How to Create Your Own Self-Care Day

It’s vacation for me! A short one, but a much needed one after those stressful couple weeks. It’s fall break, my roommates are gone, and I don’t have (very many) obligations. Wahoo!

Today unintentionally turned into a self-care day. After I went to a therapeutic yoga class yesterday, I was really open and in-tune with my inner self. When I woke up today, I decided I would do whatever I was feeling. And let me tell you, I feel great. I even did chores! Huh, whaaaattt?

Anyway, I thought I’d take this opportunity to help you guys create your own self-care day. This doesn’t have to be when you’re on vacation. You could always do it on your day off, or after a stressful time, or intermix these different ideas within your day so that you get a little bit each day (which I recommend).

So, here we go:

1. Wake up whenever. Let your body tell you when it’s time to wake up.
2. Start your day with a morning meditation or journal writing. Think about what you want to get from this day. This doesn’t mean “accomplish” per say, but what you hope to give yourself on this day. Think about what your body and mind need.
3. Start and end your day with a cup of tea. I happened to have Teavana’s Jade Citrus Mint tea today, but any green or herbal tea will do. Remember to avoid caffeine later in the day.
4. Drink plenty of water. This is necessary for any day really, but a must if your practicing self-care!
5. Practice yoga or other form of exercise, but remain connected to your body. It’s important while practicing self-care that you’re not pushing yourself. Breathe deep, full breaths no matter what. Listen to your body. It talks to you.
6. Burn incense, candles, or use essential oils.
7. Cook yourself a clean-wholistic meal(s). I made this Black Bean and Quinoa soup. It has great spices and herbs for digestion and is full of wholistic protein. I substituted chickpeas for black beans because I didn’t have them, and instead of chips, I dipped whole wheat crackers and avocado in the soup. I used organic vegetable broth, but you could use bone broth or fish broth. Whatever floats your boat. Basically, it’s delicious. And I have so many leftovers!
8. Don’t deprive yourself of sweets. I ate barkThins, dark chocolate pretzel with sea salt as a dessert. They hit the spot. You could also make some clean desserts like matcha tea ice cream or create your own fruit roll-ups.
9. Give yourself a spa treatment. I did a Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Honey face mask just because of my resources, #college. But there are so many out there depending on what you need. You could easily make your own pore strips here and there are so many ideas around for all-over beauty. Check out this link for some ideas on DIY Spa. Another thing I 10/10 would recommend for spa treatment is a steam facial. If you’ve ever been in a sauna, you know what I mean. It’s as easy as boiling a pot of hot water and sitting with your face over it for a while, covering your head with a towel. You can add essential oils or herbs to the mix as well. Amazing.
10. Curl up with a blanket a book of your choice. Right now I’m reading Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith. Amazing read so far. If you’re into psychology and the chakras, I would highly recommend. I’m only on the introduction, and it’s awesome! Here are some great inspirational reads here. I would also recommend The Alchemist, some Thich Nhat Hanh like this one, some Rumi, The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama, and The Happiness Project.
11. Connect with loved ones. For me, this was through Skype. 🙂 You can do this through meditation as well if loved ones aren’t near you.
12. Practice gratitude. Write down three things you’re grateful for that day, and try to keep it up for a week, a month, etc. I’ve practiced this (admittedly I’m slacking on it right now), and I saw a general overall increase in my mood and more optimism in daily life. Here’s a gratitude meditation and a graditude yoga flow.
13. Try to get outside. Even just for a bit to be connected with the earth and breathe in organic and fresh air.
14. Accept yourself and any feelings that arise throughout the day. Accept tears, anger, and anything else that comes up. They are a part of being human. Accept the imperfections today.
15. Go to sleep when your body says so. If you feel inclined, try some sleep hypnosis by Michael Sealey.

I hope these ideas are beneficial to you, wherever you are in your life and in healing. Pick and choose the tips as you will; choose what will help you and adapt them accordingly. I’m working on honoring myself, and I hope this inspires you to do the same.

“Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.”-Rumi

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”-Rumi

psssttt…I gathered most of my ideas from the lovely world of pinterest. Follow me for more.

Also here are some more self-care tips

Peace and love to you.

-ANF