Sometimes when we are struggling with mental health, the “little” things we don’t think will do much, often are the greatest help. Self-care doesn’t have to be a holiday, retail therapy, or a spa trip, it can be things that don’t break the bank or things that can be done in the space of your own home that you may not always believe are self-care.
Likewise, often self-care feels selfish because we have been taught to do things for others, and as soon as we do something for ourselves, we feel guilty. However, that is not how it should be. You have to put yourself first, so this weekend… do exactly that.
So, we have put together a list of things for you to do this weekend of “little” things you can do to care for you.
1. Clean your space
Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring or something you dread doing; it can be extremely up-lifting. A clean space equals a clean mind (or as close as can be!) It is a great and healthy way to take your mind off all your troubles and has amazing end results.
Whether you clean one room, the whole house, or even just your desk… do it with the intention of making yourself feel good. You can even put on your favourite music and make cleaning your space fun.
2. Light a candle or use essential oils
There is no better feeling than having a clean space and lighting a candle or using essential oils to finish the job.
Essential oils can be extremely cheap, effective, and versatile. Scents have the power to change your mood, personally we recommend lavender and eucalyptus to help anxiety, or if you’re feeling down use peppermint, lemon, or orange scents.
If you don’t have access to any of these, pop some rosemary or lavender in a pot of boiling water and let the aroma do its job, or even the power of warm lighting can do the job and gives the impression of a calm space.
3. Watch your favourite movie or series
Often it can be easy to feel guilty watching your favourite film or show because it doesn’t seem like self-care because it doesn’t feel “productive”, but who says self-care has to be productive? Self-care is when you are enjoying what you are doing and putting on your favourite film or tv show is one easy way to feel good. There is no need to feel selfish, this IS self-care.
4. Be in nature
Nature is a healer… we know this. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to go for a walk or go to the beach or the park, it can simply be opening up your window and breathing in the fresh air.
5. Have a dance party for one
“Alexa, play my favourite song”
The power that music has to change your mood has been proven over and over again, so why not use it as a form of self-care?
Create a playlist of all your favourite feel-good songs and put it on the speakers. Sing at the top of your lungs, dance till you can’t stand… let go using the power of music.
6. Start a bullet journal
Journaling can be overwhelming, maybe words aren’t your thing. Try bullet-journaling, it’s the most creative and freeing way of getting your thoughts out of your mind and giving your mind a rest. IT can be fun, and you can be as creative as you like. There are no rules… do what you want with it and do it mindfully.
7. Cook a meal for yourself
It’s easy to think that self-care is tjust treating yourself to a takeaway but cooking a meal for yourself can be an even healthier and more cost-effective way of caring for yourself through the art of food.
Cooking can provide structure, a sense of accomplishment, and a creative outlet. Studies have shown that cooking can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, so cook yourself a meal this weekend, set the table nicely… have a date with yourself!
8. Call a friend
Sometimes all we need is to chat with a friend or family member who has the best intentions for you. A little laugh with a friend can go a long way and can reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and low mood. Even just a ten-minute call with a good friend has the power to uplift your mood.
9. The power of art
Remember when you were a child and doodling was the greatest form of expressing your imagination?
The power it held back then still has the power now to make you feel good.
No one is saying you have to draw inside the lines or be the next Van Gogh, but doodling, painting, and colouring are ways to get in touch with your inner child, have fun, and be mindful.
10. Sleep is self-care too
Why do we feel so guilty when we allow ourselves to sleep for a little longer than normal?
We shouldn't... Sleep is one of the greatest forms of self-care. It is a necessity, yet we feel guilty for it and that is not how it should be. So, this weekend sleep in a little longer and enjoy it... you deserve it.
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