Now, you might be thinking “A whole day for self care” and the answer is why not? You spend a whole day at work, with friends, running errands and so much more. So why does it seem so ridiculous to spend an entire day on yourself? Most people see self care as a luxury that they don’t have time for and that couldn’t be further from the truth. You should be your first priority because you can take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Self care never used to be something I thought about and now it’s an addiction. Getting in a little self care day is as good as a holiday! So, here’s how to plan a self care day you’ll love.
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Why is a self care day important?
Let me ask you this, when you buy anything in life, what happens when you don’t take care of it? It gets damaged, falls apart, breaks and becomes worthless. And that happens to us too. Neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in mental and physical health. Let’s be honest, we don’t all have one day per week to set aside as a self care day, life still happens and tends to get in the way. But taking a self care day every now and then is good for the mind, body and soul.
Taking an entire or even half a day to focus on self care allows you to replenish your energy, reduce stress levels, and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. It’s not just ok to put yourself first, it’s expected. Investing in self care isn’t selfish – it’s an act of self-love and self-preservation that’s key to living a balanced and fulfilling life. I have found that keeping a self care journal really helps with keeping track and just following your own journal. Having a few useful prompts to lead the way doesn’t hurt either.
How to plan a self care day you’ll love.
Not every self care day is created equally. Having a self care day doesn’t necessarily mean going down to the spa to get facials and a manicure. It could be, but that’s not what it’s about. Remember that you are your own person and you need to stay true to who you are and what you need to be the best version of that.
Establish what you want to achieve with your self care day.
What does self care mean to you? Is it about relaxation, creativity, physical activity, or something else entirely? Finding what works for you is what it’s all about. You need to decide what you want to achieve and what would make you feel grounded again to who you truly are. It can be so easy to lose yourself with everything else going on in life and your self care day is one way to stop that from happening.
Once you’ve established what you want your day to be about, you can start planning your activities around that to make sure you get the most out of your day.
Schedule your day and stick to it.
When it comes to how to plan a self care day, consider choosing a day when you have minimal obligations and can fully immerse yourself in the experience and book it out. Treat this day like you would treat any other important commitment. You need to start making a habit of seeing yourself as important too. So, give it a try and book your first or next self care day and give yourself the royal treatment you deserve.
RELATED: The Importance Of Self Care And How To Stick To It.
Choose the right self care activities for yourself.
Choose self care activities that bring out the best in you and make you feel true happiness within. This self care day should feel like you’ve been away on vacation for a week after you’re done! There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing your self care activities. This is your day and you get to decide what your body needs.
Self care activities you can try:
- Meditation or mindfulness practice.
- Taking a nature walk.
- Take a relaxing bath with essential oils.
- Journaling or writing down your thoughts and feelings.
- Catching up on your hobby.
- Enjoying a nourishing meal made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Practicing gentle yoga or stretching exercises.
- Listening to calming music or guided meditation recordings.
- Spending time in solitude, away from distractions.
- Reading a book or watching a favorite movie or TV show without interruptions.
Create the environment you want.
Depending on the self care day you had in mind for yourself, you need to set the environment to go along with it. If you were planning on pampering yourself at home and reading a good book, light a few candles, run yourself a bubble bath, find a reading spot and create an atmosphere where you can fully enjoy every moment of your self care day.
Now, this might not be the self care day some other people had in mind. Maybe you wanted to spend the day outside in nature and that’s perfectly fine. You can create the environment you want there too. Well, sort of. After you’ve decided where you want to go and what you want to do. Plan ahead and pack for it. Take along everything you might need for your self care day so that you are most comfortable while being there. Pack a few healthy snacks, any accessories you might need, maybe even a good book and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Take a break from technology.
The very thing that connects us to the world is what drives us further away. If you’re planning on how to plane a self care day, put the screens away. Allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in your activities without any distractions. I’m not saying to leave it all behind and turn off your phone completely, but give yourself a little break every once in a while. You deserve it.
RELATED: The 9 Best DIY Face Mask Recipes To Transform Your Skin.
Nourish your body.
This was the hardest lesson I ever had to learn. You need to always take care of your body and eat nourishing, healthy foods. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that you can never eat fast food again, who doesn’t love pizza? Making a few small changes on a daily basis makes a big impact on your life in the long run. Make sure that you are eating foods your body will love, more than foods that make you feel unwell. I came across Fresh Meal Plan and they are a great alternative to having healthy meals right at your fingertips.
Practice gratitude.
Self care isn’t just about relaxation and taking care of your physical body. The most important part of self care is being strong mentally and emotionally. That all starts with practicing gratitude. Reflect on the things you’re thankful for and acknowledge the abundance in your life. Practicing gratitude can help shift your mindset towards positivity and enhance your overall sense of well-being.
A change in mindset is the most important change you can have in your life. “What the mind believes, the body can achieve.” If you only take one thing from this article, let it be those words.
RELATED: Self Care Night Ideas For Total Relaxation.
Listen to your inner voice.
That little voice inside your head is the most important voice you’ll hear. You know better than anyone else what your mind, body and soul need to be the best version of yourself. We often tend to push that voice aside and not listen to it. We know what’s best for us, but we always second guess.
Never underestimate how well you know yourself and your needs. Take the self care day and look out for your own physical and mental health.
Conclusion.
How to plan a self care day requires intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to prioritizing yourself. By following these steps and customizing your self care day to suit your unique preferences, you can create a rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way. So go ahead, give yourself the gift of self care – you deserve it!
Happy Self Care Day,
Your Wellness Warrior!