Everyone deserves a bit of “me time”. It’s a time to take to yourself and listen to what your mind, body, and soul are trying to tell you. It could be trying to tell you, “Hey girl, let’s stay in today” or even “I need a break from this house, get me out!”, needless to say, it’s a time everyone certainly needs.
I’ve found my best ideas come to me when I’m alone going for a walk in the park or while I’m whipping up a complicated dessert. It’s a time of calmness to your everyday storms. It’s important to take advantage of these key moments.
Don’t know where to start? Try out these 5 affordable ways to incorporate a bit of self-care into your life:
Spa Day, Your Way
Nope, you don’t need $100 bucks to achieve that spa glow! You can easily create an opulent experience of your very own right in your home.
Grab your favorite bathing gel, some coconut, lavender, or almond oil, and make your own dewy steaming bath. Soak until your fingers get wrinkled, then air dry on your bed while you listen to melodic tunes in the background.
Next, whip up an easy facial mask of turmeric powder, lemon juice, and honey. This mask will give you that spa day glow while also lightening your dark circles and spots. Wash your hair while you’re at it, just do what makes you feel super clean and super good. It’s your day.
RELATED: Redefining Self Care: Looking Beyond Trips And Spa Days
Morning Movies
Movies aren’t just for date nights and group outings. If you enjoy going to the movies, go! A few may be reluctant, but I’ve got a tip.
If you go to a morning matinee before 12 pm, it’s half the price and you more than likely will be there with other single movie-goers or none at all! Plenty of times I’ve had an entire movie theater to myself. No interruptions, cell lights, or unsolicited commentaries!
Mood. Music. Mediation.
When it comes to relaxation, the mood is everything. Close the blinds, turn off all the lights, and light the candles.
Turn on your favorite singer to a chill, moderate volume, then gather all your pillows onto the floor. Make a padding on the floor with your covers, and pillow to form almost a fort setting.
The point is to get super comfy and relaxed. Lay in the middle of it all on your back and simply close your eyes.
Take the time to listen to the thoughts going on in your head. Pay attention to the conflicts that arise, and calm them down by taking deep breaths. You’ll find solitude in stillness, I promise!
Hike To The Beat
Need to get out? Take a breath of fresh air on a hike at your local park. Getting active lets your endorphins run rampant. Grabbing your headset and going for a stroll is just the combination you need for a quick pick-me-up.
The sun will wake you up, the air will fill your lungs, and the walking will activate your system.
Not into walking or running? Make a game of it. Walk to the beat of your music and make a performance out of it. Who cares, who’s watching? They’re only wishing they could do the same!
RELATED: Here’s Your Guide To The Ultimate Self-Care Sunday
Cook To Release
If you love food, then you should love to cook. Prepping meals not only gives you time alone, it also gives you time to purely focus on one thing. When cooking, all your attention is set on accomplishing the end goal, to eat!
Distractions may come, but it’s up to you to focus your attention on the task at hand. When you focus, your mind goes into a meditative state, allowing all of your worries and concerns to float right out of the kitchen window. Try it, you’ll see!
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.