Fall in Love with Self-Care
As the air gets colder and the winter months approach, it is even more crucial to recognize your needs and take the necessary steps to restore your well-being.
One of the most beneficial and often overlooked ways to prevent yourself from slipping into a winter slum is to have a restorative self care night. Prioritizing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is necessary in keeping yourself sane and maintaining a healthy and happy attitude. Additionally, it will prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed with additional stress or anxiety- something we all constantly try to avoid. These ten self-care suggestions are the perfect way to show yourself some extra care and comfort, as well as give yourself a well deserved break.
1. Watch Your Favorite TV Show or Movie
Let’s be honest, there’s not much better than curling up on the couch with a blanket to watch a show or movie. Whether you put on a rom-com, documentary or action film is totally up to you, just sit back, kick your feet up and relax.
2. FaceTime a Friend
You know that friend you’ve been playing constant phone tag with? This is the perfect opportunity to give them a call and catch up with each other. Ask them how their day was and share some positivity with one another. You know what they say- happiness is contagious!
3. Social Media Detox
In today’s day in age everyone feels the constant urge to be connected and in reach with everyone around them at all times. To put it simple: most people are addicted to their phones. It is crucial to take a break from staring at screens and to spend more quality time offline. Usually, when we are on our phones we are mindlessly scrolling through social media wasting hours on end. Detach from the outside world and find appreciation where you are in the present moment.
4. Listen to a Podcast or Relaxing Music Playlist
Listening to your favorite podcast or music playlist is a great way to decompress after a long day. Whether you choose to listen while taking a bath or making dinner, be sure to pick songs that will ease your mind and help you unwind.
5. Cook Yourself Dinner
Sometimes a task as simple as cooking yourself a meal can be extremely rewarding after a long, busy day. Maybe you can finally try out that recipe you’ve had screen shotted in your camera roll for the past couple months. Or better yet, if cooking seems like too daunting of a task you can order takeout from your favorite restaurant.
6. Bake Yourself a Warm, Whoa Dough Cookie and #SnackHappy
Whoa… you didn’t know there is more than one way to enjoy your Whoa Dough cookie dough bar? Yup, that’s right. Roll your favorite flavor Whoa Dough bar into a circle, press it flat with a fork, and put it onto a lined baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees. After 10-12 minutes you will have a delectable, gooey, guilt free treat. Absolutely dough-licious.
7. At-Home Spa Night
Nothing screams relaxation quite like a spa. Light a candle, put on a face mask and let all your worries float away from your very own bubble bath. Make your spa night even more rewarding by using essential oils, epsom salts or even a bath bomb!
8. Stretching/Meditation
Even as little as five minutes of body movement will allow your body to physically release all the built up tension you are feeling. The simple yet effective combination of stretching and meditation exercises will bring a sense of calmness and restoration to your body.
9. Read a Book
One of the best ways to wind down after a long day is cozying up in bed with a lighthearted, easy read. This is one of the perfect alternatives you can implement into your nighttime routine instead of mindlessly scrolling through on your phone before bedtime.
10. Go to Sleep Earlier Than Usual
On nights when you have absolutely no scheduled plans, it is important to reap the full benefits of relaxation. Sleep is one of the most important elements in living a healthy lifestyle. We tend to live such a fast paced day to day life constantly jumping from one thing to the next. It is crucial to make sure you are logging in enough hours to recover and feel rejuvenated for the next day. If you are able to go to bed even 30 minutes earlier than usual, it can make all the difference in boosting your energy and overall mood. Trust me, your body will thank you for this one.
Whoa… sounds amazing doesn’t it? We hope these ten tips encourage you to take the time to unwind and show yourself some well-deserved care this winter season.