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Of late, self-care has become a controversial topic; especially with everything we’re learning from the internet about what is and is not self-care.
We tend to have a perception that there is only one right way to do self-care. What we fail to understand is that SELF-CARE is different for everyone. Totally different.
Just like we’re all so different from each other. What works for one person may not work for another.
So, if your definition of self-care looks completely different from what you see on social media, don’t worry; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
So, what is self-care?
Self-care is letting yourself do whatever it is you want to do.
It’s about being self-aware of how we feel at any given moment in time, then acting on that by prioritizing our needs.
And sometimes
Self-care is about doing nothing at all.
It’s all about knowing what works to help YOU feel good, without feeling guilty.
So, as you start reading these self-care ideas, keep in mind the ideas that make sense to you. Some may not.
Self-care ideas for women in 2020.
As I said, we are all different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. So, if you see anything that will work for you, note it or if it’s easier, simply download the self-care guide below after the post.
Every day say to yourself,
“I love myself for . . .” Tomorrow, do the same but make sure each day you say a different thing. Example: Monday: “I love myself for whom I am.” Tuesday: “I love myself for . . .”
Get a message.
Get a massage, and while you’re there schedule someone to deep clean your home.
When you come back, everything will be clean.
Now, enjoy pretending that you’re a relaxed human who has their life together and is super organized.
For home cleaning service, use Amazon house cleaning services.
Practice mindfulness.
Use mindfulness as a unique, fast, and fun way of reaching a calm and mindful you.
You gotta try this book—especially if you’re one of those people who find it hard to reach a state of mindfulness simply by following written instructions.
This book will give you a different meaning of mindfulness.
Although some apps offer interactive support, they also come with advertisements from their host, which causes distractions.
But this book provides a quick and enjoyable way of achieving a mindful state using only the physical pages of the book.
Get the book here for less than $6, and it only has about 25 pages.
Give yourself a Mani-Pedi.
Use products like This and This from Amazon.
You don’t need to go to a salon.
Have a facial mask.
My recommended face mask is this one. Every once in a while, do a face mask. Especially on weekends or make it night time routine.
Let your skin flourish just like you have always wanted as a result. This will not only make you feel good, but it’s healthy and boost self-esteem.
check its review here over 7000+ people recommended it
Get a full night’s sleep.
Try to get a full night’s sleep regularly. If you find yourself having trouble sleeping you could try drinking this tea before you go to bed.
It helps you to be calm and relax.
You could use a pillow mist on your pillow.
You can see how it works here. Another thing is to have dim light in the bedroom.
–Any of these ideas could help you get some calm sleep.
Indulge in a warm drink.
I don’t know if you have ever felt like this, but there’s something healing about holding and sipping on a warm drink.
It doesn’t matter what the time of day. A warm drink forces you to slow-down because you need to take your time to drink it.
And here is where the magic is—as you slow down, your breathing slows down, and things naturally become calmer internally.
So, if want some self-care time anytime, anywhere remember that you can go grab something warm to drink. Sip with care as you breathe.
Recommendation; If you like your hot drink to always stay warm check out this Mug warmer for Home/Office
Send yourself flowers.
Send yourself some nice-smelling flowers. It’s crazy, right?
I know how to make it even crazier.
Have them delivered to you in a public place like the office where other people will see and be like, daaaamn!
Watch the sky.
Have you ever tried watching the clouds? This is how you do it: Lie on your back, relax, and watch the sky. During this time, try to focus on one thing at a time.
Fix something.
Fix just one little thing at home that you have been procrastinating about for months.
Maybe that picture you have been wanting to hang on the wall; hang it now.
Or a button that needs to be replaced, or a drawer that’s stuck, maybe a light bulb that’s gone.
Recommendation: Check this must have a manual guidebook on how to fix little errands at your home. Helps you save money + time too.
Do something just for you.
Be intentionally selfish.
Do one thing today just because it makes you happy.
Unplug.
Try to do this every day for one hour. Switch everything off and free yourself from the internet slave of social media and email.
Get away from all the internet buzz and see how you feel afterwards. I always unplug at night before I go to bed.
Take a physical challenge.
You could run or walk around the block for some fresh air.
Make a small change in your diet.
Make one small change to your diet. You could add extra veggies to your meals, or start carrying water to work.
Have a good laugh.
Yes, a good laugh. In fact, you should do this often. The hard part is this: how do you make yourself laugh?
You could try watching a funny video on Swagbucks funny videos or watch funny shows on Amazon Prime Videos free.
Do something crazy funny.
Make yourself a whole cake. LIKE, A WHOLE CAKE, NOT JUST A SLICE!
Munch it up. Ahha!. But make sure you don’t overeat and don’t forget to take photos.
Try a pillow mist or spray.
Plunge into relaxation with the power of nature! This ALL-NATURAL pillow spray will spread its soothing effects on your pillow, offering you the healing benefits of aromatherapy.
You could spray it at night before you go to bed.
Get the best pillow spray. here
Take multivitamins.
It’s important to take supplements, like multivitamins, every day to boost your health and stay energized.
I recommend this one; I have been taking it for a few years now. You can also check this other recommendation here
Take a…
long, warm bath or home spa. Taking a bath with the right essentials can be therapeutic.
Some people miss the key bits here when it comes to taking a bath as self-care.
How you prepare for bath time matters a lot. For instance,
This is how I prepare for a long bath:
- I make sure the bathroom is warm and clean.
- I light some nice fresh-smelling candles this is what is used.
- I use a waterproof bath pillow to support my head.
- I add this unique bath bombs and grab a drink– warm tea or wine–and place it in a bath cup holder.
- Then, I put on some calm music in the background or maybe some white noise with a waterproof speaker
You see, when I’m surrounded by things I love during a long bath, it has a relaxing effect.
During my bath, when I’m all alone, I reflect, visualize, dream big, set goals–all while relaxing.
So, if you want to make a long bath your next self-care idea, make sure you make it right. Surround yourself with things you love that provide comfort.
Write down a compliment.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember the nice things that people have said to you. So, I made a decision–when I get a compliment.
I write it down in my notes on my phone. That way when I’m feeling unsure of myself, it’s easy to access.
Brag about something.
Post something random you’re proud of on social media. For instance, bake some cookies and post them.
Sometimes the world needs a reminder of how awesome you are! So think of something random you’re awesome at, and brag about it.
Remind yourself.
That you are responsible for your own happiness. You own it and control it, so don’t let someone else bring you down.
Again, remind yourself as often as you can that you are responsible for your own happiness.
In fact, save this image on Pinterest as a reminder.
Related:5 specific habits that will make you a happier person always.
Read or listen to a book.
Try to read or listen to at least one new book a month. As you know, reading comes with many advantages.
But in this post, I will only mention how reading has a positive impact on self-care.
Reading is a way to internally travel to another world. Reading will provide you with an imaginative break from your work and life drama.
Best of all, reading self-improvement books helps boost your memory, and you become knowledgeable of what you need to do to become a better person.
It also boosts confidence, mental sharpness, and helps develop strong analytical thinking skills.
So, whatever sparks your interest when it comes to reading, go for it, whether it’s magazines or books.
My books of all time are: The Gifts of Imperfection and The Power Of Habits
Click here to get Audio Version of The Gifts Of Imperfection.
Click here to get Audio Version of The Power of Habit.
If you are not into reading, then listen to audiobooks instead.
I usually read books, but I have been super busy, so I prefer to listen to audiobooks from Audible.
It’s the best thing that has happened to me regarding self-care.
If you want to try this, click here and search for a book you want to listen to for free.
Download 2 free audiobooks from Audible here.
Sing karaoke.
Find your favourite karaoke song on YouTube, play the karaoke on your iPad, and have your phone recording at the same time as you sing.
Ahh, listen to the songs now! I call it a stupid fan.
I enjoy it, and you might want too. By the way, I have a list of all those recordings let’s hope my phone never gets stolen and someone sees them.
Explore new cultural recipes.
Try out different recipes from a different culture, cook them, take a pic, and post it on Pinterest.
It doesn’t matter how it turns out; be proud and share it! Be proud to say you tried a different meal from a different culture.
Design a collage.
Create a college full of images that make you happy and remind you of good times.
Then print them here for free. Buy a picture frame like this one, and display it near you either desk work or in your bedroom.
Spend time with a pet.
If you are a pet person, find a cat/dog café and cuddle with a few furry friends.
Related; Budget-friendly pet gift ideas
Freshen your look.
Get a new hairstyle, haircut, or dye your hair a different colour.
Rearrange your furniture.
Move things around a little bit to get a new perspective.
Spend an afternoon in an…
Art gallery Just tries it. Even if you are not an art person, there is something that comes with staring at art.
It’s almost a keen and mindful process as you look at it.
Be crazy.
Come up with a new dance and perform it in your living room. As weird as it sounds, it’s an awesome feeling.
I do this once a week during one of my workout days.
All you need is a Bluetooth stereo speaker to use.
Exercise to keep fit and healthy.
It’s important. These days you can even exercise at home with online programs like Sobekick.
Where you don’t need to go to a gym but instead watch a gym class live, and do the workout along with them in your own home.
Write down…
what you’re proud of. Make it a habit to write down 5 things that make you feel proud of yourself.
Dare yourself.
Try out a new sport. This year I started boxing, and I’m learning how with this app online.
It feels different and so good. So, try out one new sport. See this article for other great reasons women should start boxing.
Say no.
Say no to those extra commitments. It might be hard, but it’s important to avoid having baggage sometimes.
And some people will always take advantage.
For instance, in the office, they may assign extra tasks because they know you may not have the confidence to say no.
Do not let that happen. Make the practice of saying NO to extra commitments a part of your self-care plan.
Watch your favorite TV show.
Schedule an evening of watching your favorite TV show.
But, this time switch off your phone so you can genuinely focus on enjoying it without distractions.
Get rid of negative baggage.
Trash anything from your past with negative baggage. For instance, gifts from your ex only remind you of what happened.
Trash it and forget.
If it’s your best friend who betrayed you, trash it.
Never to see those negative reminders again.
Life has to move on, and this time is all about you, and positive vibes.
Listen to a motivational song.
As soon as you get up, or when you’re commuting to work, listen to a great song you find especially motivating.
You can also try listening to TED Talks from TED.com,
or audiobooks for 30 days free.
Free your mind.
Make a conscious effort to let go of grudges you have against people around you and those you know. Move on.
Free your mind from that prison
Bake some cookies.
Bake some great smelling cookies, then share them with your neighbors. (Even the ones who don’t talk to you. LOL. I’m kidding.)
Share with your close neighbors, who are friends.
Create a smoothie.
In the evening after work, make a smoothie with fresh fruits and vegetables,
pour it into a smoothie bottle like this one, store it in the fridge for the next morning, then carry it to work.
Declutter your house.
Go room-by-room with a set amount of time for each.
Start with your closet. Clear out clothes you don’t need.
And sell them on eBay or download Letgo sell them there
- If you have unused gift cards, sell at Raise.com.
- If you have some old electronics like cell phones or dad’s old CDs, you can sell them on Decluttr US or musicMagpie in the Uk
Once you’re done, you’ll have an environment surrounded by things that you love and use often.
Get out and about.
Go see a movie by yourself. Yes, you–alone. It’s good to spend some time alone.
You might learn new things about yourself that you don’t know. Try it out and see!
Do something good for
…someone else. Send a little gift care package to someone you love and adore.
Surprise them! That great feeling you’ll get is because you did something kind for someone.
And that feeling alone is fully satisfying. Imagine how surprised they will be; their heart will melt.
And all because of a simple act from you.
Start a money-saving campaign.
Set aside a little money each week in a money jar like this one. Save for a vacation fund.
It’s very possible, especially since I know you are a GO-for, in person.
That with awesome affordable vacation houses via Airbnb, it will make it easier for people like you and me who need to travel on a budget.
Check out some of the homes Airbnb have, and you will be shocked by how beautiful and affordable they are.
Just check them out and see what I mean, Click here to see more details
Contact an old friend.
Go to your phone or Facebook friends list and contact someone you haven’t spoken to in ages.
Maybe an old high-school friend–to bring back some memories from the good old’ days.
Set yourself up for a Challenge.
For instance, look for a book club or an art class and join.
Or you could volunteer at charity shops once a month.
Listen to one of your…
All-time-favourite actors are reading an audiobook. Imagine the feeling of listening to them without seeing them with you as the only audience. Fun, right?
This is how you can try it:
Get a free download of Audible from Amazon, enter your favourite actor’s name in the search box, and the results will include all the books he might have participated in. Here is the link to try out.
Turn to some positive vibes.
Look for some positive news stories to balance out the negative coverage.
Sometimes you just don’t want to hear what politicians are doing to humankind.
It’s sad and there is really nothing much sometimes we can do about it.
Do something nice for a stranger.
For example, give a sincere compliment to someone at the supermarket, on the train, grocery store, anywhere.
See how to smile because of something you have done. And in return, you may even feel twice as good because, one–you tried something new, and two–you made someone else genuinely happy.
Imagine how you would feel if one day while shopping at your grocery store, someone stopped you and complimented you. Imagine that feeling, and go try it out!
Shop online.
Sometimes shopping online can be a nice way to spend your time and help you relax.
For instance, I love spending my self-care time shopping online.
Here is one example of how you can go about it.
Have a look at what you’ve wanted to buy and have delayed so you can buy it later.
Now go online, shop around for prices, and see which place it best place to buy it.
What’s fascinating is that when you’re shopping online, you can use money saving websites like Swagbucks and Ebates, where you can get up to 40% cash back. Signing up with them is free, and they have apps, which makes it easier to use.
Sign up for Swagbucks to 20%+ get cash back.
Sign up for Ebates to get $10 back when you spend $25.
TO WRAP THINGS UP
So, you have learned what self-care is.
And I have given you plenty of self-care ideas you can try.
Now the ball is on your side; take what works for you, and practice it!
Related Posts.
10 daily habits that will positively change your life.
10 clever tips to make your life feel a little bit easier.
5 things must do before bedtime.
Self-care tips that will help you relax after a long day.
5 specific steps for a super productive week
10 organizational hacks for the lazy girl.
6 specific habits that will make you consistently a happier person.
I tried too – I found it but the process to get it was, well, lenghty – had to click on squares that had a street sign – tried 3 times – without success – too long and complicated
I tried to download the free printable about 40 self care ideas but couldn’t find a download link. I came from Pinterest and now I’m frustrated. I was looking forward to it.
Thank You