It’s almost the weekend-that part of the week when we’ve got the time to pause, reflect and unwind! Although we advocate daily self-care, we’re aware not everyone has that luxury and that for most people weekends are the only time off their otherwise busy and stressful lives. Which is why we’ve got a list of self-care activities that’ll help you get back in touch with yourself and destress!
Sleep
When it comes to mental health, sleeping in is as important as getting out of bed and being out and about. Utilise your weekend to set your sleep schedule right and get a good 8-9 hours of sleep at night. Sneaking in quick naps during the day also help destress and rejuvenate your body and mind. If you’re someone who requires an aid to fall asleep, consider listening to light-hearted podcasts, calming nature sounds, your favourite music or anything that works for you personally. An added benefit of doing this is that it helps reformat your thoughts before falling asleep and helps you wake up to good mood!
Cook Yourself A Fancy Meal
Indulging in a fancy meal doesn’t require a special occasion or the presence of another person. Good food and some alone-time is therapeutic and instantly lifts your spirits! So go ahead and treat yourself to a fancy meal because why not? You deserve it! While you’re at it, you can also choose to dress up to set the vibe!
Meditate
Meditation for wellness is a widely discussed topic and also well-researched to be a greatly effective in transforming your mental health and helping you declutter your mind. The reason for this being, our minds are preoccupied with a million things all day and this results in the lack of time to sit back in some much-needed silence for the soul. This is why meditation is the perfect way to focus inward and acknowledge all of the thoughts and feelings that were a blur through the day!
Create Art
Art of all kinds is for everyone! Engaging in creating art is an amazing release of your creative energy and extremely soothing. The best part about creating art is that it has no scales to measure or a prerequisite of skill or ability. Art is an expression and each individual’s expression is unique to them. It is a great activity to include in your weekend routine as it helps you put your emotions and thoughts out in the open and in the way you wish to! So what are you waiting for? Pick an art form you resonate with the most and get creating!
Get Outside
Go out and get some fresh air this weekend! Being present to the silent sounds of the chirping birds, rustling leaves and the crisp wind is an activity we rarely take time out to indulge in. Studies show that being around nature can result in reduced stress, anxiety, and also helps you cope with depression. Looking for a breather? Walk up to your backyard or the nearest park and spend some time out just soaking in the sun or even setting up a small picnic!
Curate Your Social Media Feed
Getting off social media is such a cliche! Social media isn’t the demon it’s portrayed to be. It can in fact help build a great sense of community and give you a place to belong and meet like-minded people! All you have to do for this to happen for you is focus on curating your feed to include content that brings peace and positivity into your life! Populate your social media feed with a community of artists you admire and it’ll be your tool to personal growth!
Take A Long & Relaxing Bath
Baths are so underrated! There’s nothing a nice long bath can’t fix! On weekdays, it’s always a quick shower and off to work, so the weekend is your time to unwind. Make your bath time as relaxing as possible; light some scented candles, play some soulful music, and throw in some fun detoxifying bath salts for added effect!
Indulge In Journaling
Self-care and self-reflection go hand-in-hand and this is something that can be executed by maintaining a journal. Take some time out on your weekends to pen your thoughts and feelings and you’ll see how much difference that’ll make to your mental health. It’s a great outlet for repressed emotions and can also help you identify more things to be grateful for while you’re at it!
Groom, Dress up & Self-Pamper!
Being well-dressed is always a mood-lifter! Even if your weekend plans don’t involve going out, ensure you’re groomed and dressed well while going about your chores, because doing so instantly gives you purpose and you feel a whole lot better! This is also a great time for a pampering session and an elaborate skin care routine!
So, are you all-geared-up for a full-fledged self-care weekend? Pick your favorite activity or a combination of a few them and let us know how it went in the comments below!