When it comes to New Year’s Eve, there are times where I prefer to stay inside, lay low, and have a quiet, peaceful start to the New Year. Don’t get me wrong, I think going out and having a great time with your friends and family is awesome! However, if you’re a total introvert, like me, then you’ll understand the feeling of sometimes wanting to stay inside and begin the year in a calming and moderate state. Where you can relax and plan out your New Year in the way that only you enjoy. For me, I’m not a big drinker or partier, so spending the perfect New Year’s Eve as a homebody is essential for kicking off my year and starting off strong!
Personally, I love to dive deep into some self-care and self-love while playing happy music, writing out future goals and manifesting the new year that I plan to have. Therefore, if you’re anything like me, then today’s post is for you! I’m laying out a complete list of ideas on how to have the perfect New Year’s Eve as a homebody in the comfort of your own home while perfectly setting the tone for a healthy and happy new year!
1. Make a playlist to set the tone
Start your evening off by creating either a Spotify or Apple Music playlist that will motivate, inspire, and empower you the night before the new year! Listen to this playlist while going about your evening wellness routine, while working out, or simply while relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine.
By making an uplifting playlist, you’re setting the tone and mood for the new year in a positive way! Your playlist can be anything from relaxing, instrumental music to clear your head and start the new year off fresh, to upbeat happy music, or inspiring music that makes you feel empowered and ready to tackle your new year’s goals!
2. Make some tea or fill a bottle of ice water
Start the new year off right by drinking a big glass of iced water! Not only will you feel refreshed, but it will allow you to feel revitalized and accomplished the night of New Year’s Eve in such an easy and quick way!
Additionally, I recommend drinking a delicious, warm cup of your favorite tea before bed or while you’re going through your self-care evening routine! Preferably, peppermint tea! (Perfect for the winter season right?!)
This is because it is an excellent sleep aid and it hydrates your body. In fact, peppermint tea is essential for those who have digestive problems or if you have an upset stomach when trying to fall asleep. Many studies have shown that it helps relieve bloating and gas pain, reduce heartburn, and relieve indigestion as well. Peppermint tea contains no caffeine so it won’t keep you up all night. Also, it is naturally sugar-free which makes it the perfect self-care, evening wellness ritual!
3. Run a bath
The ultimate go-to form of self-care – but always a fan favorite! My favorite way to take a relaxing, therapeutic bath in the evening is by adding Epsom salt, a detoxifying bath bomb, and even adding in a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil! Taking a bath is such a wonderful, peaceful way to clear your mind and detoxify your body of built-up holiday stress!
Pro tip: I love to put a hair mask in or a face mask on while I’m taking a bath! It’s the best way to multitask while taking care of your body, skin, and hair all in one!
4. Light candles
Candles are essential for creating a relaxing and feel-good ambiance. I love to place delicious smelling candles or even candles that are infused with essential oils in my bathroom while I am taking a bath to set the mood and create a peaceful serenity!
These candles are my all-time favorite because they are made for stress-relief and relaxation. Which is the perfect combination for kicking off the new year in my opinion! Each scent smells beautiful but isn’t too overpowering – which is awesome! You can get them in the scent of lavender, orange, and/or vanilla.
5. Paint your nails
Step into the new year feeling primped and polished! One of my favorite things to do on a relaxing night in is to paint my nails and toes and fun, festive color that makes me feel confident and beautiful! And giving yourself a little homemade mani/pedi is such an easy way to up your mood for the entire first week (or longer!) of the new year!
6. Do something productive
Take a moment during the evening to do something small, yet productive to set the new year off on a successful start! Something I love to do is organize my bedroom, bathroom, or another room in my house. Or, I like to take time to clean a certain part of my house. Like the kitchen, bathroom, family room, etc.
However, if you are looking to have a more carefree, calm, and tranquil evening, I would suggest reading a few chapters of a personal development book or listening to a motivating podcast or TedTalk!
7. Write down one thing that you really want to accomplish in the new year
This doesn’t have to be a huge goal or resolution that stresses you out or makes you feel anxious! For example, I’d much rather start my year by telling myself “I want to focus on my overall wellbeing and eat a well-balanced diet.” As opposed to telling myself something like. “I want to lose 10 pounds by March.” When writing down the one thing that you want to accomplish this year, try to think of the ways that you’ll work towards that specific goal. If your goal is weight loss, try writing down the multiple steps that you will take to reach your goal! Such as what days you wish to go to the gym, writing a healthy grocery list and keeping it on your fridge, planning out go-to meals and what day(s) you’d like to meal prep.
The more you plan out and spread out your desired goal, the more likely you are to achieve it. If you simply tell yourself that you want to lose weight, but have no plan in action, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Having a plan allows you to feel more secure, prepared, and determined, instead of overwhelming yourself and making empty, daunting promises.
Additionally, other things you could write down instead of goals could be what your “predictions” are for the new year in your relationship with your partner, with yourself, with your family, friends, your career and your finance. As well as any random hopes, thoughts, or wishes!
8. Practice gratitude
Taking a moment of gratitude each day does exceptional things for your mental health and your overall happiness! And what better way to kick off the new year than spending the final minutes of the evening practicing gratitude!
Studies have shown that taking a moment of your day to focus on gratitude (even just 10 minutes!) will bring you many physiological and psychological benefits! These benefits include better sleep, reduced stress, a more positive mindset, an increase in mindfulness, and higher levels of happiness in your daily life. And remember, it doesn’t matter when you practice gratitude!
However, I believe that starting this new year off thinking about all of the things you are grateful for from the previous is such a positive and healthy way to begin this wonderful new year! Write it down, think about it, or express your gratitude out loud to others! Either way, say goodbye to this year in a thankful way and get ready to kick off this new year strong, grateful, and determined!
Of course, do not feel like you have to complete this entire list! These are just some of my favorite ideas for spending new year’s eve as a homebody!
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?
I would love to hear what you are doing in the comments! Are you going out or staying in? Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a fun, safe, and happy New Year’s Eve!!
xo, Cydney
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