Self-care is like chicken soup for the soul. Often overlooked in the everyday hustle and bustle, or simply taking care of everyone else but yourself; having a self-care Sunday is necessary for physical and mental health.
I discovered the benefits of self-care Sundays a few years ago when my weekends were over in the blink of an eye. And usually, at the same moment, I started to truly unwind. That’s when I began my journey with self-care, taking a few hours to myself to rejuvenate and recharge myself for the upcoming week. Needless to say, I felt a huge difference in my mood since practicing self-care. I’m more focused and energized to take on the day.
So here I am, sharing ideas for a self-care Sunday you can start today. I even do some of these throughout the week. No need to limit yourself to Sunday alone.
Tips for a Self-Care Sunday
Give Yourself a Facial
Skincare is one of my favorite ways to decompress. Facial moisturizing face masks can aid your face in many ways. It’s like the cooling effect of the masks melts my stress, replacing them with weightless thoughts and hydrated skin. For a more satisfying facial experience, a gua sha massage will lift and brighten your face in a week.
Meditate
Get some zen into your life. With a long list of benefits, meditation is a foolproof way of helping the body repair itself. It helps manage stress, reduces negative emotions, and aids you in gaining a new perspective in stressful situations. Headspace is a leading app in its field, ideal for beginners, it offers guided meditations to make you your best self. There’s also a great Headspace Guided Mediation series on Netflix.
Take a Warm Bath
Fill up your bath with warm water and a few dashes of lavender epsom salt, guaranteed to soothe you before bedtime. Enjoy a dip with your few favorite things on a bath caddy. Things you can bring: a book, candle, wine, even chocolate-covered strawberries — the choice is up to you. Or you can bring the spa to you. Hang eucalyptus from your shower head, the plant releases an essential oil that helps you de-stress.
Go For a Stroll
Spend time with nature. Take a stroll in the park while observing all its beauty. If you feel comfortable, leave your phone in the car for a more serene experience. Cozy up on a bench with 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday.
Read a Book
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. I’ve always loved how words come together to form stories that transport you to a new place or teach you new things. Reading can do the same for you. A Year of Positive Thinking: Daily Inspiration, Wisdom and Courage is on my list of things to read this year.
Get Active
Go for a jog around the neighborhood. Exercise releases endorphins and helps blow off steam. Not only is it a great stress reliever for many, but it can also help you sleep better at night. A win-win situation. Pair that with living a healthy lifestyle and you are on your way to a better you.
Hydrate Your Hair
Yes, your hair needs some love too. Take some time to revitalize your locks with a hair mask. Coco and Eve’s Coconut and Fig Treatment kit penetrates the hair shaft with every brush. It leaves your hair silky smooth. I love this product. I’ve been using it for a few weeks — I absolutely how it moisturizes my hair and detangles it at the same time.
Write in a Journal
Writing makes the heart grow fonder. Expressing your feelings on a sheet of paper can be just as effective as saying that aloud. A brain dump can help you declutter your brain. Similar to a word dump, where you dump words or thoughts onto a sheet of paper. Later, you take some time to reflect on those words or thoughts. The feeling can be cathartic for your mind and soul.
Watch a Movie
Is there a movie that’s been on your watch list? Now is the time to make it happen. Bring the movie theater snacks; popcorn, sour patch, funnel cake — the sky is the limit here. Years ago, when I was healing from a break-up, my go-to movie was Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts. Not only did it help me heal emotionally, but it also it inspired me to live life the way I want to live it. With a nice reminder, the best is yet to come.
Go For a Drive
Forget about last week’s traffic jam. Take your car for a spin, no specific destination required. That’s right. Just get in and drive. Enjoy the scenery as the trees crawl past you. In my neighborhood, I drive down to the beach for a quick mediation session on the sand.
Master the Art of Doing Nothing
I learned this bit from Eat, Pray Love. Simply doing nothing is a great form of self-care. We have the power to slow our world down when it is spinning out of control. Stay in bed a while longer than usual. Doing nothing is a nice change of pace, especially when you are constantly running to your next event.
Bake Something
When I bake, it’s like a wave of serenity washes over me. I enjoy browsing the web for a recipe like BA’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie. If baking is not your thing, just do it for the heck of it. Add it to your ‘things I’ve never done’ pile. Don’t overthink the recipe or how it’s going to turn out. Focus on the preparations for the dessert. Really enjoy your time in the kitchen. Push thoughts away as you whisk up a storm.
Try Something New
Sometimes our world seems mundane because we are stuck in a cycle of doing the same boring things. Switch the old in for the new. Add some flair to your self-care Sunday. Step out of your comfort zone to try a new adventure.
Detox From Social Media (a Self-Care must)
Have you ever stopped to wonder how social media is affecting your mental health? I once did a social media detox for a month. It was life-changing. You don’t realize how much we rely on entertainment from our phones.
Challenge yourself to stay off social media for the day. Relish your day without focusing on what others are doing.
Declutter Your Home
When was the last time you organized your home? Spending some time to declutter your space can bring balance to your home. The premise is to keep things that add value to your life Follow this how-to declutter your home guide to make the process a little less overwhelming.
Adult Coloring Book
They gained popularity a few years ago and are still going strong. Grab an adult coloring book to color your heart away. Did you know coloring induces the same state as meditation? It reduces the thoughts of a restless mind by relaxing the fear center in our brain.
Cook a Nice Dinner
A nice way to close out a self-care Sunday or any day of the week. Spend some time in the kitchen fixing a five-star meal for yourself. Cacio e Pepe with garlic herb shrimp or red wine braised short ribs. Appreciate your time creating the dish; the chopping, mixing, and even the measuring. Then take pleasure in reaping the delicious meal.
I hope you enjoy these tips for self-care as much as I did creating them. Download a freebie on self-care tips you can try today.
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