Trying to follow an influencer’s elaborate self-care routine can leave you feeling more tired than relaxed. While their methods may look picture-perfect, here is a guide to a self-care day that actually feels good.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Begin with intention
This can actually start the night before. Set yourself up for a slow, steady morning. I’m talking about a good night of rest and not setting an alarm. Let your body get the rest that it needs! When you wake up, allow yourself a few minutes of sunlight, through the window or outdoors. This is scientifically proven to boost mood and support energy levels throughout the day.
Then, wash your face, brush your teeth, or shower (if you’re a morning shower-er). Make sure to drink a cup of water before indulging in coffee or tea! Another important activity is some gentle movement. Stretch in a way that feels good – you don’t have to follow a routine.
Breakfast
The most important meal of the day, and yet, it is often overlooked. For today, make something that nourishes your heart and your body. The key to nutrition is to be additive, not subtractive. If you’re craving pancakes, add a side of fruit or a green juice.
Enjoy your breakfast without screens, sit outside, or listen to a podcast. Eating while distracted is a quick way to scarf down a meal without being mindful, leading to poor digestion and satiety.
Nourish your body
A long bath or shower (if you haven’t already had one) is a great way to wind down and rejuvenate your skin. Complete with bath oils or salts for an elevated experience. Be sure to moisturize your skin afterwards to lock in those good products. Other options are a face mask, painting your nails, a hair mask, or exfoliating really well. Check out these science-backed skincare products to incorporate into your spa day.
Nourish your soul
Now that you are relaxed, you can do something that brings you joy. Perhaps this is an activity that brings you joy, but you don’t get to do often. Read, paint, bake, garden, or work on a puzzle. Anything that’s relatively “unplugged.” Personally, I find joy in decluttering my living space.
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Check in with yourself
At this point in the day, you may be tired of taking care of yourself or hungry for lunch. Pay attention to these cues. Make something (or order in) and take a quick nap. There are no wrong choices on a self-care day!
Dinner
If you’re an extrovert like me, a whole day alone isn’t exactly self-care. After spending the morning focused on yourself, you may want to go out to dinner with a close friend or even invite them over for a movie night. My opinion? Go for it! A reservation at your favorite place makes the day feel special. Just make sure to pick a reliable friend, it would suck to be cancelled on your self-care day.
Cozy Evening
As the day draws to a close, there is little better than cozying up and watching a movie or TV show. Lower the lights, grab a sweet treat, and choose your evening mood. Rom-com lover? Horror fanatic? No matter your genre preference, choose something that you want to watch. Today is all about you!
And there you have it! The perfect self-care day. Don’t like something on this list? Skip it! No hard feelings. Just make sure to do things that make you feel good, not what a sponsored influencer post says to do.
