If you’re finding yourself feeling worn out and in need of some serious R&R, you’re not alone. As women, we take on so many responsibilities and tend to put others’ needs above our own…. which over time, can often leave us feeling tired and burned out. That’s why self care is so important because it lets you enjoy a weekly self-care ritual where you can get some much needed pampering, alone time and relaxation.
My philosophy has always been that if you don’t take care of yourself first, it will become much harder to take care of others who depend on you. That’s the reason why when you’re boarding an airplane and they go over the lifesaving instructions, the flight attendants remind you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping anyone else. Your health and happiness should always be a priority because in the end, you can’t help anyone unless you are able to help yourself.
Here are the best self-care rituals to implement into your weekly routine to get some much needed relaxation, and in turn, become a happier and more balanced person:
Schedule some alone time
Having alone time is so important to mental health, emotional wellness and overall happiness. In a busy, ever-changing and demanding world, it can be hard to find some time for ourselves, either to do something that we love or even nothing at all. That’s why it’s so important to carve a chunk out of your day to do just that, even if it’s only 30 minutes. It’s important to unplug from the world and other people around you to just focus on yourself and enjoy your own company for a while. Treat your alone time as sacred time. It’s the only time that you have for you.
Try deep breathing or meditation
Did you know that your body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing? Taking some time out of your day to be still and breathe deeply is incredibly beneficial to emotional, mental and physical health. Breathing deeply relaxes the mind and body and brings clarity, detoxifies the body, releases tension, relieves emotional problems and elevates mood.
Start journaling
Writing is a reflection of your thoughts just as a mirror is a reflection of your body. Journaling can give you a glimpse into your conscious mind like no other method can. It promotes clarity and can make you feel calmer. Journaling can help you identify emotional roadblocks and negative thought patterns that you might not even know you had. It can help you solve problems and remind you to make some positive changes to ensure your emotional wellbeing.
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
Put on your favourite music, take out your nail kit and cuticle oil, and treat yourself to an at home manicure or pedicure. Painting nails can be incredibly relaxing and, as a bonus, freshly painted nails happen to need time to set, so it’s the perfect way to unplug from your phone for a while and rediscover your zen.
Start dry body brushing
I recently found out about the amazing benefits of dry brushing and now incorporate it in my beauty and self-care routine. What’s dry brushing, you ask? Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… it’s brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering. The skin is typically brushed towards the heart, starting at the hands and feet and brushing towards the chest. Dry brushing exfoliates your skin and makes it so soft, increases circulation, helps break up cellulite, and provides lymphatic support and detoxification. It’s easy to incorporate this ritual into your routine because all you need is a firm, natural bristle brush.
Get a deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is wonderful because it soothes achy muscles and relaxes your entire body. Whether it’s done at the spa or at home by your significant other, deep tissue massage is one of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate your body.
Stretch or do some yoga
Stretching your body or doing yoga has so many physical and mental benefits. Not only does it improve your strength and flexibility when it’s done over time, but stretching and yoga can also bring you mental clarity and inner serenity.
Curl up with a good book
This is my favourite self-care ritual because, if you’re a bookworm like me, then nothing brings you greater joy than curling up with a really good book that you’ve been dying to read. I like to pour myself a cup of some hot tea, curl up with the softest blanket I own, and enjoy a few hours of uninterrupted reading.
Put on a face mask and run yourself an epsom salt bath
Treat yourself to a lovely night at home by putting on a nourishing face mask (my favourite is the Too Cool for School Pumpkin 24K Gold Sheet Mask). For a true pampering experience, light your favourite candles in the bathroom and run yourself a hot epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are amazing relaxants because they relieve muscle tension and inflammation in the joints of your hands, hips and feet, while also eliminating pain and aches in those areas. Sounds pretty blissful to me!
Do more of what makes you feel good
This self-care ritual is pretty self explanatory. You already know what makes you feel good — really good. Now, do more of that! Prioritize your free time around activities and hobbies that make you happy, because let’s face it, life is too short to be anything less than happy. We all have mundane every day moments and frustrations, so fill your life with joy by doing more of what makes you feel amazing!
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