Life is so active for the modern woman. We’re committed to work, friendships, education, relationships and family. It’s easy, then, to lose sight of your own needs. But lately there’s been a great movement toward practicing self-care, doing things exclusively to center and renew yourself. So, this weekend, make yourself the priority and take some time to show yourself some love with one of these satisfying ideas for self care.
The Danish concept of coziness, called hygge, has been having a big moment. It’s all about glowing light, blankets, soft loungewear, and happiness. My favorite ways to hygge-fy my day: Put on some knitted knee-high socks, light lots of candles, and put on Spotify’s “Piano in the Background” playlist. For a portable, extra-cozy addition to any home: Target has the best $6 LED string lights to hygge up a place.
If you’re in the mood to get out of the house, treat yourself to a new experience. Perhaps there’s an interesting museum nearby, or a cool live music venue, or a historical landmark. Go check it out by yourself, and treat yourself to a latte or glass of wine afterward. You’ll get creative and intellectual inspiration while also feeling pretty badass and confident.
Sometimes gyms and group classes are just too…public. YouTube has a ton of free workouts, and the ladies at Tone It Up publish a daily workout that’s totally complimentary for anyone! Slide into your cutest fitness gear and get your sweat on.
One of the best things I ever did for myself: See a therapist. It’s not just for people who have experienced trauma or have a life-changing diagnosis of some sort. Therapy can teach you the tools to deal better with stress and with the way you view yourself. (Maybe, like me, you’re your biggest critic.) Psychology Today has a great online directory for therapists near you.
If you’re feeling social, invite a couple girlfriends over to watch a movie. You can make your space extra cozy (hygge, anyone?) and serve your favorite cocktail or a bottle of wine. Plus, girl talk always does the soul some good.
A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to learn all about cocktail mixology. I started following cocktail bloggers on Instagram (like one of my favorites, BarFaith) and taught myself lots of cocktail recipes. It’s so fun to visit new places now and be able to talk knowledgeably with the bartenders, and I love hosting cocktail nights with friends. Maybe you’re interested in starting a blog, or learning how to paint. It’s incredibly satisfying to master a skill you’ve always wanted to have!
If you’ve seen the movie Bridesmaids, you may remember that when Kristen Wiig’s character Annie is feeling down, she decides to make one flawless and beautiful cupcake all to herself. You can tell that baking is her joyful passion. If you enjoy cooking, then, choose a recipe and head to the grocery store! You’ll do something you love and get the best reward: Food! Ideas for self care that also feed you? I’m in.
One of the most common self-care recommendations is skincare, and it’s my personal favorite. It always seemed expensive and kind of boring, until one day I took a skincare class at Sephora. Once I learned all about what my skin needs, and once I saw the amazing and glowy results of having healthy skin, I was hooked. Every morning and evening, I do my full skincare rituals: Cleanser, toner, eye cream, serums, and moisturizer. It takes only a few minutes, and it’s almost meditative. I love doing something good for myself not once but twice a day. And about once a week, I exfoliate and slather on a mask. The compliments I get on my skin are a great bonus, too.
Do you ever have so much to do, but you ignore it all to clean your room? Organizing is one of the best ways to feel productive and boost the quality of your daily life. There are some super beneficial ideas for self care!
Handwritten letters can actually produce health benefits. Sound surprising? When you write a letter, you’re expressing yourself, which is great for your psychological health! And when you write to a loved one, an old friend, or even an estranged pen pal, you get the wonderful side effects of connecting with other people. It’s a great way to express yourself while also delighting someone else.
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