We all want a good life, right? So, here’s the self-care list of what’s in and what’s not in 2025 for better wellness of your body, mind and spirit.

Take: Rest

Physical, mental, and emotional rest are essential for the body (and mind) to repair and restore itself. This year, we are stepping away from the medieval idea that rest is idleness which leaves space for evil. *Eye roll* This year, we are prioritising our rest over late-night trash TV, doom scrolling, working late with no reward, boss girl energy, burn out and all the other enemies of progress that stop us from recharging and fortifying ourselves.

Leave: Period Drama

PMT, PMS, perimenopause, post-partum hormone rebalancing and all the other stages of the female body’s life cycles. If you are a woman of a certain age *cough cough* you’ll probably know very little about your cycle, and even less about how to maximise the different stages. The more you know about your body, the better your life will be. This year we are stepping out of the shadows and into our feminine strengths, centring the female body for more harmony, pleasure and wellness.

Take: Natural bar soaps

Yes, I am biased, but they really are a forgotten gem in modern beauty and wellness. Not only are they kind to your skin, being rich in nourishing oils, butter and other botanicals, but they are also incredibly bio-friendly. Bar soap is sustainable, zero waste and carbon neutral. On top of all that, they smell incredible due to aromatherapy essential oil blends that work to soothe and heal both body and mind. They come in very pretty natural colours and textures, last a long time and feel good on the skin. Bar soap for the win.

Leave: Mum Guilt

I am officially over it. No, I can’t attend every school activity, my home isn’t always tidy, I sometimes spend time away for work, and I occasionally order in. As long as the kids know I love them, our home is a safe and kind place and they are fed, watered and well-dressed, they’re good. We need to let go of the perfect mum notion because she doesn’t exist. Even Beyonce needs a small army of nannies, personal trainers, chefs, private tutors, and other support systems to be the best she can be. We are doing it all with less money, less time and less energy. If anything, we deserve a daily parade to celebrate us, but we don’t have time for that.

Take: Discipline

It’s unsexy but discipline is the key to a good life. You want clear skin but aren’t prepared to follow a simple routine. You want to feel energised and rested in the morning but you’re doom scrolling at 2:00 am every night. Girl. Mastering yourself through discipline doesn’t guarantee the outcomes BUT it does stack the odds in your favour, making outcomes more likely to be favourable.

Leave: Beauty bars

Remember in the early 2020s when the natural hair community collectively decided to co-wash our hair (only washing hair with conditioner) … and then collectively lost many strands to damage? Some of us got scalp acne, buildup, dandruff and all the other uglies ineffective cleansing breeds.

Beauty bars are the co-washing of skincare, they do not effectively cleanse the skin. Their low pH, fragrances, and high cream content leave skin susceptible to acne breakouts, skin rashes, irritation and odour. In contrast, gentle well-made soap leaves your skin clean, nourished and ready for the next stage of skincare.

Take: Self-care Sundays

After a busy week, Sundays are for self-care.

1. Do your hobby, yoga, reading, crochet. Sundays are for you to connect with your joy.
2. In the evening, take a long magnesium bath to ease your sore muscles and loosen tension in the body.
3. Exfoliate everything, and everywhere, with your African Sapo. Working from the neck down to your toes. Pair with Elbows, Knees & Toes for added

vim and minty freshness.

4. Wash your hair.
5. De-fuzz if that’s your thing.
6. Double moisturise with your Bare Butter and then your Body Oil for the ultimate glow.
7. Binge-watch that program you’ve been waiting to see.
8. Go to sleep knowing that you are fortified and replenished, ready to pour back into others.

Leave: Complicated beauty routines

Simple can be effective, and it’s even more true for skincare because overcomplicated routines often lead to barrier damage and sensitised skin. A simple and efficient routine can be done in 3 easy steps. 1. CLEANSE with a bar soap to kill bacteria, and remove sweat and dirt. 2. EXFOLIATE (at the same time) to remove dead skin and soothe skin texture. 3. MOISTURISE on damp skin with a body butter (or an oil). This easy 3-step routine will make you clean, smooth and glowing from the neck.

Take: Joy

This year we are actively seeking joy. Joy in relationships, movement and activity, and food at home. As Marie Condo says, let it go if it does not spark joy in your heart. The more we focus on joy in our life the better life gets. Here’s to hobbies, play dates with friends, self-care Sundays, reading for fun, saying no and meaning it