Sometimes our everyday life can get in the way of time for ourselves. Between work, school and responsibilities “you time” may fall at the end of a very long to-do list. I am a sole advocate for self- care. Taking care of your mind and body is so important, and we sometimes push it to the side, deeming it unnecessary. We all can admit that life is just stressful. No matter who you are, or what you do everyone has those small times when they just need to lay down and forget the world.
There are a million ways to practice self-care, and all of them are so easy to implement. Of course, we all are differnt and have different ways to take care of ourselves. Alter this list to you, and your interests.
Ways to practice self- care
- Unplug. Personally, I like taking a few hours away from my phone. Away from all social media, and phone calls. It’s very therapeutic to just have some alone time, and get away from the outside world.
- Read a book. Simple as that. Scroll through Pinterest for a few recommendations and dive right in. Try to read a chapter a night right before you go to bed.
- Take a bubble bath. LUSH has the best bath bombs, and watching them dissolve is all the relaxation I need. Pour yourself a big glass of wine for the ultimate relaxing night. (or tea for you 21 unders)
- Do something alone. Sometimes you just need to be alone. I enjoy long walks down the Target aisle just hanging out with myself.
- Take a walk, or run. Get out of the house. Change up your scenery, and just explore your area. If running is your thing, then do that!
- Paint your nails. I love a good diy manicure. Turn on your favorite Netflix show, and take the time to pamper yourself.
- Do something new. Get out there, and sign up for that hot yoga you’ve always been curious about.
- Call your favorite person. Phone calls are so 2000 I know. But, there’s something so refreshing about hearing someone’s voice and not reading a screen.
- Treat yo’self. You deserve it.
- Take a long drive. Jam your favorite playlist, and just enjoy life.
- Cuddle with your pet. It’s actually proven that pets are stress relievers. Although I don’t agree with that 100% (Quinn can be a crazy child) it does make sense. Snuggling with Quinn is my favorite thing to do every night.
- Burn your favorite candle. Fall candles are the best.
- Watch your favorite movie. Even if you have watched it 50 times, just do it.
- Use a face mask. Wine + face mask + favorite movie = best self- care activity.
- Plan a fun date night. Whether with your boyfriend, or best friend. It can be as simple as ordering pizza and renting a redbox.
- Listen to a podcast. I have had Spotify for years, and only recently started listening to their podcasts. They have so many options.
- De-clutter. Organizing is my jam. Spend one Sunday going through your room, and getting rid of a few old things.
- Cook your favorite meal. Or bake.
- Write yourself a letter. Write down your affirmations, goals or anything else you’re feeling at the time. Throw it away, or keep it in a special place.
- Do something just for you. Sometimes we don’t take enough time for ourselves because we may spend all our time providing for our friends and family. See a movie you’ve been dying to watch, plant a tree, buy a new purse. Just treat yourself, and take time for solely you.
How do you take time for yourself?
I love this Jamie!! Such a great list and beautifully written!
XO, Amanda
http://www.poisedavenue.com
I miss taking bubble baths! My dorm room only has a standing shower, so I can only bathe when I go home! I save it for special times like holiday breaks! It makes it more special right? Lol
Caitlyn | http://www.collegewithcaitlyn.com
Author
I was never really a bath person until I moved into my apartment in college- funny right?
They’re now my go-to for a relaxing night!
Awesome ways to self care! I really need to care for myself better.
This is great list, and i love to take care of me doing some stuff you pointed, but also gave me idea how to expand my routine xoxo
http://www.theninebyivana.blogspot.com
I should implement more 1,2,4,5 in my life!
thx for sharing!
xo, Margot
http://thepastelproject.com/
Great list, absolutely agree with these. I find that sitting down on a night, no computer/phone, a cup of tea, snuggling with my cat and enjoying a good book is the best way to wind down after long stressful day =^.^=
Great tips! Agree that self care is so important. Unplugging and detox from social media makes me relaxed.
Unplugging and de-cluttering works best for me! There’s something about a clean place that just keeps me at peace 🙂
– pj (http://www.pudjeeb.me)
Fantastic list! Books, bath, candles, they are all so relaxing and important for our body and mind. Thanks for sharing Jamie! Helene/ http://www.beautifulismyattire.com
Self care is so important! Will definitely be doing some of these things 🙂
Perfect list! Love this post!
This is such a good list! Unplugging and reading a book always help me reset!
Author
It’s kind of crazy how relaxing reading a book and turning my phone off can be!
This is such a great list, Jamie! Sometimes we think “self care” has to be this long, involved process where we take several hours out of our day to try to focus on “me time”, when really it’s the little things added up together that become a daily practice of self care.
I especially love the suggestion of painting your nails and burning your favorite candle – two of my favorite things! 🙂 Giving myself an at-home mani/pedi always makes me feel relaxed. Add in a Netflix binge, and it’s the perfect night in!
Author
Thanks so much for reading Bria! I so agree that most people believe self- care involves loads of time and money! There are so many little things you can do for yourself daily to keep up your mental and physical health!
Netflix and a good at home mani is the best kind of night!
These are all such great ideas! I swear by books and bubble baths!
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com