Self-care is personal. What works for one person, might not get the same result for another person. Sometimes one may not be in the mood for a certain activity whereas it may be just be what one needs at another time.
I have compiled a list of twelve activities that I like to do to help with my self-care. These may not be things that you enjoy to de-stress or some of them might be. Do what’s best for you!
1. Indulge in a Bath
Find solace in your bathtub. Baths are soothing and a leisurely soak can melt the stress away. I find that taking a long bath is the perfect antidote to a stressful day.
Clean Your Home
Cleaning keeps you busy. It’s great exercise and it results in a great looking home. Whenever I’m stressed or looking for something to do, cleaning is always high on my list because it’s so productive.
3. Cook
I’m not much of a chef, but when I’m bored or in need of a snack, I like to whip something up in the kitchen. One of my favorite dishes is bruschetta.
4. Have a Glass of Wine
Occasionally, when I’m home relaxing, I’ll have a glass of wine. Whether I’m reading, watching television, or enjoying conversation with my husband, a glass of Riesling is perfect for my palate.
5. Listen to Music
Music can be uplifting so listening to it while in the bathtub, cleaning, or just dancing is great for the soul. Whatever your mood, put on your favorite tunes and enjoy!
6. Meditate
Some people find meditation to be too difficult and I use to be one of them. I discovered yoga many years ago which taught me how to center my thoughts. It’s still not very easy, but every time that I meditate, I get a little better at it. There is no right or wrong way, just practice.
7. Put Away Your Phone
Sometimes putting away your phone can help alleviate stress and reset your mind on positive things. Whether its the news or social media, you never know how much negativity that you are exposing yourself to when you spend long periods of time on the phone.
8. Take a Nap
If your brain is going a mile a minute and you want to give it a break, let yourself rest and get back to everything else when you wake up. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on almost anything!
9. Watch Your Favorite TV Show or Movie
Watching your favorite television show or movie can serve as a distraction from the stress that drains you. Enter the television or movie world for a while and take a break from what stresses you.
10. Write in Your Journal
Writing in your journal is a form of self-care in that when you put your thoughts down on paper, you purge them from your mind. Personally, I write in my journal every night before I go to sleep so that I can let go of all the thoughts from the day and sleep peacefully.
11. Spend Time with Your Pet
Cuddling with your fur baby is certainly relaxing – for both of you! It’s a bonding experience that will help you get closer with each other. Here is my sweet cat. She brightens everyday for both my husband and me.
12. Yoga
I began practicing yoga many, many years ago and it has changed my life. Not only did it help my stress levels (it practically eliminated them), it also caused a mental shift to calm. Yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, anytime, so, in my opinion, it is the perfect workout.
