If there is one thing we could all use a little more of, it is some more pampering, indulgence, and gratification. In short, we could all use more self-care. Life can get so busy so fast, it is easy to forget just how crucial it is to take good care of yourself. To be clear, I do not just mean taking care of your basic necessities, but to really nurture your spirit and look after your happiness as well.
One of the most important relationships in our lives is the one we have with ourselves, and just like other relationships, it has to be tended to and supported. Think about what is important to you, and make time for it. This will look different for all of us, as we each have different priorities. For instance, I love nothing more than shutting off all social media and snuggling up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea at the end of the day, so that is a self-care ritual I am sure to take part in as often as possible.
Your preferred methods of self-care may be entirely different from mine or anyone else’s. Maybe you like going for a run or learning something new. All of these activities are perfectly healthy and important. It just depends on how you feel and what you like. Focus on what enlivens and revitalizes you, and go from there.
If you are maybe having some slight trouble thinking of self-care activities, or if you just want some suggestions as a starting off point, keep reading for the best self-care tips that we have to offer.
Have an At-Home Spa DayHave an At-Home Spa Day
For a day of total and complete pampering, you may never have to leave your front door. That’s right, at-home spa days are an incredible way to relax and unwind, all from the comfort of your own space. While some of the more professional treatments may not be offered at your home spa, there is still a great deal of luxuriating to be done when it comes to physical self-care.
There are a variety of ways to fully allow yourself to indulge in the finer things, but some of my favorites include:
– Using colorful bath bombs and fluffy bubble bath
– Putting on a rejuvenating face mask
– Lighting delightful aromatherapy candles or use essential oils
– A fine glass of wine
– Applying a sweet-smelling and conditioning hair mask
– Deep-moisturizing your skin after a long shower
– Give yourself a manicure
These are, of course, just suggestions, so find some pastimes that make you relax. Not only does taking part in these activities feel lovely in the moment, but once you have a reliable self-care ritual, it will be easy to enjoy whenever you need it most.
Have an Actual Spa Day
It is possible that the only thing better than an at-home spa day is a spa day at a real, luxurious salon. Since these are not always possible, it adds an extra layer of indulgence and enjoyment to the day. You can have any treatments you would like done while you are being doted on and celebrated. All that is important is you walk out feeling like the absolute royalty you are.
For pure and utter relaxation, consider a classic and potentially health-improving treatment like a massage. If you are interested in something that will make you feel just as beautiful as you are, consider something like eyelash extensions or eyebrow microblading or go to get your makeup done.
Otherwise, getting your nails done is an old favorite for a reason. Look into services offered at a spa near you and decide what sounds the most delightful. Then, all that is left to do is take a deep breath and relax into the calming scents and sensations.
Delve Into Your Hobbies
Self-care is not only about lying back and letting others pamper you (though there is certainly a time and place for that). Self-care can also mean bettering yourself by learning something new or improving on your many skills. If you have a hobby or passion that you do not often get to enjoy, making or finding time to practice is absolutely a worthy form of self-care.
Let self-care be an opportunity to become a more well-rounded individual and explore things that you are interested in. If you have always enjoyed art, consider taking up painting or investing in an adult coloring book. In the case that you like working with your hands, try out knitting or pottery. If you like it, you could even take a class for inspiration!
You can also grab a lovely, leather-bound notebook and put pen to paper to create a gratitude journal. Journaling has been shown to be beneficial for wellbeing, as it allows you to sort through your innermost thoughts and feelings and express appreciation for all the blessings that you do have.
Self-care is largely about taking the time to know, understand, and most importantly, love yourself. Really enjoying your hobbies is a great way to grow that love and put a stop to negative self-talk. And you never know; you might just find yourself adoring something you never thought you would enjoy.
Take a Luxurious Nap
I alluded to this earlier when I mentioned my love for cozying up with a cup of herbal tea at the end of the day, but to me, the ultimate act of self-care is taking a well-deserved nap. Not only do naps have a great deal of health benefits, but sleep is something many of us can never quite seem to get enough of. One of the ways I make my self-care naps stand out is by playing music that I find profoundly tranquil. Sometimes I also start with light meditation to get myself into the right headspace. Find what brings you into a state of utter relaxation, and use it whenever you need.
These naps can also occur at different points throughout the day, as well as happen for different lengths of time. Think about whether or not you are tired and what would make you feel the most enlivened in this specific instance. For me, the best self-care naps are the ones where I can wake up at my leisure, but others may prefer a more set amount of time that they can turn into a habit.
Do Something Physical
For some, self-care and self-betterment are one and the same, and exercise is shown to have a largely positive impact on both physical health and mental health. If you are someone who feels refreshed by physical activity or exercise, absolutely pursue that. This could be anything from a slow, calming walk to a fast-paced sprint, a yoga class to a quick YouTube workout. Some people find immense comfort and joy in the process of training for a 5k or another kind of athletic event. Like all other forms of self-care, this one comes down to you as an individual and what makes you feel the most centered.
It is also a worthwhile option to take part in these activities with friends or family members. While some more introverted people may prefer to perform self-care activities alone, extroverts find time around others to be a recharging experience. If you think you could benefit from jogging or going to the gym with some friends, then that is a great form of self-care for you, and you should make a point to work it into your daily routine.
Buy Yourself Something You Have Your Eye On
It is also entirely possible that your form of self-care is through a bit of retail therapy. Whether you find great solace in shopping, or you only look for the necessities, chances are we all have a product we love and that could improve our lives. To reward yourself, consider finally making the purchase. This form of enrichment may not be possible as often as many others on this list, but in some ways, that makes it even more lovely.
Keep in mind that this by no means has to be an enormous purchase, either. Whether you have been wanting to try out a new eyeshadow palette or are in need of a luxurious robe, this form of self-care is about briefly forgetting what you need and instead focusing on what it is you want. Even if this item is not particularly practical, that is fine. In fact, that could even add to the fun.
Get Swept Into Another World
Sometimes the best way to look after yourself is through a healthy dose of escapism. Venture into the unknown, and see what feelings different stories can stir up within you. This can be done with an audiobook, movie, television show, or any other form of entertainment—anything that lets you hit pause on real life for the moment. You can also choose to enjoy something you have experienced before or find a tale that is entirely new to you. Both of these methods have their merits and can each lead to sacred self-care rituals. It just depends on your mood and what you prefer at the time.
Take this opportunity to finally open up that new book you have been meaning to read, or indulge in the well-loved pages of an old favorite. Put on a movie you cannot stop hearing about, or watch one you love and mouth along to every line. Do what allows you to let go of all your worries because that is what self-care is all about.
Self-Care Everywhere
Self-care is an integral part of strengthening our relationship with ourselves, as well as just enjoying all of the wonderful things that life has to offer. Kickstarting your self-care routine with some of these tips will accomplish both of these worthwhile goals in stride. By starting your month off with self-care, you are setting a tone for a month of rejuvenation and total acceptance of what is to come.
This month will be one of growth as well as fun because they are by no means mutually exclusive. Whether you prefer a spa day, a little retail therapy, learning something new, or an enlivening nap, there is a self-care activity out there for everyone. All you have to do is find yours and get ready to enjoy yourself like never before.
