The term “self-care” has become such an overused cliché, often misconstrued (or used as an excuse) for being selfish. But I think it’s something we could all use more of.
So many of us spend so much time making other people happy. You take care of your family, work hard at your job, and help people around you. And those are all great things to do. But I think it’s important to make time for yourself, too. I know it makes me feel so much better when I really take the time to just be kind to myself and do things that make me happy and productive. And that includes doing more than what you typically do. So if you spend a lot of time relaxing on the couch and watching tv, that’s fine, but you should switch it up and try some other things too!
So here’s my list of fun and relaxing self-care ideas. I made them all things you can do in a weekend, since most people don’t have much time during the week and consider the weekend their time to reset. You can do each of these a weekend or any time. Some of them can be new habits or ideas you can practice regularly. I hope this helps!
- Go see a movie
- Binge-watch a show on Netflix
- Listen to some relaxing or upbeat music
- Read a book
- Go for a walk
- Take a bubble bath
- Enjoy your favorite snack or dessert
- Try a new recipe
- Give yourself a manicure or pedicure, or go out and get one
- Cook a meal for yourself
- Have a staycation at a local hotel or Airbnb
- Meditate to clear and calm your mind
- Get a massage
- Say “no” to something you really don’t want to do
- Have lunch or coffee with a friend
- Spend some time outside & get some sun if you can
- Clean and declutter your room or house
- Look through old photos and photo books
- Start or write in a journal
- Color in a coloring book
- Play a game with a friend or family member
- Do something fun that you’ve never done before, like an escape room or axe throwing
- Listen to a fun or inspiring podcast
- Spend some time at an animal shelter and play with the dogs and cats (consider adopting one!)
- Take a nap or get to bed earlier
- Do a face mask
- Make a vision board
- Go to a museum or art gallery
- Do some yoga or stretching to relax your body
- Donate unwanted items to charity
- Take a social media break
- Do your hair and makeup, even if you have nowhere to go
- Light candles or diffuse essential oils
- Take your vitamins
- Attend a meetup or social event
- Go to the gym
- Get your camera and take pictures of things in your home or outside
- Do something fun and creative, like paint or draw
- Spend some time with people you love
- Make a list of all the things you love about yourself
- Take a road trip
- Read a magazine or a blog
- Play video games
- Bake and decorate cookies
- Pay for a stranger’s order at Starbucks
- Buy some fresh flowers to put in your home
- Go shopping
- Watch your favorite Youtube channels
- Make a list of positive affirmations and repeat them to yourself over the weekend
- Do something you loved to do when you were a kid, but don’t do much anymore
- Try a new restaurant
- Work on something you wish you had more time for, like writing or organizing
- Try a new hobby
- Sing and dance along with throwback songs
- Volunteer at an animal shelter or food bank
- Make a list of goals and dreams + ways you can achieve them
- Make a new friend
- Redecorate your home
- Catch up with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while
- Walk or play with your dog/pet
- Take a class or course
- Make a list of things you’re grateful for
- Drink lots of water
- Buy or try on some new clothes
- Plan for the upcoming week
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