Let's face it—keeping up with those big, ambitious resolutions can be a real challenge. This year, set yourself up for self-care and success by making small positive changes that cultivate positivity and improve your overall mood, all without the guilt trip. We have curated a selection of easy-to-follow, dopamine-friendly strategies to bolster your motivation, reduce stress and ensure restful sleep—promising an unparalleled mood boost to kick off 2024.
Remove Digital Stressors
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “comparison is the thief of joy.” Excessive social media scrolling can leave us feeling like zombies, fostering unhealthy comparisons with curated versions of others' lives. It’s becoming hard to ignore the negative correlation between screen time and psychological well-being. While entirely abandoning our phones may not always be practical, dedicating just half an hour daily to unplug and delve into a book can significantly reduce stress and counter negative thoughts.
For the architecture, travel and design lovers in all of us, start by exploring the fascinating narrative of Fairmont's impact on the birth of Canada's national parks, the introduction of château style to North America, and the unique prelude to Solomon R. Guggenheim's art collection display—all within the pages of “Fairmont’s Grand By Nature.”
Uplift Your Shower Experience with a Dash of "Spa Swagger"
Take a cue from the Scandinavian tradition of using hydrotherapy to increase vitality and turn your shower into a DIY spa. If you don’t have time to carve out a spa session, start by alternating water temperature in the shower from hot to cold - one minute on and one off to stimulate circulation, increase the number of disease-fighting immune system cells in your body, boost metabolism and increase energy levels. Add in the relaxing scent of Rose 31 with the Le Labo Shower Gel for a virtual day spa that will have you reenergized post holidays to take on the new year.
Turn Lemons into Lemonade
We mean this both figuratively and literally. Give your brain a headstart on flipping the mindset switch from negative to positive by incorporating scents that are inherently emotionally uplifting. Our sense of smell is intricately connected to the emotional control center, and essential oils—especially LEMON oil—can work wonders in reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing brain function.
The invigorating scent of lemon uniquely stimulates the brain, triggering the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin, thereby regulating mood. Delve into the aromatic world with two exceptional lemon teas from Fairmont’s Lot 35 tea brand:
Lemon Cream Darjeeling Limited Edition
Savor this revitalizing lemon tea hailing from India’s Champagne district for a limited time. With a vibrant burst of citrus, the tea encapsulates the essence of the renowned Darjeeling tea region.Beat the sniffles with this detoxifying tea blend that opens with lively lemon ginger and notes of hibiscus for cuppa comfort during the cold and flu season.
Or simply add lemon sensory delight to any beverage with the Lemon Luxe Cube Stick.
Stop Hitting the Snooze Button on Great Sleep
The blueprint for an uplifting mindset almost always involves an exceptional sleep at the foundation. There's nothing comparable to the revitalizing sleep experienced during a vacation, and Fairmont Store’s mattresses are the epitome of sleep perfection, with industry-leading mattresses crafted for ideal rest. Yet, the essence of great sleep extends beyond the realm of a flawless mattress. For a transformative shift in your sleep hygiene towards optimal rest, embrace the foolproof '10-3-2-1-0 formula.' Picture this as a well-crafted recipe for sleep success: 10 hours before bedtime—no more caffeine, 3 hours before bedtime—bid farewell to alcohol and food, 2 hours before bedtime—leave work behind, and 1 hour before bedtime—banish screen time. Combine this ritual with the luxury of Fairmont Linens and the plush comfort of our Fairmont Beds, and you are on your way to the perfect night's sleep.
Time for a Transformational Trip
After a long winter, we’re often keen for the dopamine release that a sun-soaked vacation can provide. Surprisingly, the anticipation and planning of a getaway can be as indulgently mood-elevating as the journey itself. This year, tap into the trend of transformational travel by planning a trip that leaves you returning as a more revitalized and healthy version of yourself. Seek out retreats and expeditions that seamlessly blend well-being experiences with a touch of cultural enlightenment. Envision retreats that redefine relaxation, like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Wellness Retreats, enjoy the cultural symphony of Fairmont Mayakoba's Symphony in the Cenote, or thrill your senses with nature-based escapades such as skiing in the majestic coastal mountains of Whistler or Tremblant. What’s for certain is that planning is at least half the fun!
Pro tip: Channel the glamorous era of travel inspired by the castle-like Canadian mountain hotels originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway with vintage-styled leather Roots travel bags and accessories.
