How to Have a Self-care Sunday!
Who doesn’t love a bit of self-care? It’s a great way to relieve stress and keep your well-being in check! However, in today’s world, many of us are too busy to find the time to indulge in any self-care activity. This is why we should all schedule a self-care Sunday every once in a while!
You do owe it to yourself to make YOU a priority!
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What is a self-care Sunday?
A self-care Sunday is a day that is prioritised for self-care activities. This doesn’t mean pampering yourself and lazing about all day. It’s about engaging in activities that look after your whole well-being.
There are eight different types of self-care: physical, financial, personal, professional, social, spiritual, environmental and emotional. All these elements can help relieve stress and keep our minds, bodies and souls healthy. This, in turn, can help reduce physical and mental health conditions and elevate the symptoms of those already suffering such conditions!
In fact, without self-care, we’re in danger of becoming so stressed that we cannot manage our emotions and eventually burn out!
A self-care Sunday doesn’t have to be a Sunday, either! For many people, me included, a self-care Sunday can fall on any day of the week. If a Tuesday is best for you then a Tuesday it is!
I’ve always loved having a self-care Sunday! As a nurse, I love nothing more after a stressful week than enjoying a day of pure self-care! It’s almost like a reset button, leaving me feeling relaxed and ready to tackle a whole new week!
It’s not just nurses who feel stressed at the moment either; virtually everyone is starting to feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Not only that, but health worries, work, and relationship issues can all take their toll on you! Therefore, taking time out is a great way to relax and refocus the mind.
How to have a self-care Sunday
A self-care Sunday will be different for everybody. I like to turn off my alarm and allow myself to sleep as long as possible. I usually take a long hot bath and try a few beauty treatments. In the afternoon, I like to get crafty (usually making soap or candles), bake something nice, or go for a long walk. Then, in the evening, I read a book or binge-watch something on Netflix. I also catch up on any chores and give my bedroom a little spring clean.
A self-care Sunday for you could look completely different from mine, but that’s okay; it’s whatever works for you. To get you started, I’ve listed 10 of my favourite things to do on a self-care Sunday. However, you can do whatever you want; the important thing is to do something that makes you feel good and, more importantly, relaxed.
You don’t have to stick to the same things all the time either; mix and match each week with whatever feels right.
Sometimes, a whole day of self-care can be impractical. If so, allocate some time in your schedule to take some time out, even if that’s only half an hour or so!
10 Self-care ideas for a self-care Sunday:
Have a lie in
It’s recommended that we all get around 8 hours of quality sleep each night! However, with busy schedules, many of us, including me, fail at this all the time!
If this is you, turn off your alarm for one day and try to catch up on some much-needed rest. Having one good night’s sleep is usually enough to catch up on what we’ve missed during the week, enabling our bodies to rest fully!
A lie-in can also help improve your mood and increase your energy levels. When you’re well-rested, you can think more clearly and make better decisions. You’re also more likely to be productive and efficient throughout the day. Additionally, getting enough sleep helps improve your physical health by boosting your immune system and reducing stress levels.
So next time you feel tired, don’t grab another cup of coffee. Instead, try catching up on some extra Zzz’s.
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Bake something
Baking is often seen as a chore but can be a great way to relax. The repetitive motions of measuring, mixing, and kneading can be calming, and the results can be gratifying. There’s something satisfying about taking a pan of freshly baked cookies out of the oven or cutting into a moist and fluffy cake. And, of course, the delicious smells that waft through your kitchen as you bake can help to lift your mood. Whether making a classic recipe or trying something new, baking can be a fun and relaxing way to de-stress.
I find baking to be extremely therapeutic. You become completely focused on the task at hand and are rewarded with some tasty treats at the end! However, try not to bake something too extravagant, especially if you’re a newbie baker, as this will most likely leave you feeling more stressed than relaxed!
Read a book
If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind, there’s nothing like reading your favourite book. Whether it’s a classic novel or a modern thriller, immersing yourself in a good book can be a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life.
Unlike watching television or scrolling through social media, reading is an active process that requires focus and concentration. As a result, it can help to improve your cognitive skills and memory capabilities.
Moreover, reading has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote calmness and relaxation. Reading for just 20 minutes before bed is also known to increase relaxation and reduce stressful, late-night thoughts, which, in turn, helps you sleep better.
So next time you feel overwhelmed, make yourself a cup of tea and settle down with your favourite book. You’ll be glad you did!
Catch up with friends
When was the last time you had a good old catch-up with your best friend?
Due to working unsociable hours, it tends to be months sometimes before I can have a good catch-up with my closest friends. However, we still try to schedule time each month to meet for a meal and have a few drinks.
Being able to share experiences and problems is a great way of releasing tension and bouncing ideas off one another. Having this support system can give you a sense of belonging, reduce stress, provide emotional support, and increase self-esteem!
Even if you can’t physically meet with people, you can still pick up the phone, FaceTime, or even have a Zoom night. Whichever way you do it, you’ll feel much better for doing so.
Pamper yourself
For most people, having a self-care Sunday means pampering themselves all day! As already discussed, this isn’t necessarily true; however, indulging in some beauty treatments is still one of my favourite ways to enjoy some self-care!
You can buy some of your favourite beauty treatments or, like me, make your own. Whatever you decide, turn your mobile on silent, play chilled music, light a candle and indulge in whatever pampering your heart desires!
Do some exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it can help improve your mental health? Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. In addition, exercising regularly can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, enhance sleep quality, and increase energy levels.
Whatever form of exercise you do is completely up to you. If you’re already pretty active, why not try something different, such as climbing or mountain biking? If you’re someone who doesn’t exercise regularly, why not try something gentle like yoga or walking?
Get out in nature
It’s no secret that our mental health can suffer when we’re stuck inside all day. But did you know that spending time in nature can help to improve our mental well-being?
Several studies have shown that getting out in nature can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and boost mood. One reason is that nature can provide a much-needed sense of calm and perspective. When surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to get caught up in our thoughts and worries. But when we take a step back and appreciate the beauty of nature, we’re reminded of the bigger picture and our place in the world.
Nature can also serve as a form of active relaxation, providing a gentle form of exercise that can help reduce tension and promote well-being. So next time you feel stressed or down, consider walking in the park or hiking in the woods. You might find that Mother Nature knows best about improving our mental health.
Get crafty
One of my favourite ways to de-stress is by getting crafty. Whether you’re into knitting, painting, or anything else, crafting can help reduce stress levels, improve your mood, and even boost your immunity.
Crafting is also a great way to express yourself and tap into your creative side. It can also help you feel more connected to others, as you can share your creations with friends and family or even join a crafting group.
Whatever your craft of choice, remember that it’s not just about making something pretty; it’s also about taking care of yourself. So get started on that project you’ve been meaning to do, and enjoy the benefits of getting crafty!
Have a Netflix day
Research has shown that streaming television can help reduce stress levels. So kick back, put your feet up, and binge-watch your favourite show. You will feel more relaxed and might even find that you sleep better at night. And don’t worry about being productive; studies have also shown that taking occasional breaks can increase productivity in the long run.
So, if you’re feeling too exhausted to do anything at all, why not stay in bed and binge-watch your favourite films or TV shows? It’s not the most productive thing to do on your day off, but we all need a lazy day occasionally!
Take a social media break
Every once in a while, taking a break from social media is important. Getting caught up in the never-ending cycle of checking for new updates, likes, and comments can be easy. But at the end of the day, do those things matter?
If you find yourself getting stressed out or feeling like you’re comparing your life to others too much, it might be time to take a step back. A social media break can help you to reset and recharge.
Disconnecting from social media can help you to focus on the things that are important to you. It can also help you to enjoy your life more and create lasting memories instead of just living through a screen. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media, don’t be afraid to take a break. It just might be what you need.
Final thoughts
Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. When we look after ourselves, we are more likely to make healthier choices, which in turn help us maintain our health and well-being.
Not everyone can indulge in a whole day of self-care, but the important thing is to make time for ourselves as often as we can. Without self-care, the daily stresses of life can become too much and eventually build up, leading to an increased risk of burnout and stress-related illnesses.
Can you afford not to look after yourself better?
If you want to incorporate self-care into your daily routine, check out my related resources for everything you need to help maintain a healthy life balance!
Thanks so much for stopping by; I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and make it to the end! I have lots of exciting new content in the next few weeks, so make sure you pop back to catch up!
