September is National Self-Care Awareness Month! Self-care prompts us to slow down and turn inward to discover how we can show up for ourselves through all seasons of life. Furthermore, self-care isn’t selfish. Instead, it fills our cups so we can pour love into others without running ourselves dry.
However, when life gets busy, it’s typically the first thing to land on the back burner. If you need a bit of inspiration to kickstart your self-care journey, we’ve got you covered! Here are 12 ways to practice self-care during Self-Care Awareness Month and beyond.
Start Your Day With Gratitude
The key to self-fulfillment is gratitude. Though expressing gratitude is possible (and encouraged) anytime, there’s no better time than first thing in the morning. It sets the tone for the day ahead, grounds you in the present moment and improves your mood over time.
Although you can express gratitude in many ways, we recommend keeping a gratitude journal. Writing down everything you’re grateful for is a helpful tool for days when you need a pick-me-up. Remember, there’s always something to be thankful for – even when times are tough.
Don’t Be Afraid to Treat Yourself
Financial wellness is all about balance. While saving money is essential, treating yourself to something nice every so often feels terrific. Show yourself love by buying flowers, a yummy dinner or a new outfit that boosts your confidence.
Indulge in self-care and achieve ultimate comfort by treating yourself to Softies’ luxurious selection of loungewear, sleepwear and robes! Our versatile, buttery soft styles are a perfect addition to your self-care routine.
Honor Your Emotions
It’s ok to have off days – it happens to the best of us! Although it can be uncomfortable, honoring your emotions during tough times is a crucial component of self-care.
You may feel that your negative emotions last days, weeks, months or even years. However, when you have an adverse reaction to something in your environment, a 90-second chemical process occurs in the body. Anything that lasts longer than this is simply a memory of the emotions that existed in the past.
So, the next time you’re feeling stuck in a negative thought loop, remember that you have the option to exit it at any time. Feel your feelings, breathe into them and then let them pass.
Pick Up a New Hobby
Although it’s easy to push hobbies aside when you’re busy with work or other responsibilities, finding a creative outlet is essential to improving your overall wellbeing. Instead of scrolling through social media or turning on the TV, dedicate a small portion of your day to a hobby. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some ideas to help get you started:
- Gardening
- Yoga
- Cooking
- Knitting
- Painting
- Photography
Read a Book
Dust off the book sitting on your nightstand and get to reading! Reading has many health benefits, from preventing cognitive decline to reducing stress. It’s also an excellent replacement for screen time and easier on your eyes.
Whether you like to read for education or entertainment, there are millions of books to choose from. Pick a genre you like, find a book that piques your interest and read!
Repeat Mantras or Affirmations
Sometimes, we need a little extra love. Although it’s fantastic to feel loved by others, turning inward for love and validation is important too. After all, the only person who has been by your side through life’s highs and lows is you.
Repeating affirmations will help shift your mindset to a more positive state where you’re more open to giving and receiving love. We recommend jotting them down in a journal or repeating them to yourself in the mirror. If you need a bit of inspiration, here are a few ideas:
- I am strong, confident and beautiful.
- I am capable of achieving all of my wildest dreams.
- I am enough.
For more inspiration, check out these 10 positive affirmations for menopause and women’s health.
Take a Walk
Spending time outdoors is the best way to ground yourself in the present moment. After a long day, mindfully walking through nature while focusing your intentions on the senses will clear your mind in no time.
While walking can be meditative, it’s also a form of exercise. Walking releases endorphins (“feel good” chemicals), which help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your mood. So adding a 20-minute walk to your daily routine is a must!
Experiment With Home Cooking
Eating out seems like the easiest option when you’re crunched for time. However, it’s almost impossible to know who makes your food or what ingredients they use.
A home-cooked meal is good for the soul. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s on your plate when you eat it. Taking the time to cook is a great way to sneak in some self-care. Cook a childhood favorite or experiment with a cultural dish! Sure, it might flop – but it might also become your new favorite!
Know When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No”
Balance is essential for a happy life. Knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no” is a necessary part of maintaining balance and upholding your boundaries. Saying “yes” to things that might seem scary at first, like trying a dance class or meeting a new friend, often feels rewarding. However, we can’t say “yes” all the time – saying “no” is equally as important.
Knowing when we need to take a step back and relax is an essential part of self-care. Whenever you’re uncertain of what to say, listen to your gut!
Set Goals
Setting goals you’re passionate about is a fantastic way to rekindle your love for life. Take the time to sit down with a pen and paper and write down your goals for the next year, the next five years, and the next ten years. Don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars!
Once you’ve set your goals, commit to taking little steps toward your goal each day. Place your list of goals somewhere you can see them, like on the bathroom mirror or next to your bed, as a reminder. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you reach them.
Invest in Morning and Nighttime Routines
Investing time and energy in your morning and nighttime routines is a game changer. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, it’s important to create practices that are both healing and grounding. Here are some morning routine ideas:
- Wash your face
- Drink a glass of lemon water
- Meditate
- Write down three things you’re grateful for
And here are some nighttime routine ideas:
- Drink a cup of warm, non-caffeinated tea
- Read ten pages of a book
- Stretch or do yoga
- Shut off your phone 30 minutes before bed
Forgive Yourself and Let Go
The most important part of self-care is forgiveness. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. However, we don’t have to look at our faults with contempt. Forgiving yourself for mistakes and learning from them is key to good mental health a happy life.
Once you’ve done that, all you can do is move forward. You deserve happiness, peace and love as much as everyone else.
Explore these 18 self-care ideas for moms for more ways to celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month.
Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month With Softies
While National Self-Care Awareness Month is the perfect time to experiment with self-care practices that nurture you, finding ways to care for yourself year-round is essential.
Practice self-care anytime, anywhere with Softies! Our exquisite loungewear, pajamas and robes will leave you feeling relaxed, comfortable and confident around the clock.
Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month with Softies!
