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 type of self-care activity. This is why we should all be scheduling 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 8 different types of self-care; Physical, financial, personal, professional, social, spiritual, environmental and emotional. All these elements linked together can help relieve stress and keep our minds, body and soul healthy. This in turn can help reduce physical and mental health conditions as well as elevate the symptoms of those already suffering such conditions!
In fact, without self-care we’re in danger of becoming so stressed we become unable to manage 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 been a lover of having a self-care Sunday! Being a nurse, I love nothing more after a stressful week 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 feeling stressed at the moment either, virtually everyone is starting to feel the effects of the cost of living crisis, not only that, health worries, work and relationship issues can all take their toll on you! whatever the reason, taking some time out for yourself 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 in as long as I want. I then usually take a long hot soak in the bath and try a few beauty treatments. In the afternoon I then like to either spend some time getting crafty (usually making soap or candles) baking something nice or going out for a long walk. Then in the evening, I either read a book or binge-watch something on Netflix. I also take some time out to catch up on any chores and give my bedroom a little spring clean.
A self-care Sunday for you could look completely different to mine but that’s ok, 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, just mix and match each week with whatever feels right.
Sometimes a whole day of self-care can be impractical. If so, just allocate some time in your schedule that enables you 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 should all be getting around 8 hours of quality sleep each night! However, with busy schedules, this is something that many of us, including me, fail at all the time!
If this is you, turn off your alarm just for one day and try and catch up on some much-needed rest. Just having one good night’s sleep is usually enough to catch up on what we’ve missed during the week enabling our bodies to become fully rested!
A lie-in can also help improve your mood and increase your energy levels. When you’re well-rested, you’re able to 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 to improve your physical health by boosting your immune system and reducing stress levels.
So next time you’re feeling tired, don’t reach for 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 it 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 you’re 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 quite 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.
What’s more, 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, in turn helping you sleep better.
So next time you’re feeling 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 bestie?
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 and schedule time each month to meet up for a meal and have a few drinks.
Being able to share experiences and problems is a great way of releasing tension as well as bouncing ideas off one another. Having this support system can give you a sense of belonging, reduce stress, give emotional support and increase self-esteem!
Even if you physically can’t meet up 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 yourself 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 either buy some of your favourite beauty treatments or like me, make your own. Whatever you decide, turn your mobile on silent, play some chilled music, light a candle and indulge in whatever pampering your heart desires!
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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 to reduce stress and anxiety levels and help improve sleep quality and increase energy levels.
Whatever form of exercise you do is completely up to you. If you’re someone who is already pretty active why not try out something different such as climbing or mountain biking? If you’re someone who doesn’t exercise regularly why not try out 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 levels, ease anxiety, and boost mood. One reason for this is that nature can provide a much-needed sense of calm and perspective. When we’re 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 to reduce tension and promote feelings of well-being. So next time you’re feeling stressed or down, consider taking a walk in the park or going for a hike in the woods. You might just find that Mother Nature knows best when it comes to 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 in between, crafting can help reduce stress levels, improve your mood, and even boost your immunity.
Plus, crafting is 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.
So whatever your craft of choice may be, remember that it’s not just about making something pretty, it’s also about taking care of yourself. So go ahead and 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. Not only will you feel more relaxed, but you 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 then why not just stay in bed and binge-watch your favourite films or TV shows? It’s not the most productive thing to be doing on your day off but we all need a lazy day once in a while!
Take a social media break
Every once in a while, it’s important to take a break from social media. It can be easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of checking for new updates, likes, and comments. 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 extremely important 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 will be able to 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?
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