As a skincare lover, the skincare industry’s growth continues to amaze me – in 2024, it was valued at $115.65 billion, and is only expected to expand to $122.11 billion in 2025. Even if you’re not looking at the numbers, it’s likely you’ve noticed a boom in the presence of skincare expertise and products buzzing on social media. As time goes on, people are learning more and more about what it takes to take care of their skin, and naturally, certain trends in the skincare realm transform.

While slugging and glass skin routines took center stage in 2024, an entirely new slew of skincare trends are on the rise for 2025. Since I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to shell out a fortune to take care of yourself – especially your skin – I’ve tracked down the best (affordable!) drugstore productsfor every 2025 skincare trend, should you choose to give ‘em a try this year.

Scroll on for 2025’s top skincare trends, plus the 17 best drugstore products you can use to achieve them.

Shiny Diamond / PEXELS

1. Upcycled ingredients

Alec Batis, CEO and co-founder of Sweet Chemistry, confirmed to Popsugarthat upcycled ingredients will be “gaining significant traction” in 2025.

Upcycled ingredients favor the health of the environment since they repurpose elements that might otherwise be considered as waste. Univar Solutions notes that olive oil, coconut, and coffee are a few of the most popular upcycled ingredients for producing skincare formulas like scrubs, oils, and cleansers.

In conjunction with this first 2025 skincare trend, I predict that eco-friendly skincare products will continue to rise, which not only includes 100% vegan and animal cruelty-free formulas (shout out e.l.f.), but also products with recycled packaging (Lush is my go-to) or ones with “refillable” features, like the ones below.

Amazon

Vegan and cruelty-free: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

This lightweight $13 face cream hydrated with evening niacinamide, nourishing hyaluronic acid, and boosting peptides. It even provides an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays with SPF 30.

Ulta

Vegan and cruelty-free: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream

This $12 face cream is fully vegan and cruelty-free. It's packed with moisturizing ingredients and even antioxidants that work against free radicals that cause pore blockages and breakouts.

Amazon

Refillable: Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser Refill Pouch

This $15 refill pouch of Aveeno cleanser takes it real easy on the skin with a milky gel texture and a gentle formula that's suitable for all skin types.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

2. Peptides on peptides

Peptides have grown to be a total holy grail ingredient when it comes to skincare. They can encourage collagen production, strengthen and protect the skin barrier, and even out skin tone, in addition to other benefits.

While tons of luxury skincare brands like Caudalie and Drunk Elephant have embraced peptides in their products, the trend has trickled down to plenty of drugstore mainstays, too. Cetaphil and CeraVe offer some truly affordable formulas that provide the same benefits as the ones you’d pay $50+ for.

If you’re looking for stronger, healthier skin in 2025, these products are the way to go.

Amazon

For improved firmness, texture, and tone: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Anti Aging Face Serum

This gentle peptide formula does all the things a higher-end product would – for only $15!

Amazon

For a stronger skin barrier: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Made with three essential ceramides and peptides, this $16 night cream helps renew and strengthen your skin's barrier overnight.

Amazon

For anti-aging: Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum

This $12 serum is packed with several different kinds of peptides to help target fine lines and wrinkles. If anti-aging products are your jam, you've got to try this.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

3. All things anti-wrinkle

Howard Sobel, MD, told Popsugarthat preventative Botox treatments are in "tremendous demand,” especially among Gen Z-ers. These treatments typically have to do with all things anti-wrinkle.

Though there’s no drugstore solution for injectables like Botox, there’s no shortage of affordable formulas geared toward preventing wrinkles before they drive deep. Most notably, products with retinols can help your skin generate more collagen and elastin, providing a stronger structure against wrinkles and fine lines.

Check out the best drugstore formulas below.

Amazon

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Moisturizer Cream

This $22 bottle filled with potent retinol and hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and target wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Amazon

Differin Acne Treatment Gel + Retinoid Treatment

This popular $19 (pack of two) pick employs retinol to encourage a faster cell turnover rate, which can help prevent new acne from forming and even out texture like fine lines and wrinkles.

Amazon

Eucerin Pro-Retinol Night Cream

For just $13, this retinol-infused night cream helps hydrate your skin and reduces the look of fine lines while you sleep.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

4. Mineral sunscreen > chemical sunscreen

Also known as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen will eclipse chemical sunscreen formulas in popularity this year. Bobbi Brown, renowned makeup artist and founder of both Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, recently told Harper’s Bazaarthat it’s “going to be big in 2025.”

While chemical sunscreen formulas tend to soak into the skin to block harmful UV rays, mineral sunscreen formulas include physical components that sit on top of the skin to prevent UV damage. This element can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin!

Not all mineral sunscreens are made the same, though. It’s common for formulas to leave a white cast after application, as well as have ingredients that aren’t necessarily kind to the environment. Look for sunscreens with SPF 30 or more, zinc oxide in the formula, plus labels indicating that they’re “reef-safe.” As far as the white cast goes, these drugstore mineral sunscreens also leave your skin protected from the sun’s rays without a noticeable trace.

Amazon

Neutrogena Clear Breakout-Free Liquid Sunscreen

This $15 tube is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores that lead to pesky breakouts.

Amazon

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

CeraVe's sunscreens are so good. This $16 lotion adds an extra dose of skincare with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, in addition to the SPF 30.

Amazon

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Sunscreen

This $21 pick sits on the skin so lightly, but still provides beneficial sun protection with SPF 30.

Olha Ruskykh / PEXELS

5. Décolletage care

The décolletage area – AKA your neck and chest where the skin is thinner and typically harder to treat with skincare products – will shift into the limelight when it comes to 2025 skincare trends.

The décolletage area can be especially sensitive to sun damage, pigmentation, and dryness, and skincare fiends of all kinds will be attuned to caring for it in 2025. You don’t necessarily need décolletage-specific products to help lift, smooth, and firm the skin there.

Products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and chemical exfoliants like AHAs that you typically use on your face will also keep the area bright, tight, and healthy. Check out these drugstore finds that’ll treat your neck and chest right.

Amazon

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Multi-Depth Hydration Serum

This tiny (but mighty) $10 bottle packs a punch for your skin by hydrating, plumping, and smoothing out unwanted texture and wrinkles.

Amazon

COSRX AHA + BHA Treatment Toner

Chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA help refresh your skin by dissolving dead skin cells, giving newer, fresher skin the opportunity to soak in all the benefits from the rest of your skincare routine. This $19 toner formula works well for your face and décolletage area.

Amazon

6. Passive patches

I predict that the abundance of pimple patch peel videos on everyone’s Instagram discover pages won’t be going anywhere in 2025. Not only are pimple patches super satisfying by nature (that peel though!), they’ve become the ultimate skincare accessory, thanks to brands like Starface. Plus, breakouts are always going to be a skin concern, no matter who you are (or your skin type).

Pimple patches aren’t the only patches on the skincare market, though. Patch brands like Frownies have engineered their products to smooth and lift everything from forehead wrinkles to smile lines. Beloved brand Hero Cosmetics even just launched a new big patch for body breakouts.

Any kind of skincare patch allows you to passively treat your personal skin concerns, which plays into the 2025 trend Harper’s Bazaar calls “the simplification of self-care.”

So, don’t be afraid to rock a patch or two! These drugstore finds will give you the perfect peel.

Amazon

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

Ah, a classic. These $20 hydrocolloid patches effectively draw out impurities from whiteheads and help protect active breakouts from the elements (dirt, dust, germs, and grime) by providing an impenetrable barrier.

Amazon

Starface Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

These stylish $11 patches do the same exact thing, though you'll feel uber-cool wearing 'em since they're star-shaped.

Amazon

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Body Patch

If you tend to break out on your bod, these $15 XL-sized patches immediately come to the rescue.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Love is in the air – and, as it turns out, on the shelves at Target! We can always count on Target to have the cutest home decor pieces for every holiday, and right now, their Valentine’s Day decor is making us swoon. Target has everything you need to create a festive and cozy vibe (and for way less $!), whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s Day party, or happily spending the season solo.

Get ready to fall head over heels for these 13 Target Valentine’s Day decor pieces that’ll help you celebrate the season, all for $10 or less.

Target

Cherry Duo Valentine's Day Figurine

This $5 figurine gives us so much joy. It'd be perfect on your desk, bedside table, or car dash to keep the love flowin' this V-Day.

Target

Metallic Hearts Wall Garland

Got a Valentine's party planned? This $10 wall garland is just the thing your space needs to feel a bit more festive.

Target

Valentine's Day Disco Ball

Everyone needs a dash of disco in their life, and this $10 heart-shaped piece makes that possible. We'd keep this one up year-round!

Target

Valentine's Day XO Love Pillow

It's not V-Day without a bunch of X's and O's! Decorate your space appropriately with this cutesy $5 pillow.

Target

Coffee & Croissant Valentine's Day Figurine

This $5 decor piece would also make a great gift to give your partner, BFF, or just the person that completes you.

Target

Light-Up Valentine's Day Hearts

These heart-shaped lights mimic conversation heart candies in the cutest (and cheekiest!) way with various sayings.

Target

3-Wick Sugared Watermelon Candle

This candle makes the season even sweeter with a delicious sugared watermelon scent.

Target

Featherly Friends 'Toots' Valentine's Day Decorative Object

Target's collection of cute spirited birds is everything. This lil' birdie comes complete with a love letter – ooh!

Target

Red Lips Pillow

Need a smooch? This $10 pillow is just what your couch is craving!

Target

Glass Heart Valentine's Candle Holders

Set the mood at the table with this adorable trio of candle stick holders in the perfect V-Day hues!

Target

Cherub Valentine's Day Figurine

This glasses-wearing cherub would look so cute on your desk during the Valentine's season.

Target

Pink & Red Taper Candle Set

These playful candle sticks come in squiggly shapes and are adorably dotted in tiny white hearts for the holiday.

Target

XO Square Valentine's Day Pillow

Perfect for the sofa or your bed, this plush pillow will last your V-Day decor game for years to come!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal decor!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I knew beauty trends were officially headed in a different direction when latte makeup dominated social media last year. Everything about it gave the appearance of soft features, making this millennial appreciate the ‘no makeup’ look more and more. And while I'm working on staying up-to-date on all the latest makeup trends, it also reminded me there are outdated trends that unintentionally age people...and definitelyneedto go.

Wanna look younger and more on-trend, too? From super metallic eyeshadow to contour that dominates your face, here are the 8 outdate makeup trends to leave in the early ‘90s to mid-2000s.

The 8 outdated makeup trends you need to stop ASAP!

1. Full Coverage Foundation

KoolShooters

There was a time where wearing full-coverage foundation was all the rage. From drugstore to high-end brands, it seems like they were consistently shoved in consumers’ faces to help us achieve a ‘full beat’ without sitting in a makeup artist’s chair. Also, those of us with dark spots or hyperpigmentation may have relied on them when we were in the thick of our skincare woes.

But these days, wearing too much foundation isn’t as popular as natural and skincare makeup are prioritized. If anything, more people are interested in wearing light-to-medium coverage foundation, skin tints, or tinted moisturizers.

2. Too Much Concealer

George Milton

It wasn’t until I watched this video by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes that I realized some of us have been too heavy-handed with our concealers. There’s no reason we should be slapping products under the thinnest parts of our face, but we didn’t know any better!

Now that you know you can still get the desired effect with a minimal amount of concealer, don’t revert back to painting your under eyes!

3. 'Baking' Your Setting Powder

Chidi Young

Before you throw away your setting powders, step away from your makeup drawer and have a sit-down chat with me. There isn’t anything wrong with applying them to your face to help ‘set’ your foundation and concealer. However, spending over 10 minutes ‘baking’ your powder (AKA letting it sit untouched) doesn’t work for everyone.

It can lead to creased makeup which can derail your look, plus it’s a pain to correct when you’re halfway through your routine!

4. Overlining Lips

Kaboompics.com

I love a good lip liner, especially if it mirrors my favorite ‘90s makeup look. But, there’s such a thing as overdoing it. The key to lining your lips is following the natural flow of them. Going out of your way to draw above and under your lips’ lines comes off as comical and exaggerated. If anything, use a lip plumping gloss to help your lips look fuller.

5. Overtweezing Your Eyebrows

Getty Images

I don’t even have the words for this outdated makeup look besides wanting to say “no” 20 times in a row. But, I’ll bite and say why this shouldn’t be on your 2025 beauty moodboard.

Some people naturally have thinner eyebrows which is A-okay! However, purposely tweezing your eyebrows to smithereens is cringey. If you truly want to wear this look, here’s what you can do instead of tweezing:

  • Create a faux bleached look by applying a skin tone colored setting powder all over your brows.
  • Once they’ve ‘disappeared,’ take an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a thin line over them.

I’m…wondering what the ramifications of telling you how to do this will be, but only use go for this look if it’s a part of a themed party…like Halloween.

6. Exaggerated Highlighter On Cheeks

Milad Farhani

The shimmery look is in since it’s winter, but please don’t make it look like you dipped your cheeks into a vat of glitter. You can lightly dust highlighter onto your cheeks for a more natural glow that flows with the rest of your look. Otherwise you’ll look like a walking disco ball which could be the opposite of what you were going for.

7. Heavy Contour Or Bronzer

Laura Garcia

I know the ‘sculpted’ look is popular, but too much contour or bronzer can overpower the rest of your makeup and face. While it’s not impossible to fix if you do it by mistake, using the wrong shade of contour or bronzer may still peep through no matter how much you try to buff it out.

When in doubt, be gentle with your contour or bronzer application!

8. Incredibly Matte Makeup

Nataliia Yatsiuk

Matte makeup that didn’t budge was the ‘It Girl’ look for oily and combination skin girls! We thought it was the answer to our skin’s incessant need to hydrate our faces instead of actually using skincare products that focused on combatting that issue (psst…Vitamin C serums help!).

But now’s the time to break up with this look for good for one reason: dewy skin looks healthier.

While we have you here, learn about the outdated shoe trends you shouldn't be wearing in 2025 either.

In the midst of award show season, everything points to Oscar Sunday. The show, which celebrates achievement in film, is my most-important night of the year and my friends and I go all out. Themed snacks, ballots, and very loud celebrations when our favorite stars and movies win. But before the big day comes, we need to watch all the movies up for awards!

Here's where you can stream all the biggest movies of the year before the Oscars airs on March 2, 2025.

Dune: Part Two — Stream On Max

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

This sequel opens after Paul has joined the Fremen, and after he escaped the murderous Harkonnen family. Now he's out to avenge his father — and come to terms with his destiny as a savior.

Dune: Part Two is on Max and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Lea Seydoux, and Christopher Walken.

Twisters — Stream on Peacock

Universal Pictures

Twisters follows former storm chaser Kate. When she's roped back into chasing by her friend Javi, Kate meets social media star Tyler, and comes face-to-face with the biggest storms ever.

Twisters is on Peacock and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.

Emilia Pérez — Stream On Netflix

Netflix

In this musical thriller, Cartel leader Emilia enlists the help of Rita, a lawyer, to help her retire from a life of crime and live out her truth.

Emilia Pérez is on Netflix and stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.

Wicked — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

But this year's biggest musical is definitely Wicked. This alternative origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good follows the college roommates as they come of age in Oz, and learn the Wizard isn't all as he seems. I can't for Part 2 this year!

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode.

The Substance — Stream On MUBI

MUBI

Elisabeth Sparkle gets fired from her own fitness TV show after she turns 50. But she seems to find a solution when she acquires The Substance...and creates a younger version of herself. The absolutely crazy thriller was one of the buzziest movies of the year — and won Demi Moore her first Golden Globe!

The Substance is on MUBI and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Challengers — Stream On Prime Video

Amazon MGM Studios

In Challengers, former tennis star Tashi coaches her husband Art, but her job gets way more complicated when he ends up in a match against his former best friend (and her ex) Patrick.

Challengers is on Prime Video and MGM+ and stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.

Inside Out 2 — Stream On Disney+

Walt Disney Studios

Riley's becoming a teenager in Inside Out 2, which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Envy, Fear, and Disgust have to make way for new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. What could go wrong?

Inside Out 2 is on Disney+ and stars Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Deadpool & Wolverine — Stream On Disney+

Marvel Studios

Deadpool teams up with the one and only Wolverine (well, after meeting dozens throughout the multiverse) after learning the TVA plans on destroying his timeline and his loved ones.

Deadpool & Wolverine is on Disney+ and stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapičić, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Owen Wilson, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, and Dafne Keen.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  — Stream On Max

Warner Bros.

Lydia Deetz and her daughter Astrid return to Winter River after a family tragedy, and wind up enlisting Beetlejuice's help (if you can even call it that) after Astrid opens a portal to the afterlife.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is on Max and stars Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux.

Gladiator 2 — Rent On Amazon Prime

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

After the death of his wife, Lucius becomes a gladiator with a mission: take revenge on the general responsible for her death.

Gladiator 2 is on Amazon Prime and stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.

Anora — Rent On Amazon Prime

Neon

When sex worker Anora and politician's son Vanya tie the knot so Vanya can get a green card and escape his father, their lives totally flip upside down — and not just because Vanya's family sets out to end the marriage.

Anora is on Amazon Prime and stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

Conclave — Stream On Peacock

Focus Features

This movie takes place during a conclave to choose the next pope, and is totally unprepared for the scandals he uncovers along the way.

Conclave is on Peacock and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

A Real Pain — Rent On Amazon Prime

Searchlight Pictures

Two Jewish American cousins who reconnect and embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland after the death of their grandmother. This was one of my favorite movies of the year and I couldn't recommend it more!

A Real Pain is on Amazon Prime and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.

The Wild Robot — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

Robot Roz crashes on a deserted island and quickly adopts an orphaned gosling, teaching him to fly and prepping him for the annual migration. Prepare to cry, like, a lot!!

The Wild Robot is on Amazon Prime and stars Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill.

Alien: Romulus — Stream On Hulu

20th Century Studios

A group of young space colonizers are tasked with exploring an abandoned space station and must confront the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alien: Romulus is on Hulu and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Stay tuned for the official 2025 Oscar nominations and check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025!

One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'

I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?

If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:

  • Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
  • Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot

Keep scrolling for 8 expert-approved tips for how to make work less stressful — & trust me, you need these.

Karin Kaufer

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

Zen Chung

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

Anna Nekrashevich

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

  • What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.

Greta Hoffman

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

Yan Krukau

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

Kaboompics.com

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

  • "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

Tima Miroshnichenko

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

Yan Krukau

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

  • "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.

Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.