20 Ways To Self-Care Over The Weekend
For many the weekend is the chance to wind down, relax after a week of work. Here then are 20 ways to practise self-care this weekend. You don’t have to do all 20 at once. In fact, why not choose two a week?
Take a relaxing bath or shower: Set aside some time to pamper yourself with a warm bath or shower. Light candles, add some bubbles or essential oils, and play some soothing music to create a calming atmosphere.
Spend time in nature, go for a hike or a walk in a park: Being outside in nature is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Take a walk, hike, or bike ride in a local park or nature reserve to enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
Practice yoga or meditation to calm your mind: Yoga and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and improve your mental and physical well-being. You can attend a local class or follow a guided practice online.
Listen to your favourite music or podcasts: Listening to music or podcasts you enjoy can be a great way to unwind and relax. Create a playlist of your favourite tunes or find a new podcast to listen to.
Read a book or magazine that you enjoy: Reading can be a great way to escape and de-stress. Choose a book or magazine that interests you and spend some time reading.
Get a good night's sleep and try to catch up on any missed rest: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Use the weekend to catch up on any missed sleep from the week.
Cook a healthy meal or treat yourself to a favourite food: Eating well can help improve your mood and energy levels. Try cooking a healthy meal or treat yourself to a favourite food as a special weekend indulgence.
Take a nap or schedule a designated time to rest during the day: Sometimes a nap is just what we need to recharge our batteries. Schedule a designated time to rest during the day to help you feel refreshed.
Write in a journal or practice gratitude by making a list of things you are thankful for: Writing in a journal or practicing gratitude can help you focus on the positive and improve your overall mood.
Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Use the weekend to practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or body scans.
Treat yourself to a favourite hobby, such as painting, knitting, or playing an instrument: Hobbies are a great way to relax and unwind. Spend some time practicing your favourite hobby over the weekend.
Spend time with loved ones or friends who make you happy: Spending time with loved ones can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Plan a get-together with family or friends who make you happy.
Clean and declutter your living space to reduce stress and increase productivity: A clean and organised living space can help reduce stress and improve productivity. Use the weekend to declutter and organise your living space.
Watch a movie or binge-watch a TV show you have been wanting to see: Watching a movie or TV show you enjoy can be a great way to relax and unwind. Binge-watch a new series or revisit an old favourite.
Go on a date with yourself, whether that means going to a movie, a museum, or just taking yourself out to eat: Spending time alone can be a great way to recharge and practice self-care. Plan a date with yourself and do something you enjoy.
Get a massage or other pampering treatment to relax your body: Pampering treatments like massages or facials can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Do something new or adventurous, like trying a new activity or exploring a new part of your city or town: Trying something new can help you get out of your comfort zone and break up the monotony of daily life. You could try a new hobby like rock climbing, salsa dancing, or cooking. Alternatively, you could explore a new part of your city or town by taking a walk or bike ride through a different neighbourhood, visiting a new museum or gallery, or trying a new restaurant or cafe.
Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind and body: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. To practice, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs with air. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, pushing all of the air out of your lungs. Repeat this process for a few minutes, focusing on your breath and letting go of any thoughts or distractions.
Unplug from technology for a few hours or for the entire weekend to reduce stress and increase relaxation: Constantly checking your phone, emails, and social media can add to your stress levels. Consider taking a break from technology for a few hours or for the entire weekend to give yourself a break from the constant stimulation. Turn off your phone and computer, and instead focus on activities that don't involve screens, such as reading, cooking, or spending time outdoors.
Spend time doing something that brings you joy, whether that's playing with a pet, gardening, or something else entirely: Taking time to do something that brings you joy is an important part of self-care. This could be spending time with a pet or volunteering at an animal shelter, tending to a garden or houseplants, or engaging in any other activity that makes you happy and fulfilled. When you spend time doing something you enjoy, you increase your overall happiness and well-being.
Whatever you decide to do at the weekend try to include something for you and you alone. Don't feel compelled to do what others want, it's your time as much as theirs!