6 Ideas for Self-Care Sunday That Don’t Involve a Face Mask
We can all benefit from spending a little quality time with ourselves, caring for our physical and mental well-being, and winding down after a long week. This practice—dubbed #SelfCareSunday by wellness influencers and health sites—should be an essential step in your overall healthcare routine.
But when it comes down to it, self-care should be about more than face masks and hair treatments. Self-care isn’t only on the surface, it’s internal, too.
Give yourself time to wake up.
Sleeping in might make you feel like you’re wasting the day, but waking up in a rush doesn’t do your body any good either. If you’re used to waking up early for work, give yourself a little extra time. Stretch, breathe deeply, take your time opening your eyes. If you don’t have any obligations for the day, what’s the hurry?
Enjoy your routine.
It might sound silly, but as you’re washing your face, brushing your teeth, showering, etc., take a few moments to reflect on how it feels to get ready for the day. Appreciate this time you have to yourself, as it might be the only time that’s truly yours for the rest of the day.
Eat something you enjoy.
You can indulge in things you enjoy without going overboard. If you’re a chocaholic, throw a few dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs in your morning oatmeal or on a smoothie bowl. If there’s a popular brunch spot down the street, invite some friends for a bite—or grab a meal by yourself! Whatever makes you happy.
Set yourself up for happiness.
Happiness looks different to all of us. Some people crave a lazy day on the couch binging their favorite show, while others need social interaction. Whatever happiness looks like to you, plan to fill your self-care Sunday with plenty of it, and don’t feel guilty about skipping out on laundry or organizing your closet—those things can wait while you take care of you.
Journal your thoughts.
Even if you aren’t a fan of journaling or have never kept one before, grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil to reflect on how your day or week went is great therapy. It can help you remember the highs and lows, and why you felt a certain way in that moment. Keeping a record of your emotions can allow you to look back later on how you’ve grown as an individual.
Breathe deep.
Sometimes, the most basic behaviors can feel help us feel the best, and deep breathing is one of the most refreshing and grounding things we can do for ourselves. End your self-care Sunday by sitting somewhere by yourself, closing your eyes, and taking a few deep breaths. (If you already have a favorite deep-breathing technique, you can do that).
There’s really no right or wrong way to do self-care Sunday. What’s most important is that you end the day feeling refreshed and ready to take on the week.