6 Ways to Self-Care This Weekend
Is life feeling kind of crazy and stressful lately? We feel you.
Sometimes everything just gets to be too much. That’s why it’s really important to take some special time for yourself, especially on the weekends when you can finally relax and recharge.
This weekend, treat yourself with these 6 simple but powerful ideas for self-care. They’ll help you chill out, refocus and remember to nourish your mind, body and spirit.
Keep reading!
1. Catch Up on Sleep
Most of us are busy all week – waking up early, dealing with commutes, working long hours, taking care of our families, and more. By Saturday, we’re totally wiped out.
But we often force ourselves to jump out of bed at the crack of dawn, feeling guilty for “sleeping in.”
This weekend, give yourself permission to sleep as late as you need. Ignore that nagging inner critic saying you’re lazy for not popping out of bed at 6am.
2. Enjoy a Long, Relaxing Bubble Bath
When’s the last time you really took your time with a nice, lengthy soak in the tub? For most of us, baths are quick events, squeezed between errands and chores.
This Saturday or Sunday, clear your schedule and treat yourself to a peaceful bubble bath by candlelight. Fill the tub with hot – but not scalding – water.
Add Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles, essential oils to calm your mind, and bubbles just for fun. Light some candles, play gentle music, and savor every minute of this blissful experience. The rest of the world can wait.
3. Get a Soothing Massage
When you’re stressed and full of knots, nothing beats a good massage. The nurturing touch of a therapist releases feel-good endorphins while working out all that tension. Make time for a massage this weekend, whether you book a spa appointment or ask your partner to rub your neck, shoulders and back.
Even a 15-minute massage can melt away a world of tension. As the therapist’s or your partner’s hands unwind those knots, breathe deeply and feel yourself relaxing on physical and emotional levels.
4. Connect with Loved Ones
In our busy digital era, it’s easy to lose touch with loved ones, even when you live together. You get distracted by work, chores, screens and the latest crisis.
This weekend, schedule quality time together with the important people in your life. Put away your devices and focus completely on each other. Ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, share laughs, and do fun activities like taking a stroll, playing a game, or cooking a meal.
Reconnect wholeheartedly with those who matter most. Laughter, friendship and human contact nourish the soul deeply.
5. Get Moving Outdoors
Want an instant mood and health boost? Get moving in nature! Head to a park, hiking trail, beach, garden, or anywhere outside that makes you feel linked to the natural environment.
Breathe fresh air as you walk, job or bike with no set destination. Feel the sun and wind on your skin. Listen to the trees and birds. Smell the fragrant flowers. No gym can compare to the restorative joy of moving your body surrounded by natural beauty. Let the peaceful energy of nature wash your worries away.
6. Pamper Yourself
Sometimes the best self-care is mini spa treatments in the comfort of home. Set aside time for grooming rituals that make you feel oh-so-refreshed. Give yourself a facial, hair mask, mani/pedi, eyebrow pluck, body scrub, waxing – anything that pampers your body and spirit.
When you pamper yourself, sip a delicious NA drink, use a luxury body lotion post-shower, and play music that lifts you up.
Taking time to care for yourself with love and attention nourishes the soul. You deserve to feel 100% confident in your own skin.
Missy is a newly sober curious queer that lives in Chicago. She loves to bike in treacherous streets and in the summertime; loves to play tennis with whoever is available. She became sober curious after getting sick with an upper respiratory virus (not COVID) and after that break, realized she wants to be more mindful of and reduce her drinking. She's also the author of "100 Sober Activities to Try with Your Friends All Year Long" - available on Amazon.