As we get busier with our lives, pinching every last minute of downtime with over-dose of ‘productive’ work we are slowly stepping deeper into our own graves! In a world where ‘me time’ is thought of a luxury, is not a healthy world as it is a necessity. So, gear up now, it is 2018, it is time to unapologetically clear out your daily, over-stuffed routines for some unplugged activities like sipping some green tea while lazing on your couch. Be guilt-free people, having put on your oxygen mask first, because that means you are better equipped to help and support your family, colleagues and community.

While many may have been brainwashed thanks to Instagram clicks of self-care rituals that simply showcase selfies with facemasks on but the truth is not that straightforward. Self-care can involve a lot of things, but in essence are daily rituals that keep your body and mind energized. Self-care need not have too many complex steps, they can constitute of something small and simple yet highly impactful like going to bed at the same time every night and eating wholesome foods!

The option to purchase some self-care like the aforementioned facemasks, bath bombs and many others are abundantly available thanks to the internet era, then again there is the pursuit of self-care where people are indulging in enriching activities like knitting, meditation, and journaling. But remember self-care is not only for the rich! It is for anybody who works towards therapy and mindfulness on their own!

Here’s how you can begin your self-care with the first meal of the day:

1. Super coffee or Bulletproof coffee

This is a brain boosting concoction of hot java that will not only wake you up, but is also healthier than your usual cup of Joe. Criminalized as the unhealthy Drink for several years, coffee has been turned into a health staple this 2018 with the addition of ingredients such as MCT oil, collagen peptides and maca. Some suggest adding a little brain octane oil and ghee (clarified butter) to your cuppa to give you the healthy caffeine fix for the day!

2. Medicinal Mushrooms

Have you spotted mushrooms like cordyceps, chaga, reishi and other varieties in a powdered form at your local health store yet? Because this year they are all the rage! These mushroom varieties are said to be power packed in antioxidants that offer great healing properties for skin and immunity while fighting stress and inflammation. One can choose to brew some in tea or take them as a supplement.

3. Activated charcoal

This is already a popular health trend that has enjoyed the Instagram spotlight for several months with jet-black facemasks and drinks. But this year the ingredient has stepped up its game in being included to the drink menu as it makes for a great detox drink. Expect to have it served on a scoop of ice cream or a smoothie, because it works!

4. Kombucha

2018 is the year of gut-heath and Kombucha is our drink of choice with its fizzy goodness. While previously ignored as an obscure drink, Kombucha has been recognized to be rich in probiotics, so expect this fermented tea to be at the top of your healthy beverage list.

5. Turmeric drinks

The golden milk is still the chart-topper as a healthy choice of beverage, as turmeric spiked drinks with other healthy spices used in historic Ayurveda is known to replace sodium and offers immune-boosting health benefits, fights infection and reduces inflammation.

The main purpose of self-care is to make health education and awareness more accessible to the people, so be it fact or fad, this new internet-driven culture of health trends is a step closer to understanding our bodies and minds in good faith! Cheers!