Self-Care Beyond Spa Days and Beauty Clichés
7 unconventional ways to pamper yourself
When people mention the term “self-care” images of vitamin-infused face masks, rich burgundy nail polish, and deep-tissue massages with cucumbers gently resting on the eyes flood the mind. Physical beauty care can be empowering, therapeutic, and overall renewing for the soul. But what if there were things beyond cosmetic treatments that could bring life to your spirit and leave you feeling just as refreshed and revitalized? Luckily, there are many possibilities open that can help you explore the realm of self-care in a more personalized manner.
Get to Know Nature
The outdoors is ever-so-accessible to most of us. Being in touch with your inner self can be as simple as opening your back door and inviting the sun to nourish your soul. Sunshine is abundant in vitamin D, which is known to improve mood and, in turn, overall well-being. Taking a stroll in your local park, planning a delicious lake-side picnic, or simply curling up with a book on your front porch swing can all be part of a self-care ritual. Planning activities in nature that allow you to slow down and escape the everyday chaos of life is essential in maintaining mental clarity. It’s also important to be mindful while spending time outdoors. Focus your senses on the smell of the flowers, the twittering of birds, and the rush of the slight wind pattering against your skin. Making a conscious effort to be mindful will help you to relax and get in tune with yourself. Instead of spending your next 30-minute lunch break mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, go outside and replenish your soul with a little bit of outdoor time. This is a time just for you, and you deserve to treat yourself.
Journal
I know what you’re thinking. “Everyone constantly says to journal, but does it actually help?” You may not believe it, but the truth is that journaling can be a powerful and expressive personal experience. Taking the time to pour your thoughts out onto fresh, crisp paper can do wonders for the mind. Allowing your brain to release emotions is a form of self-care because you are prioritizing your feelings and healthily unleashing them. Journaling can be as effortless as writing down three things every day that you cherish or can be as extensive as mindlessly gliding your pen up and down until you realize you’ve filled ten pages. The point is, taking the time to connect with yourself via old-fashioned pen and paper will give you some peaceful “me” time.
Discover New Music
Music is one of the most powerful forms of art. Music can be deeply personal but simultaneously holds power to connect us to others in a way we may not even be able to explain. The art and creativity that goes into creating music are not reserved for musicians and singers alone. Scouting new playlists on Spotify or Apple Music (whichever is your preferred medium) will allow you to tap into your creative side and uncover tunes that raise your spirit. When you find these new songs, you can listen to them while doing mundane household chores, showering, running errands, or even while taking a walk outside–as long as you remember to be mindful in nature! Taking time to sit and really connect with the power of melodies is an influential wellness tool. There is a lot we can uncover about ourselves through the music we choose. After hunting through song after song, you are bound to find new pieces that will help you to feel empowered. Or maybe, just a catchy anthem to jam to on your ride to work. Either way, music holds an immense responsibility for affecting our overall mood. Take advantage of it.
Create a Vision Board
Despite what you may think, you don’t have to be an artistic wiz to cultivate a motivating vision board. Vision boards are typically photo collages of anything you deem as important or wish to expand on in the future. They can also have the simple purpose to be inspiring and evoke joyous feelings. Vision boards can be done digitally on your computer, or you can actually print out photos and stitch them together on a poster board. These boards may consist of cities you dream of living in, jobs you hope for, clothes you’re saving up your next paycheck for, or even quotes of encouragement. When it comes to vision boards, there are no real rules. The act of making a vision board gives you the freedom to reflect on yourself as an individual and tap into dreams you may not be aware exist. Choosing photos with vibrant hues will add color to your vision board and your life as well. Dedicating time to ponder on your desires and fantasies is a special way to practice self-reliance and self-care. Future you will thank you for it.
Write a Poem
Most of us probably don’t have fond memories from that brief unit in 9th grade English when we were forced to write poetry. However, without the pressure of getting a good grade, you may find writing poetry to be an enjoyable and releasing experience. Writing a short haiku or free verse is a freeing way to release your emotions with writing, but more creatively than journaling. You can write a poem about virtually anything. Try devising a piece about the beach, your most treasured pair of shoes, or a beloved family member or friend. And if you don’t think your sonnet is anywhere near as good as Edgar Allan Poe, rest assured. The fact that you took the time to be creative solely for yourself is immensely beneficial in and of itself.
Get Your Move On- In a Way That Works for You
It’s no secret that exercise is good for not just your physical health but your mental well-being as well. Movement allows you to release endorphins in your body, which can improve your mood. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to partake in a breathless HIIT session to reap the benefits of exercise. This preconceived notion can discourage many people from finding an exercise routine they love. Believe it or not, you can get the same benefits on a simple walk, during a peaceful bike ride, or by swimming and splashing in the ocean or pool. Finding a method that allows you to move your body in a way that best suits you is a perfect way to practice self-care. And if that happens to be an intensive weightlifting session, go ahead and enjoy every second. The endnote, doing some movement for you alone– that may even be challenging– is a rewarding way to implement care. Seeing progress will motivate you to further better yourself.
Practice Saying “No”
Too many of us are people pleasers. We often take on too much responsibility in fear of disappointing others. Unfortunately, this trait can negatively impact us. When we take on more than we can handle, it can cause a lot of unwanted stress. When we are stressed, we don’t usually take care of ourselves in the most favorable means. This could mean skipping healthy meals, compromising sleep, and not allocating adequate time to invest in ourselves. By deciding to start saying “no” you will notice that your quality of life will drastically improve. The tension you once felt always to be “on” and ready to dive into whatever is demanded of you, no questions asked, will slowly disappear. Start putting yourself first and realize that you do have options in some scenarios. If saying “no” is what will promote peace of mind, it is sometimes necessary. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
There are endless acts of self-care that can fit into everyday life. Finding what works for you is vital in formulating a perfect self-care routine. Everyone is different, and activities that make some feel relaxed and connected to themselves may not be everyone’s cup of tea. When you finally discover what makes you feel powerful, hold on to it and remember that feeling in times of stress or worry. Whether that be one of the seven practices mentioned above, or if you decide you are a person who needs bubble baths and face masks in your self-care routine, all that matters is that you end up feeling restored, enlivened, and have a sense of tranquility. That is the goal of self-care, right?
