We all need to have at least one self-care activity that we do for ourselves, because in the words of the great RuPaul “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” can I get an Amen? But what are the best self care activities? Maybe you’re looking for something that will help you reset.
I got you! this post is all about the 7 Best Self Care Activities
When I was going through an awful breakup that left me at my breaking point (I lost nearly all my friends simultaneously) it was committing to 30 days of self-care that brought me home to myself. At the end of the day we are the only ones who truly know what we need, so take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
7 Best Self Care Activities
1. Journalling session
Journalling is a major form of release. It’s a great way to move through grief, loss, anger, and stress or to tap into your joy and gratitude. When my brain feels super foggy and I can feel the anxiety building in my chest the two things that help me the most are 1. going for a walk and 2. journalling.
Journalling might feel awkward at first, you may even try and edit what you’re writing, but stick with it. You can start by using a journal that comes with prompts, the Five Minute Journal is a great option. Prompts help guide you and serve as a starting point. Before you know it you’ll be able to pick up a blank page and free write on your own.
Get cozy with it and set a calming atmosphere for yourself with a candle, robe (how cute is this skims dupe), some warm tea, and a cute mug. Soon, journalling sessions will become your own little date night with yourself.
2. Take a Bath
POV: It’s a Friday night, and you’re soaking in a warm tub surrounded by bubbles. The smell of lavender is in the air and you’ve got your favorite takeout in front of you. Heaven, am I right? Taking a long bath is a piece of luxury that is accessible to most of us and yet we rarely do it. Baths give us the space to slow down, unplug and connect with ourselves.
Why not spoil yourself? Grab some bubbles and Epsom salt, a yummy candle, and bath caddy(I personally love a caddy that lets you bring a book in the tub). Make sure you have a cozy robe and slippers to put on once you hop out of the tub so you can live your hotel fantasy.
3. At Home Facial
You do not need to go to the spa in order to treat yourself to a facial, it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Try boiling a pot of water on the stove for steam or for convenience grab a facial steamer from amazon. Steaming your skin softens any stubborn pustules and opens up your pores, don’t forget to use a headband to hold back your hair!
Stone rollers and the gua sha facial tool have been having a moment online and rightfully so. These tools originated in China and are used in traditional healing methods. The stone roller and gua sha assist with blood flow, reduces inflammation, releases pain and tension, promote lymphatic drainage, and has anti-aging benefits. If you suffer from TMJ as I do these tools serve as an excellent massager and help to release jaw pain. You can even apply a facial sheet mask and roll the tools on top for added benefits.
4. Move Your Body
Movement is so important and it can be done in any way that feels accessible to you. One of the things that stood out to me when reading “Burnout” was that even laying down and tensing your entire body, holding, and then releasing is a form of exercise for your muscles. Movement helps shift your energy, keeps you in flow, and prevents aches and pains.
I love doing 10-minute yoga videos on youtube (shoutout to Yoga with Kassandra!), you can grab yourself some hand weights to intensify the workout. There are plenty of yoga starter kits online and super cute exercise fits to get you motivated.
5. Meditate
If meditation is not already on your list of self care activities it should be added immediately. Meditation is all about grounding yourself in the present moment and minimizing anxiety. There is a multitude of benefits including increased self-awareness, less stress, the ability to focus, and general happiness.
Meditation can seem a little intimidating at first but it’s as simple as breathing in for a count of three and then breathing out. When you focus on your breath your heart rate slows down and you re-center yourself. If silent meditations aren’t your thing try a guided video on youtube or get yourself a white noise machine. Enhance your experience with a meditation pillow and soothing incense you can burn in a cute incense tray. Post-meditation is also the perfect time to revisit journalling.
6. Take a Nap
Seriously, when was the last time you took a nap? I’m not judging, because I can’t remember the last time I took one either. Our bodies and minds deserve rest, rest is essential, and thanks to Tricia Hersey, we know that rest is also resistance.
Taking a nap is the ultimate way to care for your well-being and reset your energy. Make your nap extra luxurious with some silk pjs , a weighted blanket, and a sleep mask to block out the light. It’s time to enter your soft girl era.
7. Read a Self Help Book
Personal development and self help books have the capacity to change your life. A great way to absorb the information is to read one chapter per week, then spend that week applying any lessons learned. There is an abundant amount of self-help and personal growth books to choose from, one of my favorites is Set Boundaries Find Peace by Nedra Tawab. If reading is challenging or not accessible for you, try an audiobook!
You can really romanticize your reading by curling up with a weighted blanket, slippers, and a warm cup of tea.
The truth is, we are no good to the people around us unless we fill our own cups first. I hope you’re able to take one of these self-care activities and add them to your weekly routine.
This post was all about The 7 Best Self Care Activities!
Thank you for reading Sipping on Gratitude, a personal growth & self-care blog where we spill the tea on all things personal dev. If you liked this post you may want to check these out too:
Great post and tips! Thanks for sharing.