When was the last time you took some time to take care of yourself? According to a study by Birchbox, only 30% of Americans make time for self-care. Of those, one out of three feels guilty about it.
Self-care is an important component of your overall well-being. It gives you a chance to reset on a mental, emotional, and physical level. This in turn allows you to be more prepared when facing the challenges ahead.
If you struggle with self-care, then perhaps it’s time to start practicing. Here are some easy self-care day ideas to help you on your personal journey towards rest and relaxation.
Home Self-Care Day Ideas
Self-care doesn’t always mean spending a bunch of money. There are plenty of budget-friendly activities that are great for improving your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Read a Book
Pour yourself a hot cup of tea, turn on some soft background music, and break out your favorite book. Reading is a great way to take some time for yourself. It allows your mind to disconnect from everyday stresses and engage in something purely for the joy of it.
DIY Spa Night
You don’t have to go out to the spa to have a relaxing spa experience. Set the ambiance by lighting candles and filling your bath with hot water, essential oils, and Epsom salts. Put on a face mask and turn on some relaxing spa music.
Then slip into the tub and sip on a glass of your favorite wine while the water soothes your muscles.
If you aren’t big on baths or don’t have access to a bathtub, you can always do a mini spa night. Fill a bucket with hot water and give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure. Add a hot neck wrap to really enhance the experience.
Laugh
Laughter is known to reduce stress hormone levels, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine. Add some fun to your self-care day ideas by laughing with a friend. Watch a funny movie or skim through the comic section of the newspaper for a good chuckle.
Meditate
Meditation is often at the top of the list when it comes to relaxation and mental clarity. There are lots of different ways you can meditate. Take a walk in nature and allow yourself to become absorbed with the sounds and scents of your surroundings.
Light some incense and sit in silent reflection. Or, if you’re not sure how to meditate, you can try one of the many guided meditations available online.
Cook Your Favorite Meal
There are countless sayings and proverbs that link food to the soul. Set aside some self-care time to cook your favorite meal. The act of preparing food can be very cathartic.
Not to mention, the ease you will feel as you take your first bite of food cooked with self-love and intention.
Declutter or Organize
There is something to be said about the ease that comes with finally organizing a closet, a cupboard, or a room. Although not everyone will think of this as self-care, it is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Take a Walk
Fresh air and sunlight are great natural cures. They help boost energy and leave you feeling bright and refreshed. If you live close to nature, take a few moments to stop and listen to the birds and other wildlife.
Along with enhancing emotional health, walking is very beneficial to your physical health as well. It promotes heart health, boosts your immune system, and leaves you feeling energized.
Have a Nap
Take time to completely disconnect from the world and let your body recharge. Naps have great health benefits, including boosting your energy levels and ability to focus.
You don’t have to spend your entire self-care day napping. Just 25 to 30 minutes will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized.
Treat Yourself
Although free self-care day ideas are great, sometimes you might want to treat yourself. These ideas are suitable for a variety of different price ranges.
Take Yourself on a Date
Taking yourself on a date doesn’t have to involve a five-star dining experience, a luxury hotel, and bottle service. There are lots of personal date ideas for every budget.
- Have dinner at your favorite restaurant
- Take in a movie
- Go see some live theatre
- Visit the zoo
- Visit a museum
- Read in a cafe
- Take yourself to the beach
- Pack a picnic and go hiking
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. The important thing is that you are taking time for yourself and doing an activity that makes you happy.
Going on a date alone might be a bit out of your comfort zone. Although spending time by yourself is a great healthy habit, don’t be afraid to invite a friend if you feel the need.
Salon Day
Sit back and let someone else pamper you for a change. Give your nails some TLC with a spa manicure or pedicure. Change up your hairstyle or treat those split ends with deep conditioning at one of your favorite beauty salons.
Get a Massage
Take your salon day to the next level with a full body massage. Let all the tension that has been building up from work, the kids, and other responsibilities melt away.
This self-care day idea might seem a bit expensive, but there are a lot of ways to make it cheaper. Sports therapy and massage schools sometimes offer student massages at a discounted rate. Groupon is another great place to get massage therapy deals and specials.
Best Self-Care Day Ideas
Self-care is extremely important when it comes to optimizing mental, emotional, and physical health. However, it does not always mean the same thing for everyone.
Some people want to focus on rest and relaxation for self-care. Other people find they destress through movement and socialization. Whatever the unique brand of personal care you seek, these self-care day ideas are a great place to start.
If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to check out some of our other posts on health and wellness.
