Some Saturdays are more eventful than others. Some Saturdays are filled with loads of fun and social activity to stimulate us on all levels. These Saturdays fuel us, filling our proverbial cups with the warmth, love, comradery, and excitement we need to sustain us. Then there are other Saturdays. The Saturdays in which we'd rather be left to our own devices. The week has drained us and we find ourselves depleted mentally, emotionally, physically, and maybe even spiritually. Maybe that Saturday feels like today for you.
Perhaps this week has been a rough one for you. Disappointment has hit you like a ton of bricks one too many times. Almost feels like the last blow made all the hurt flow in, nearly drowning you emotionally. It is times like these when we have to dial up our self-care so that we are able to love on ourselves a little more.
What is self-care?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. The keyword here is "practice," meaning it's something we must continuously and consistently do for our overall health. That includes mentally, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally.
But what is self-love, then?
Self-love is a positive regard for yourself and a way to treat yourself with the same kindness and empathy you would show someone close to you. In short, it's the positive attitude towards self you must embody in order to practice self-care in the best way.
This is why self-care and self-love go hand in hand.
So how do we apply these things realistically?
While I try to make a habit to practice a bit of self-love each week, I sometimes forget. Life gets in the way. Deadlines take precedence. Items on the social calendar become obligations. And more often than I'd like to admit, and I'm sure others can agree, I forget to add myself to my to-do list.
So, if you've found yourself at the bottom of your to-do list more times than you'd like lately, this post is for you. It's easy to experience burnout before we realize we haven't been pouring into ourselves. But all is not lost. If you're looking for ways to practice self-care today or this weekend (and beyond), look no further.
Below is a list of 20 practical ways one can show themselves a bit of love and appreciation.
Here are some examples:
1. Buy yourself flowers. Add that beautiful box of chocolates. If you're not a fan of chocolate, go across town and purchase yourself an edible arrangement to enjoy all your own.
2. If your jam is moving around the kitchen, bake yourself some delectable sweets. Cookies sprinkled in cinnamon, cakes riddled with nuts, or those pretty tarts smothered in fruit are some great options for the season.
3. Cook yourself an exquisite meal. I mean something that's so rich in flavor, it sticks to your ribs in the best way. Let it be something you don't even mind having for left-overs tomorrow, if possible. Don't even worry about the calorie count or the carbs, love. And while you're at it, purchase yourself a lavish bottle of wine (if you indulge).
4. Make yourself a self-love playlist. Load it with songs that remind you of your strength, your beauty, and your power. There's nothing quite like hearing affirming words when you need the extra loving. And if you don't feel up to making one, feel free to enjoy one of mine here.
5. Listen to an uplifting sermon on YouTube or other streaming app. I love to listen to Sarah Jakes Roberts and Pastor Mike Jr., as I feel they always give me a powerful and timely word each time I tune in. If you don't have a favorite, search your favorite motivational speakers for inspiration and see if they have any offerings to pour into your heart for today and beyond. Be sure to hit that subscribe button!
6. Take yourself out to dinner and a movie. Perhaps you'd rather be out around others, but still to yourself. Enjoy that movie you've been wanting to see for weeks. Try that new restaurant you've been telling yourself you'd check out for the longest.
7. Buy yourself something from your wishlist. Remember that Ninja Slushie machine your sister-in-law was telling you was amazing? Or that new Foot Spa you promised you'd treat yourself to months ago? Buy it! Purchase yourself some new vinyl or a new book, if you so desire. Get yourself something "just because," today. You deserve it!
8. Connect with a good friend. Sometimes good conversation with someone who truly "gets" you can make a world of difference in your day. Give them a call and chat for hours, if time permits. Text them if you don't feel quite like talking. Or if you prefer to feel closeness with someone at this time, schedule a last-minute meet-up.
9. Give yourself a pedicure. Or go get a pedicure. Doing something to pamper yourself often makes you feel better about yourself. It gives your body the reminder that you are loved and you deserve to feel comfort.
10. Wear those special occasion underwear and lingerie you keep putting up and aside. Wear them under your outfit while you make your decadent meal. Wear them while you dance in the mirror to your self-love playlist. Wear them while you're curled up in your reading nook indulging in a good read.
11. Watch a documentary in your favorite subject. As a music lover, I'm always in the middle of watching something like this or this. I find something that both intrigues and relaxes me, so these jazz picks are perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon.
12. Take a nap in your most luxurious pajamas. You know those pretty pink satin PJs you keep with your special occasion underwear I mentioned before? You being here and present is a special occasion, so BRING THEM OUT, BRING THEM OUT! And yes, I typed this with T.I.'s voice in mind.
13. Try your hand at gratitude journaling. Listing things you are most grateful for with fountain pens in pink and purple ink offer reminders of all the good things in a creative way.
14. Learn a new line dance. Try belly-dancing. Queue your favorite dance playlist and have a dance party in your living room. You don't have to worry about who's watching in the comfort of your own home if you happen to make mistakes or don't get the dance routines down in two or three tries!
15. Start a self-love letter journal. In this journal, write love letters to yourself and go back to read them when you need a pick-me-up. I will be sharing the one I created for myself in the upcoming week, so be on the lookout for that!
16. Paint something-- create a sip-and-paint evening for yourself. Gather your favorite snacks, queue a soothing playlist, and put some color to canvas. Doing this always helps me to relax and take things slow, as I don't worry about the time as I do this.
17. Spend a bit of time outside in nature. It doesn't matter if you go to the local park, the nature trail in the next city over, or just decide to lounge out on your lawn with your blanket and warm boots. Make sure you get some uninterrupted time in some fresh air to ground yourself. It is one of my favorite ways to self-soothe.
18. Put your phone on do not disturb. Unless you have a set schedule you need to be mindful of at this time, give yourself a break by putting your phone down. Don't feel pressured to answer anyone's calls or respond to any messages for a while. It gives you time to attend to your own needs or simply take a breather if you are someone who always puts others first.
19. Plan for the week ahead. If you are someone who cannot simply sit still and rest, pull out your planner and set your goals for the upcoming week. Give yourself bonus points if you take the time to decorate your planner's weekly spread with cute stationery, pretty pens, and time-consuming doodles. This is a great way to get lost in time while still being productive.
20. Reorganize your space. This is a great option if you're someone who works for home or tends to have a lot of creative projects in your living space. Organize your bookshelf by color and add your stuffed animals to the shelves if they'll fit. Put your LEGO creations on display in a different place. Finally hang that dope wall art you bought months ago from the artist on Tiktok you adore. Sometimes sprucing up the space around you can make you feel more energized, focused, and inspired.
Finding ways to love on yourself does not always have to be such a chore if we are intentional about it. Create a list of your own and mark items off each week. Make a self-care plan like mine and put it in your planner. Discuss self-care with a trusted friend and hold each other accountable in taking care of yourselves. We have to take care of us, as our lives and overall health depends on it!
HOW ARE YOU LOVING ON YOURSELF THIS WEEKEND?
