What is self-care Sunday? Discover self-care ideas that you can work into any part of your weekend to recharge and rejuvenate yourself.
Do you ever feel that you recharge your phone more often than you recharge yourself?
In today's fast-paced world, taking time for self-care and recharging your batteries is essential. Self-Care Sunday is a way of ensuring that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone else.
Practicing self-care shouldn’t be a chore – a “perfect” self-care day can be whatever you want. Whether you prefer a cozy day indoors or an adventurous outing, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of your Self-Care Sundays.
1. Sleep In (But Not Too Late)
Sleeping in on the weekend is great, isn’t it? But oversleeping can wreak havoc on your body clock and make getting up on Monday challenging. Instead, try sleeping just a bit past your regular wake-up time, and take a short catnap (not more than 30 minutes) in the afternoon if you want to.
2. Wear Comfy Clothes
Need a pajama day in the worst way? We all do. Whether you’re a pajama or loungewear lover, wearing clothing that envelopes you in softness and comfort is a must on your list of self-care Sunday practices. We know you’ll fall in love with Softies’ functional pieces, timeless styles and high-quality fabrics.
3. Hydrate
The benefits of drinking water cannot be overstated. Water can help control calories, promotes healthy-looking skin, and energizes your muscles.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake for women is about 11.5 cups daily. About 20% of your daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from beverages, so start the day hydrated!
4. Start With a Good Sweat
Exercise: the word we love to hate. If you’ve fallen out of doing 30 minutes of daily exercise, remind yourself how good it feels to get a good sweat going. A long walk or hike, swimming, jogging, or cycling are great for your mind and body and a great way to start the day.
5. Eat a Good Breakfast
A relaxing breakfast may be a distant memory if you’re working full-time, hustling kids out the door for school (or both). So pour yourself a hot cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the breakfast of your choice. If you can get someone to make it for you, even better!
Read 18 Easy Self-Care Ideas for Moms
6. Journal
Journaling has been shown to reduce stress, reduce negative thoughts and emotions, and boost goal-setting efforts. You don’t need to purchase a fancy journal that you might be hesitant to use – any notebook and pen will do. Plus, writing with a pen (vs. a keyboard) reduces distraction, boosts creativity, helps memory and even improves eyesight.
7. Practice Gratitude
Cultivate a sense of gratitude by writing down three things you're grateful for, fostering positivity and appreciation. Use your existing journal or start a gratitude journal dedicated to expressing thankfulness.
8. Meditate
Like journaling, the benefits of meditation are well documented and include enhanced focus, peace of mind, and improved sleep. In addition, meditation may even help you manage symptoms of medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, chronic pain and depression.
Find a quiet corner of your home or step outside and set aside 10 to 15 minutes to simply be in the present moment. Focus on your breath, allowing it to guide you into a state of relaxation.
9. Avoid Screens For a Day
The constant input from television, social media and texting can put your nervous system into overdrive. So why not detox from all media one full day a week? Once you get over the initial panic, you may feel much calmer by the end of the day.
10. Work In Your Garden
Before the day's heat sets in, spend some time with your hands in the dirt. If you’re an apartment dweller or have no plantable yard, planting herbs for a kitchen windowsill also counts.
11. Try Something New for Lunch
You may repeatedly eat the same old things if your weekdays are jam-packed with work, school, or family events. So why not try that new recipe you never have time for?
12. Do Something You Enjoy
If you can’t think of anything to do that you enjoy, it’s been too long since you’ve paid attention to your own needs. We feel you. If nothing immediately springs to mind, why not try something new? Take a class, go to an outdoor concert, try a new restaurant – anything that makes you feel alive rather than just existing.
13. Remember the Great Outdoors
If you work outside the home (or even inside the house), you may need to get out. Go for a leisurely walk or jog in the park, have a picnic surrounded by lush greenery, or explore nearby hiking trails. Soak in the beauty around you, breathe in the fresh air, and let the sounds of nature relax your soul.
14. Burn Incense
Incense is often burned for aromatic or spiritual purposes and is available in various shapes and scents. Burning incense is a way to invite positive energy and transformation by energetically cleansing a space – or yourself – with smoke. It rejuvenates the air in your home, purifies your environment and releases a fresh, revitalizing smell.
15. Smudge Your Space
In addition to burning incense, burning sage (also known as smudging) has been practiced for centuries by various cultures for its potential benefits. Burning sage leaves has been associated with improving mental clarity, enhancing focus, and reducing stress and anxiety.
16. Read
Are you an e-book or paperback reader? Whether you’re into the latest best-selling novel or a personal growth book, lazy Sunday afternoons are a perfect time to slow down and escape daily life's pressures.
17. Visit With a Friend
If you’ve only seen your friends on social media, do yourself a favor and see people you love in person. Spending time with friends and socializing is quickly becoming a lost art. Strengthen your connections rather than let them wither away.
18. Go To The Movies or Binge-Watch a Series
If you don’t want to get away from screens, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of escapism to add a bit of happiness to your life. Whether you go to a theater or stay home to binge-watch your favorite series, break out the popcorn and enjoy yourself.
19. Craft
If you’re a knitter or crocheter, consider donating your talents to a good cause! Here are some resources for organizations who are looking for items you can make:
- NEGU: Knit beanies for kids with cancer
- Annie’s Caring Crochet Kit Club: A monthly subscription kit that includes all the instructions, patterns, and yarn you need to do projects for organizations making a real difference in people’s lives.
- Knots of Love: Free downloadable patterns for charitable projects
20. Turn On Some Music
Books and podcasts are great for learning, entertainment or catching up on current events. But when was the last time you danced in your living room? So pour a glass of wine or sparkling water, crank up some tunes you love and release some pent-up energy.
21. Have a Light Dinner
Ease your digestive system by having a light dinner early in the evening. If you enjoy cooking, why not spend some extra time preparing a special meal, just because? However, if cooking’s not your thing, you can visit a nearby restaurant and support your local economy. Take the time to sit down and savor each bite mindfully, appreciating the nourishment you are providing your body.
22. Plan For The Week Ahead
One of the best things you can do is prepare for events in advance. Leaving everything to the last minute increases stress on yourself and those around you. Look at your calendar, ensure you apprise loved ones of upcoming events and make appropriate arrangements for shopping trips or child care. Having something to look forward to is priceless, so plan fun things too.
23. Take a Luxurious Bath
Soaking in the tub is excellent for relaxation and multi-task pampering. Put on a facial mask, deep condition your hair, shave, and follow with your favorite body lotion for soft skin. Lastly, don a luxurious robe for the ultimate post-bath comfort. You’ll sleep like a baby later.
24. Express Yourself Creatively
Unleash your creativity and engage in activities that bring you joy. Pick up a paintbrush and create a masterpiece on canvas, or explore other forms of artistic expression that resonate with you. Don't worry about the outcome; focus on the process and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.
25. Declutter and Organize
Clearing your physical space can create a sense of calm and promote mental health, so dedicate time to declutter and organize your living environment. Don’t worry about perfecting your entire space. Just get started with one drawer or area at a time.
26. Practice Affirmations
Practicing affirmations is yet another thing you can do while soaking in the tub. Affirmations are phrases you repeat to yourself to help decrease negative thoughts and self-talk while instilling confidence and peace of mind.
27. Get Inspired
Seek motivation and inspiration from podcasts, TED Talks, or online courses that align with your interests and personal growth.
28. Revisit Your Goals
Self-reflection and goal-setting are powerful practices that can contribute to personal growth and self-improvement. Set aside time for introspection, reflect on your achievements, and set or revise your personal or professional goals.
29. Stretch
After your muscles are warmed up from a bath or shower, stretching is an effective way to improve your posture, increase your range of motion and enhance relaxation.
30. Date Yourself
If you’re dying to check out the new cafe in town, meander through an art exhibit, or stroll on the beach or lake, why not go it alone? Having time to yourself is an often-overlooked activity that gives you the space to relax, reflect and decompress.
31. Chill With Your Pet
Who doesn’t love extra time with their beloved pet? Cuddling with a pet offers companionship, emotional support, reduced stress, increased happiness, physical activity, improved self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility.
32. Get To Bed Early
Cap off your Self-Care Sunday by going to bed early. Not only will you get the extra sleep you probably need, but you’ll also be ready to take on the day when you awaken on Monday.
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Love Yourself In Softies
Self-Care Sundays are an essential part of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By dedicating a day each week to your well-being, you allow yourself the opportunity to recharge, reset, and cultivate self-love.
At Softies, we’re all about comfort and self-care. Our ultra-soft loungewear, sleepwear and robes have you covered, whether working from home, running errands or winding down in the evenings.
Why save your self-care for Sundays when you can indulge yourself every day? Stay cozy, comfy and relaxed around the clock with Softies!
