2020 has been a difficult year so far. Right now, you might find yourself exhausted by social media and the news cycle, and in need of some good, old-fashioned self-care. Self-love during hard times is essential (as it is for the easy times, too). Here are five simple and luxurious ways to treat yourself, so you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.
1) Love Yourself
You may have heard it before, but the path to healing and contentment starts with loving yourself. It’s impossible to meet the world with strength and ingenuity if you’re not kind to yourself. Light some candles, dance to your favorite music, or take a nap. There’s no wrong way to practice self-care as long as it feels good.
To get in touch with your dreams and goals, consider treating yourself to an everyday dreambook. Tap into your gratitude and start envisioning concrete ways to achieve your goals. Writing down your aspirations is the first step to making them a reality.
2) Love Your Skin
Beautiful glowing skin not only feels good, but it can boost your confidence too! Spending some time pampering yourself is a great way to wind down after a busy workday. Dim the lights and relax with a favorite TV show or podcast, and dive into these skincare rituals:
- Sugar Scrub – This DIY sugar scrub is a great way to remove dead skin to rejuvenate your face and body. Add your favorite essential oil for a personalized scent.
- Face Masks – Try vegan face masks for luxurious moisture and a glamorous at-home spa experience.
Love pampering yourself, but need more ideas for clear skin? Check out these tips for beautiful skin all year long.
3) Love Your Body
There’s no doubt about it: stress negatively impacts your mind and body. From tension in your back and neck to headaches and migraines, we’ve all experienced the painful side-effects of stress.
To destress your muscles and improve your mood, give yourself a gentle self-massage with coconut or sesame oil to loosen tight shoulders and necks. Then, try a yoga bolster for same day relief. A bolster helps support your body so you can hold a pose for a long time, allowing your muscles to slowly relax, so you can experience all the benefits of a deep stretch.
To take this one step further, consider signing up for a beach yoga retreat. Participating in a yoga retreat will allow you to enjoy the mental health benefits of yoga while also giving you a break from the routine of day-to-day life.
4) Love Your Soul
Full rejuvenation includes your internal life as well as your external life. It’s vital to pay attention to what brings you joy each day and to incorporate those things into your daily routine. One simple way to nourish your soul on a hard day is to tune-in to your emotional needs.
It’s also important to treat yourself to little pleasures that bring a smile to your face. Visit a local park or garden or, better yet, treat yourself with same day flowers. The brightness of a bouquet is the perfect way to spark a little joy in your day.
5) Love Your Mind
Don’t forget that mental relaxation is vital to feeling your best. It’s extremely important to give yourself permission to turn off your busy mind and re-center.
Some easy ways to help achieve relaxation include:
- Meditation – Spend some time focusing on your breath. Taking a few minutes for mindful relaxation is the key to calming anxious thoughts. To really treat yourself, invest in a Himalayan salt lamp to fill your space with a peaceful glow.
- Reading – Reconnecting with favorite books is a great way to unwind. If you prefer to close your eyes and lie down for a while, consider listening to audiobooks instead.
- Cooking – If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, then cooking can be a great way to focus on a task and let your worries melt away. Try experimenting with a new recipe or technique for an additional challenge.
Imperfection is Okay
Remember that it’s okay not to be perfect in your path towards self-care. Sometimes treating yourself is just about forgiving yourself if you don’t check off every item on your to-do list. Practice kind self-talk and embrace your imperfections. By including just a few of these easy ways to treat yourself, you’ll soon be on the road to rejuvenation.
