It's self care Sunday! Everyone needs a little TLC every now and again, but sometimes the thought of all the work you need to do can make it hard to find time for yourself. 

When you’re in the thick of things, it’s easy to forget to care for yourself. But we all need a little self-care once in a while. Whether you’re dealing with work stress, relationship problems, or a case of the Sunday scaries, we’ve got 25 great ideas to help you recharge.

1. Relaxing music

   
   Music has been shown to be an effective stress reliever and a good way to relax and unwind. It has a positive effect on people’s moods and mental health.

2. Exercise, yoga, or swimming

   
   Exercise is an important part of a balanced lifestyle and a healthy body. It increases energy, boosts mood, improves memory, and improves concentration. Exercise strengthens your muscles, bones, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

3. Meditating

   

   Research shows meditation can lower stress, blood pressure, and help people cope with the demands of daily life. People who meditate tend to experience less anxiety and depression, and more positive emotions. Regular meditation practice also helps to improve one’s ability to concentrate and learn new things, as well as helping them to increase their happiness levels.
    

4. Get outdoors

   

   Going outside can help you connect with the natural world, and it can also help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, research has shown that spending time in natural environments improves people’s moods and increases their sense of well-being.

5. Take a nap
   It helps you recharge, replenish your energy, and it’s a good way to relax and clear your mind.

6. Journal

   

   Writing down our feelings can help us understand them better. This gives us a chance to process what has happened and how we feel about it. This helps in reducing stress and anxiety.

7. Give someone special a hug

   

   Hugging can make us feel a sense of belonging and being accepted. You might feel a bit more relaxed when you give someone a hug. Studies show it can boost the chemical oxytocin in our brains, which makes us feel more relaxed and less stressed out. 

8. Read a book

   
   Reading can be a relaxing pastime and can be a great way to improve your self-knowledge and self-awareness. It can also teach you new things.

9. Pamper yourself.

   

   Pamper yourself with a spa day at home. A great way to de-stress is to get away from your daily routine and give yourself a little treat. You deserve it.

10. Take a walk

    

    Walking is a great form of exercise that helps to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also a wonderful way to relax and unwind.

11. Have a chat with your loved one.

12. 

    It’s amazing how talking to your loved ones can help you relax. It also helps to alleviate your stress and anxiety levels.

13. Take a nice, long bath or shower.

    
    Baths are a wonderful way to relax and unwind. They have a positive effect on your mood, and they can help you feel more at ease and comfortable. Add eucalyptus for an extra refreshing, spa-like feel.

14. Watch a movie

    A movie can give you a chance to find some calm, and feel better. It is an excellent way to spend time with friends and family. 

15. Do some yoga

    

    Yoga can be a wonderful form of exercise that helps to improve your concentration and concentration levels. It can also improve your mood.

16.  Give yourself a manicure and pedicure

    
    Photo by Bryony Elena on Unsplash

    If you feel like your nails need some attention, why not give them some TLC? A manicure and pedicure can help get rid of those pesky hangnails or chipped polish. And, when your nails are in good shape, you’ll look and feel great.

17. Watch a sunset

    
    It's a perfect way to finish a long day, get rid of stress - and feel like a million bucks. The golden light of the sunset can be so peaceful.

18.  Go to the grocery store and buy pre-made food

    Sometimes, you just don't feel like spending the time and energy preparing meals and that's okay. You deserve a break.

19. Say 5 Nice Things About Yourself in Front of a mirror 

    Positive self-talk helps you to stay optimistic. When you tell yourself that you are great, it will give you a boost of energy make you feel more confident.

20. Make your bed.

    
    You heard this right. Making your bed can give you a sense of peace and calm. It also helps you feel more relaxed.

21. Make Yourself a Cup of Tea

    You can drink a hot cup of tea in the evening or on a cold winter day. A cup of tea can be soothing and relaxing.  You'll feel more at ease in no time.

    

22. Color for 15 minutes

    While you’re at it, try coloring. Color therapy is a great way to relax, it's fun for kids and adults, and it can improve your ability to concentrate. It helps you clear your mind, get centered, and express yourself.

23. Do some stretchingStretching can help increase blood flow and release endorphins. It also helps build strength in the muscles, increases flexibility, and can make you feel more relaxed and energetic.

24. Practice Gratitude

    Gratitude is a great way to change your outlook on life. If you can focus on the positives, then you can enjoy a better quality of life. Try this: Make a list of 10 things that are important in your life and write down why you're grateful for each of them.

25. Do a breathing exercise

    

    Breathing exercises can help you relax and calm yourself. They can also help you concentrate. Here's a simple breathing exercise: Sit or stand with your spine straight and your feet together. Take a deep breath in and out through your nose. As you breathe in, count to four, then exhale slowly and count to eight. 

Here is what you should know:

Taking better care of your physical and emotional needs will make you healthier, more creative, and more energized. You will be able to give your best to others.  It will make you feel better about yourself and the world around you.  Self-care isn't selfish.  You deserve to take care of yourself. You deserve to get the rest and relaxation that you need.

References:

MUHAMMAD ALI ADRIANSYAH – International Conference on Public Health. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2022, from http://theicph.com/id_ID/2018/04/07/the-effectiveness-of-hugging-in-reducing-depression-and-the-feeling-of-powerlessness-in-the-affected-adolescents/20-muhammad-ali-adriansyah/

Allen, S. F., Wetherell, M. A., & Smith, M. A. (2020). Online writing about positive life experiences reduces depression and perceived stress reactivity in socially inhibited inspaniduals. Psychiatry Research, 284, 112697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112697

Inami, Takayuki, et al. “Acute Changes in Autonomic Nerve Activity during Passive Static Stretching.” Science and Education Publishing Co., Ltd., 13 Jan. 2014, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274517864_Acute_Changes_in_Autonomic_Nerve_Activity_during_Passive_Static_Stretching.

Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Grandpierre, Z. (2019). Mindfulness in Nature Enhances Connectedness and Mood. Ecopsychology, 11(2), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2018.0061 

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