For most, today is the first day back at work for 2013 and as a collective sigh goes up from the masses, we should really be looking at this as an opportunity – an opportunity to start afresh and look at ways in which we can be more positive and productive.

Most of us look at the big things in our lives we can change – our jobs, living situations, plan a holiday or finally get around to doing something we always promised we would. But what if for one second, we looked at the little things we can change that make a big difference? What if it was just as simple as taking off your make up before you went to bed?

A recent study by Blackmores, the Blackmores MORE survey, revealed that taking time out for the small things does impact positively on our mood. Imagine waking up in the morning and not having your first thought be, ‘urgh, should have taken my make up off last night!’ as you cringe at your reflection in the mirror.

The study showed less than half of the respondents had cleansed their skin in the past two weeks – a distaster of epic proportions over the festive season. Not only are your pores going to bed all clogged up, but the combination of that with excessive alcohol and food intake? I’m sure there are more than a few sporting tired and sad looking skin this January.

Once you are in a pattern on not removing your make up, it can be hard to break. A good start is to get a spa treatment (only 23% of respondents has been to the spa recently!) – a facial and a manicure, then use this as your starting point to spend ten minutes every night looking after your skin. The you of tomorrow will be grateful, and the you in fifty years time will be SUPER grateful!!

And finally, if you have taken the time to take off your face in the evening, take the time to put it on in the mornings!!! 1 in 5 survey respondents revealed that they applied make up in the car on the way to work. Seriously? Not only is this dangerous, but chances are you’ll end up with an uneven skin tone and lipstick across your cheek. Its 10 minutes guys – spend a little time on you!! 

There is utterly no reason why you can’t use today – Day 1- as your starting point and look after yourself better in 2013. Whether its something as small as taking off your make up, or something bigger (like finding a new job closer to home so you have the time to apply the make up in the mornings), 2013 is all about new beginnings. What are your resolutions to look after yourself better?

WIN: To help you start the year off right, I have a Blackmores pack to giveaway (as pictured). Just comment on the post! Drawn 5pm January 11. Good Luck!