Self-Care Rituals for a Stress-Free 2024

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily life, and we get it.. sometimes it feels almost impossible to give yourself a break without feeling remotely bad about it. Well, we’re here to tell you that prioritizing self-care is anything but selfish!

As we step into the new year, let’s leave the burnout behind and embrace a more holistic and mindful routine to help you become more relaxed, reduce your stress and make your well-being numero uno on your 2024 To-Do List.

 Here are some self-care rituals and practices that you can already slowly integrate into your day-to-day:

1) Light a Candle and Let Your Worries Burn Away With It

There’s actual science behind why the smell from scented candles has a calming effect on your nervous system, which helps you relax and unwind after a long day. Some candles are even formulated with specific herbs, leaves or flower combinations that might benefit those facing certain issues, such as trouble sleeping or even nausea. Not only that, indulging in the gentle glow of a lit candle sets the tone for a soothing evening where you can take a breather or even meditate for a little while.

ANBO beeswax candles areperfect for setting the serene experience you’re looking for. Each candle is handcrafted with love in KL, and comes in 4 different scents and ranges from Mini Series (55g), Concrete Series (125 - 350g) & Bespoke Series (185g).

2) Go on a Digital Detox

We’re all guilty of occasionally doom-scrolling on social media or having our phones forever glued to our hands – be it for work or personal reasons. While using your phone may not necessarily be a bad thing, too much of something isn’t always a good thing. This year, try to set aside dedicated hours in your day for a digital detox, and instead swap your screen time for a different type of leisurely activity, like nuzzling up to a good book, starting a new creative hobby, or maybe even running yourself a candlelit bath with soft jazz playing in the background.

3) A Penny For Your Thoughts

Exercise your writing muscles and put your thoughts into words by starting your journaling journey this year! Journaling comes with so many benefits such as capturing your thoughts, dreams and goals on paper, and documenting the ins and outs of your daily life along with your innermost thoughts that are usually parked at the back of your mind. There is power in scripting, and perhaps unleashing your creativity with a pen and paper (or maybe even through digital mediums like blogging or writing on your iPad / Notes app) will allow you to not only reset but also make space for more mental bandwidth, which in itself is therapeutic and beneficial in the long run.

4) Wind-Down Before You Shut Down

Creating a calming bedtime routine is just as important as how many hours of snooze you get every night! For example, incorporating scents from your candles or diffuser, getting in some gentle stretches to loosen your muscles from the long day, and enjoying a nice cup of herbal tea basically sets your body up to not only fall asleep easier, but also improve the quality of sleep you’re getting! Make winding down an intimate affair with yourself and dress up in your favourite cozy pyjamas – this could be your go-to cotton pyjama bottoms or maybe even your soft, silky nightgowns (whatever makes you feel good!).

Adding an extra touch of love to your nighttime routine will definitely help put you in the best mood to slowly unwind as you nuzzle up under your blanket and call it a day.

5) Self-Care is the Best Care

Now, self-care can mean different things to a lot of people. To us, it means whatever that makes you feel your absolute best. Be it indulging in a 20-step skin & body care routine, having their own dedicated me-time every single day, to even just practicing gratitude in whatever ways they choose, such as daily journaling, having a conversation with a close friend or enjoying a glass of wine after a long day at work – fill your days with anything that brings you joy and peace. If you’re not sure where to start, try the Wellness &’s Box of Wellness! It’s basically wellness habits gamified to make the process that much more fun and help kickstart your journey to a better you.

We love it because it just lays everything out for you in a way that’s mindful and empowering.

Fostering these moments and forming habits out of them will ensure that you’re taking your self-care rituals seriously. At the end of the day, you can only truly be the best version of yourself if you make your wellbeing a top priority.

Now, go out there and make 2024 your best year yet!

All the best,

Paula