Sometimes we need a little self-care! We can’t help others unless we help ourselves first. I thought discussing some different activities that can be a good mental relief is the perfect way to start off a new week AND a new month! Maybe you got the whole self-care thing down to a science and you’re just stuck inside (9 weeks in lockdown so far for me!) and you are BORED. To be honest, I’m bored of being bored, but these little self-care activities are helping me through it:)
November 2021 update: it’s funny to see what I wrote down as activities es to change things up besides the simple, give yourself a face mask and a glass of wine self care. Looking back now, over a year and a half later, I still do a lot of these things weekly to keep my sanity. These are great self care habits to make you feeling inspired, happy, and at peace. Now that I took time to pop in and give a little update onto some good self care habits for you to add into your life.
READ A BOOK
I mentioned this is my morning routine blog post. I decided at the beginning of May I wanted to read everyday… and I think i’ve only missed a day! I am loving it! I’m on my third book (for this month) which is mind blowing. I read 4 books TOTAL all of last year, so the fact that I’m already on my third makes me so happy. I usually spend an average time of 45 minutes to an hour everyday. Lately, i’ve been reading a bit at night as well. This is the perfect time to just shut out the outside world and dive into a fictional one. Or maybe you’re reading a self-help book or an educational one. Either way this is a perfect way to focus on you.
Nov 2021 update: Hi, me again. So reading that warms my heart. I was so proud to have got into reading then and that love continued post quarantine. I ended up finishing 2020 with 15 books read. My goal for 2021 is 20 books; 5 of those being non fiction. So far i’m at 16 and have 3 books halfway done so I think I can do it. Def read less towards the fall months but still seems like I’m going to hit my goal.
EXERCISE
Yup. Great form of self care. I’m not saying you have to go do an extremely hard HIIT workout to check off this box but hey if that’s what you want to do, I’m about it. The endorphins from a HIIT workout or a run are the best. I typically do not stick to high intensity workouts because I have found lower impact is more beneficial for me. Ultimately, you need to stick to what you like. Although I don’t typically do high intense workouts, I LOVE burpees. Seems like most people hate them but I enjoy them. Could be the feeling of gasping for air but feeling energized at the same time. Just me?
Nov 2021 update: I started doing pilates, and we did our first reformer burpee… omg less intense cardio wise but the burrrrnnnn.
Your form of exercise can be a simple walk, a run, a bike ride, or a small yoga flow. Just moving your body in some way for at least 15-20 minutes is gonna get you feeling refreshed and energized. And also keeps you healthy hehe.
COLOR
A classic. Coloring is not just for kids, let me tell you. I work at an elementary school part time in the after care program and honestly think I enjoy the coloring pages more than them. All you need is your favorite coloring tool (crayon, color pencil, marker) and something to color. If you have a coloring book, AWESOME and if not simply google some coloring pages and print them out. You can also draw out a picture before coloring if you’re super artsy. Please don’t ever ask me to draw though, you’ll get a very lopsided stick figure.
PUZZLE
I’m talking all sorts of puzzles… Sudoku, Crosswords and Jig-saw puzzles. These three are all so different but take a deep concentration. The concentration element is what makes it a wonderful self-care activity as you get so focused, that you simply block out the rest of the world. You are only focusing on the task right in front of you. I am the first to admit though that I get very angry when I do puzzles because I can’t find a piece but oh well. These are great self-care activities as you are keeping your mind sharp yet relaxing (until you can’t find that one piece…)
Nov 2021 update: This is funny because I did do some sudoku during quarantine and I did order a puzzle, but in true Emily fashion… I did not finish it. I think I touched it for 2 days and then got so mad I gave up lol
HOT SHOWER/BATH
This right here is everything. It can be as simple as taking a longer shower or as extra as a full on warm bath with candles, bubbles and bath bombs. I love baths. They are super relaxing and leave me feeling mentally refreshed. I fill up the tub with water, a bath bomb and some bubbles, light a candle and dim the lights. Then I either read a book or watch some TV depending on how I’m feeling in the moment. Other times when I just don’t got that time, or the energy to do all that, I take a little longer of a shower. I turn the water up a bit warmer and just stand there. Just nice to clear ya head sometimes.
Quick note: LUSH does boxes of shampoos, bubble bars, bath bombs etc and it is a way better deal than just buying some individually!
I hope these few activities inspire you to take some time for yourself everyday! If you have any self-care ideas that I didn’t list, please leave a comment so we can try them out too:)
Related Posts:
-No More Grouchy Mornings. The Perfect Morning Routine
With love,
Em
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