I’ve really enjoyed looking back on the last year. As I write this, I realise its not something I’ve done too often. Last week I shared the many things I’ve achieved on my journey to get to One Year Cancer Free and below are 24 (maybe a few more than 24) things I’ve enjoyed, used, benefitted from in 2024 – Books, TV, podcasts, apps, self-care products, self-care activities.
Books
It’s always lovely to escape into a good book, here’s my favourites from 2024
TV
And equally good to escape into a compelling TV series
- One Day - based on the best selling book by David Nichols (Netflix)
- Rivals - based on Jilly Cooper's book about power, passion, scandal and rivals (Disney +)
- Married At First Sight Australia (C4)
Podcasts & Apps
I like to keep learning – whether its about self-care, current affairs or a new skill. These are a handful of podcast episodes I’ve enjoyed and learned from in 2024:
- Menopause and Cancer podcast with Dani Binnington – Does the way you breathe make your menopause symptoms worse?
- Begin Again with Davina McCall – Confidence Expert. How to be Confident with Susie Moore
- Feel Better Live More – The Truth About Modern Anxiety
- Elizabeth Day’s podclass – How to Write a Book
And then in terms of apps – who can live without Canva? I love it for creating all sorts of images for this site, amongst other projects. Even more useful, my new (almost) trusty companion – Chat GPT! For a bit of digital productivity, I’m learning how Notion can organise my life and for digital creativity, I’m refreshing my artistic skills using Procreate.
Hair, Skin & Make-up
This year, like others, I’ve made a conscious effort to take care of my hair and skin, and have (almost religiously) maintained a routine.
For my hair, its been a continued journey of patience waiting for my curls to keep growing back – almost 2 years since chemo I’m more or less there. I used this Manta brush regularly which promotes healthy hair growth.
For my skin, to keep it glowing I absolutely could not live without Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe, (trying) to prevent the signs of aging I’ve used an LED mask almost daily and then once a week I’ve been using this Radio Frequency Device to tighten my skin.
And also, this year, I was encouraged to have a make-up session at Trish McEvoy and am now the proud owner of this Make-up Planner, Gel Liner and this Light & Lift Face Duo amongst a few other things. I can see myself adding more in 2025!
Self-care
Finally, I’ve invested time into self-care – I’ve sort of had to whilst dealing with not one but two cancer diagnoses, treatment and recovery. I’ve done this through:
Being creative. At a retreat in March, I had an art lesson where we used palette knives with acrylic paint. So much fun and less constrictive than using a paint brush! I have a new found energy for painting.
Also this year, I did an online creative writing course called ‘Writing in the Wardrobe’ (which I shall do again in January), its held over 3 weeks and is a fantastic way to spend a January evening. Creative writing has so many benefits from building communication skills and confidence to reducing stress.
Exercising. Running is my absolute go to when I want to de-stress and feel good. But I also know that strength training is an absolute must when it comes to aging well. I use these weights 3 times a week – they are adjustable for when I hopefully get stronger. And finally, I’ve added a dance class into the mix – so good for brain health as well as heart health.
Enjoying a few treats. Whilst I love my routine of journalling and I love having a luxurious bath with essential oils – both I consider to be essential to my self-care. But I also really love hot chocolate and would not be without this Hotel Chocolate Velvetiser – using it is nearly always part of my daily routine too.
Although, as a write, we are not quite there yet, I’m excited to see what 2025 will bring!