people working from home, time outdoors has been even further limited and we’re missing out on our walks to and from the workplace.
This January commit yourself to walking or jogging for just 20-minutes per day and your body and mind will thank you for it. Increase the number of minutes you are active each day and before you know it you will have a new healthy habit that takes very little effort!
If you’re lucky enough to live in Enniscrone or be a guest in Ocean Sands Hotel, there are so many activities in the area to keep you moving. Try horse-riding, running, jogging or walking on the beach, or visit the nearby Waterpoint Leisure Centre for a swim.
2. Don’t Starve Yourself: Have A Healthier Eating Plan Instead
After the overindulgence of Christmas, January is also a good time to begin a healthier eating plan. We’re not talking about restricting your food or cutting out whole food groups, we believe in everything in moderation.
Planning your meals and including the odd treat is a better way to watch what we eat in a more sustainable way. If you fancy a treat but you’d like someone else to do the hard work for you, dine in our newly refurbished Ocean Restaurant. We have a wide selection of menus options to cater to diet-conscious and those who want to indulge. We serve lunch and dinner daily from 12.30 pm in The Ocean Bar & Restaurant and our menus reflect the season, combining a selection of classics and local favourites.
3. Explore When It’s Safe To Do So
When it is safe to do so, get out into the fresh air and explore somewhere new! If you’ve never been to Enniscrone in Co. Sligo put us first on your list. A stop along the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way route, you won’t find a better coastal spot than the golden sands of Enniscrone beach. We have everything you need for a family holiday, couples retreat or a group getaway. Ocean Sands Hotel is ideally located on the beachfront, close to the town centre and surrounded by fun activities to try. You could also use us as a comfortable base to stay while you explore the rest of the county or enjoy some of the gorgeous walk or cycle routes in the area.
4. Mind Your Mind
2020 was a tough year all round. Let’s head into this year with a more positive attitude and by minding our mental health. Self-care means different things to different people. For some, it’s spending a day in a spa and for others its an hour alone, without interruptions for children or pets, to enjoy a bath. Whatever you do to relax, from journaling to meditation, take some more time to check in with yourself this year. Ocean Sands is an ideal place to recharge your batteries and refocus your mind, building your resilience for whatever 2021 gives us.
5. Celebrate the Little Things
This January, celebrate the little things. January birthdays never get the recognition they deserve so this year, treat your loved one to a cake made especially for them. Celebrate anniversaries, promotions, christenings and when your granny can finally come over for tea and cake.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for Ocean Sands Hotel, Ireland’s leading beachside hotel in Enniscrone, Country Sligo. When she’s not binge-watching documentaries on Netflix, you can find her writing inspiring articles about travel, food, and cultural appreciation.