Find out the easiest ways to improve your mood, health, and wellbeing. Get ready for your new favourite day of the week — Self Care Sunday.
Dedicate at least one day of your week toYOU.It’s worth it. I promise.
Even if you have a busy day ahead of you, there are quick and easy ways to practice self care that will keep you grounded and improve your mood.
I was once like you. I worked hard and strived for perfection in everything I did and expected to feel happy all the time.
The truth is, dedicating yourself entirely to your work only fulfills some of your many important needs.Practicing self care is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and achieving a deeper connection with your body and your needs.
Sunday is a day to make time for yourself. So sit back and relax. I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about self care & your new special day — Self Care Sunday.
What does Self Care Really mean?
You’ve definitely heard the term before — whether it was onTwitterorin your favourite TV show,this has been the decade of self care.
Butwhat exactly isself care, and where did the term come from?
“Self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job… and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day” (x)
So basically, self care is good for you, and it can make you feel better. Nothin’ fancy. Still not convinced?
Don’t just take my word for it —Psychologistsandwellness experts also agree that self care is an essential component of human health. (An apple-kale smoothie a day keeps the doctor away?)
Self Care is Way More Than Just a Trend
As it turns out,we’ve been using the term self care since the1950s.
● Throughout history, self care has been a method used by peopleunder a lot of stress— doctors, firefighters, social workers, andeven members of the women’s movement and the civil rights movement practiced self care.
● Self care helps people manage life’s stressors — both big and small.
Of course, practicing self care is not just a thing of the past.Self care is huge right now.
● Since 2020, record amounts of people have been looking for ways to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety (x). Often, self care plays a vital role in this process!
● Google reports show that the number of people searching the internet for “self care” hasdoubledsince 2015 (x).
So, what’s the point?
“The idea is to recharge in whatever way is meaningful to you; you may meditate to refocus, get a good night’s sleep for mental clarity, etc.” (x).
The best part about self care? It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are no rules!
Confused? Don’t worry! If you’re new to self care and you’re looking for some easy first steps, I’ve got you covered.
How to Start Your Self Care Journey
Self care is all about practicing manageable habits to improve your personal life.
I’m going to share with youmy favorite tips for a morning, afternoon, and evening packed with activities for your very own Self Care Sunday.
Get the Most Out of Your Morning: 15 Fulfilling Activities for The AM
1. Good morning! How’d you sleep? Answer honestly… Experts say that getting afull night’s sleepis at the top of the list when it comes to practicing self care. You need7 to 9 hours of sleep a night!
2. Shower with essential oilsto relieve tension and stress.
3. Ditch the coffee.Seriously. Try starting the morning with a cup of tea instead. Chamomile is known for itscalming properties. Green tea has severalhealth benefits(and provides caffeine, too).
4. Nourish yourself with a breakfast full of fruits and veggies.Ripe mango and some strawberries? Avocado toast witheverything bagel seasoning? Roasted potatoes and peppers? Now we’re getting somewhere…
5. Set aside 10 minutes for aquick guided meditationto center yourself and welcome the day.
6. Watch a cartoon. It’s ok to be a kid for a while! Sometimes kicking back in the morning and watching some light-hearted TV is the best medicine for a relaxing Sunday.
7. Read something. Not the news. (Anything but the news).
8. Do a crossword. Simple things can feel good.
9. Consider supplements. Many people are deficient in Vitamin D, Iron, and B6. Getting the proper nutrientskeeps your brain healthy and comes with several other health benefits.
10. Let some fresh air in. If it’s warm enough, open the windows in your house and enjoy the morning breeze. It feels better than you’d think to air out a room!
11. Plant a seed. Literally, if you have a garden. If not, you can buy potted plantslike basil, mint, thyme for your kitchen. Hello? Fresh herbs! Psychologists report that caring for plants can help youpractice acceptanceanddevelop a growth mindset.
12. Soak in the sun. Sunlight triggers the release of serotoninin your brain.
13. Call a friend or family member and discuss your plans for the day. Catching up with loved ones can get you excited to take on your Sunday.
14. Look in the mirror and compliment yourself (out loud!). (These self love affirmations might help you)
15. Pick a comfortable outfit and makes you feel good. It doesn’t matter if it’s baggy jeans and a sweatshirt or a sparkly tutu.
I’m from California, where there is only one season all year (spring!), which means it’s easy for me to get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature.
If you’re from somewhere chilly, try some cozy indoor Sunday morning activities likecooking banana pancakesand making fresh orange juice.
After a fulfilling morning, it’s time to commit to a peaceful and rejuvenating afternoon.
Are you ready to continue the self care love affair?
Recharge in The Afternoon: 15 Daytime Self Care Sunday Activities
1. Mail a letter to someone you’ve been thinking about.
2. Write down your stream of consciousness for 3 minutes in a journal. Time yourself! Whatever you can get on the page is good.
3. Go on a (socially distanced) nature walk with a friend. Isolation can be draining and anxiety-inducing. Visit a park or hike a trail. Spending time in nature benefits your mental health.
4. Spend time with an animal, whether it’s yours, your neighbour’s, or a stranger’s dog, at the park.
5. Plan something fun for you. Have you meant to ride your bike more? Never actually used that frisbee you bought at Target three months ago? Today’s the day.
6. Listen to an uplifting podcast.
7. Make your favourite food for lunch.
8. Collect some fresh flowers outside and put them in a vase of fresh water. Bringing nature into your home will brighten up your life!
9. Put your phone down. It’s important to take a break from the constant stream of messages and notifications coming at you all day.
10. Bake something you can share with your neighbours.
11. Put on a playlist that matches your mood.
12. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be productive. Sunday is your day to recharge and relax!
13. Craft something. Making something with your hands is satisfying, no matter how small.
14. Do your laundry. Fresh clothes feel so good!
15. Make a list of goals for your upcoming week.
It’s easier than you think to complete these small activities to boost your energy and get in touch with yourself. If you dedicate some time to relaxing now, the benefits will follow you into your workweek.
Plus, who said that Sunday has to be the end of a good thing? Spread the good energy from your rejuvenating Self Care Sunday to other people in your life. Everyone should get in on the love!
Last but not least, it’s essential to practice self care on your Sunday evening to prepare for the week ahead.
Unwind in The Evening: 15 Self Care Sunday for the PM
1. Cook a homemade dinner. Taste can play a big role in how we feel. Bring happy memories to mind by cooking something that reminds you of a loved one.
2. Light a candle.
3. Listen to some evening jazz.
4. Watch the sunset. Often simply watching the sun go down can give me a different perspective on the day.
5. Wash your face. Taking the time to clean your skin in the evening properly pays off in the long run!
6. Eat a snack. Nuts and fruit are healthy foods that will keep you full for a long time. Don’t eat too late at night, though. Eating before bed can keep you from getting to sleep!
7. Do some stretches.Stretching before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep.
8. Drink some more tea. Something caffeine-free this time.
9. Write down three things you’re grateful for today.
10. Put on a facemask. Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, face masks can be a way to pamper yourself at the end of a long day.
11. Moisturize.
12. Bring a glass of water to your bedside table. It’s essential to stay hydrated, even at night!
13. Change your sheets. Sleeping on clean pillows is better for your skin and hair.
14. Put your phone down and close your laptop. That’s right. It’s important to take a break from screensright before you go to bed. Put your electronics away at least 30 minutes before you plan to sleep.
15. Listen to a guided bedtime meditationto fall into a peaceful slumber.
Night time rituals are my favorite.It’s crucial to figure out what makesyoufeel most comfortable at night andpractice healthy habits.Repeating behaviors that bring you joy is good for your brain!
It all ties back to peacefully ending your day. The next morning, you’ll wake up ready to take on whatever challenges Monday has in store for you.
But for now, it’s all about taking care of YOU.
Loving Yourself Can be Easier
Once you get into the habit of it,taking care of yourself in these simple ways becomes second nature.
Give yourself a pat on the back! Perfectionism may feel like the ultimate goal, but as the adage goes, “pobody’s nerfect.”
No matter who you are, you deserve to take action to improve your wellbeing. And self care is just about loving yourself! Even if your weekdays are jam-packed with responsibilities to others,Self Care Sunday is a time for you to fulfill your responsibilities to yourself.
Now you have tons of resources to get started with your Self Care Sunday.
If you need some more motivation, ask a family member or friend to encourage you! Everyone needs support sometimes, and your loved ones will be excited to lend a helping hand.
It’s time to re-learn how to take care of yourself, and it’s in your best interest to invest in the process now.Self care is intended to benefit youlong-term.
What’sYourFavorite Way to Practice Self Care?
Whether you follow my advice to a tee or get creative with your Self Care Sunday ideas,getting into a weekly routine of celebrating yourself is a game-changer.
You can create your very own Self Care Sunday planto incorporate healthier habits into any area of your life.
Simply write down a handful of small goals related to your mental and physical health and get in touch with yourself to determine how you can be most successful in achieving them.
Take small steps, like incorporating healthy foods into your meals and going for a walk around the block.
Small actions can have big impacts.Part of practicing self care is realizing how valuable the little things in everyday life can be.
In the digital age, it can behardto unplug. But I’ve found that I can accomplish difficult goals with a little bit of faith in myself, like exchanging screen time for a day in nature or an outing with friends.
Fill us in on your tips and tricks for practicing self care!
