Goal: live your best life and say bye gurl, bye to bad vibes. Easiest way to shake off the “Monday-ist of Monday” days is with self-care. AKA, put yourself first for a second. And while we’re putting ourselves first, let’s make it happen in a “glam” way. Self-care ideas with a chic upgrade.
Rule #1: Once you remember who you are (at heart), the game changes. It’s OK (and TBH, totally normal) to make mistakes or have a bad day (or a few in a row…been there) or feel empty thanks to negative ick from others. When you are NOT allowing yourself time to mend from any of that is no bueno for the soul. If you don’t love yourself and take care of your heart, you won’t be able to leave behind what is unhealthy or unkind (people, jobs, beliefs, habits…). All of that ick is keeping yourself small. Recognize when someone treats you wrong and let it go with self-care.
Self-Care Ideas to do Today
Meltdowns are ok, just remember not to unpack and live there. Self-care time, y’all! Yes, “bath bombs” or walks in a park are all fine and dandy, but also kinda “meh” ideas, IMO. When in need of prioritizing your emotions and putting yourself first we need some self-care upgrades. And you want ideas that are PROVEN to work, right? Self-care, self-pampering and self-indulgence ideas can all blur together, but basically, it’s putting yourself first and making it happen in the moment with what you have (time, money, space). Energize your stressed-out self back to a positive place. Because, #GoodVibesOnly.
Dine Out: Stick the Stouffers back in the freezer. Go get take-out or make a reservation for a restaurant that you LOVE or have never been to (but reeeeeeally want to!). Order dessert.
Secret Bedtime: Remember as a kid hating your early bedtime but now desperately missing those days? Take one right now. Put on your snuggliest pajamas and go to be when YOU want to. No judgment.
Get a Free Pass: If Sunday is synonymous with laundry or vacuuming, take a “free pass” on one of those days to do something YOU love. Could be Netflix binge-watching, going to the art museum, or even taking long, romantic walks down the aisles at Target. Your choice, your “free pass” day.
Small Stuff: If you only have an hour or two, try dedicating that to something small but happy. Could be adding all kinds of things to your online shopping cart (but maybe never purchasing) or scrolling through the iPhone App store to discover something new or even lying on your back on your unmade bed in total silence.
Sorry, I’m Busy: Here’s a thought – why not stay IN on a Saturday night? Plans, shmans. Wish you could, but you can’t. Already have plans. Decline whatever invitation is looming and do your OWN thing at home, which may include Words with Friends on the couch.
Daily To-Do: Every-single-day you need to write down 1 thing that you are grateful for or that made you smile or that was something happy you saw. Get a dollar journal at Michaels or splurge on a fancy, schmancy one at Kate Spade, but either way, take 5 minutes at the end of every day to jot it down. As your year goes on this will be a major, magical source of inspiration for you. Trust me. Or… you can get a pre-prompted journal to respond to each day. You’ll love THIS journal (below)!
Do you do a #SelfCareSunday? How do YOU practice self-care?
It’s so important to take a little me time every once in a while. I think I’m going to finish work early today and read a good book this afternoon. After a busy weekend, I need some self-care and all of your ideas are wonderful.
I always stay in on Saturday night. I am not big on tons of people, so my couch and a good book is what I love. Self-care is so important!
omg YES to all of this ha- the older i get the more self care i need and desperately crave. i always stay in when possible bc being home w the kids is what we love doing ha. plus having some me time is the key!
I enjoyed reading your list. I found a darling journal at the Dollar Tree that is covered with adorable cacti. I am loving it!
I go to bed early A LOT. It’s to the point where I will go before the kids sometimes LOL.
Me time or down time is totally okay and much needed. Some wonderful ideas and ways to start enjoying some down time.
It’s funny that you say secret bedtime. There are times that I am asleep on the couch by 730. I feel pathetic but sometimes your body just needs that extra sleep.
Self-care is a hard thing to actually accomplish for me. With four kids, it can be difficult to find the time. But I do try!
What awesome ways to take care of ourselves and bring more joy to our lives! I love all your wonderful tips. My favorites are dining out, and taking a pass! My pass would definitely be a Netflix binge + buttered popcorn!
These ideas rock and I could definitely use some revitalization. I love when I can go out and try a nice new restaurant!
I love treating myself to dine out every so often. It also always inspires me to try a new recipe at home too!
I love this and you are so right. Self care is so difficult when we are busy prioritising everyone else but it is also so important. I need to try some of your tips.
I’m totally trying these things. Self-care is something I really struggle with.
These are all wonderful tips. It is so important to get out and dine out.
Self-care is so important, and I love your suggestions. I remember a time in my life when I was very depressed and started a gratitude journal, slowly my mindset changed. I still get sad sometimes, but now I can see the good things so much more clearly.
I’ve been doing my best to practice self-care daily and incorporate it on the weekends with family and friends. We all need some time for ourselves. Great budget-friendly ideas.
I’m in bed even before 9 pm the entire week and I’m loving it. I feel so well rested when I get up in the morning and for me, it is an absolute treat.
These are some nice ideas and just a really helpful perspective when feeling stressed out. Sometimes you just have to take care of your happiness first and that’s a great reminder.
I have to admit that I am not the best about self care. And it really takes a toll on me. These are all great ideas and I think these would be a great way to kick off spring.