6 Self-Care Activities
Illustration by www.annagalitskaya.com
There was a period in my life where I was always bored. I needed to be in the company of friends, out and about, or running errands. I disliked being home especially if I was alone. In hindsight, it was because I didn’t enjoy my own company. The silence of being to myself was not an interest for me.
The need to stay busy eventually threw me into my career and I became a workaholic. For years, I worked two jobs and had a side hustle. Again this was me running from me. I would do and go anywhere if it meant I didn’t have to be home alone. Now that I am in my 40’s, I’ve created such a beautiful world for myself that I prefer to be home.
Over the last few years I started to enjoy myself and my home. I turned my home into a sacred space equipping it with all the essentials that I desire for comfort and peace. Maybe I’ve grown a little too much into a homebody, which is equally as bad as wanting to be out in the streets all the time. I guess I need to work on balancing solitude and socializing.
The best part of loving my own company is I figured out ways to care for myself without the need to receive care from the outside world. It took time to amplify my self-care and figure out what I love to do at home that will keep me stimulated. Instead of feeling board I have found activities that keep me grounded and inspired. Here are six ideas I hope you’ll love:
Color or Draw: Grab a fun coloring book and your favorite color pencils. Tap into your inner child and see if you can still color in the lines. Coloring is proven to be a great stress reliever. If you don’t have a coloring book grab a few sheets of paper and draw the first thing that comes mind. Hang your work on the fridge afterwards.
Play music and Dance: Have you forgotten how fun dancing in your undies is. Put on a song you love or haven’t heard in a while and let your body move. You’ll instantly feel a boost of feel good energy. Create a fun playlist so you can use this each time want to vibe out.
Take a hot bath or shower: Light a few candles, sprinkle some essential oils in the tub, and let the water do its magic. At this moment be fully present as you feel the water and inhale your aromatherapy. You will increase your level of calm and have a heightened appreciation for your body. Don’t forget to express gratitude for having hot water or better yet a warm safe place to shower in private.
Make your favorite meal: Hit the kitchen and make your favorite food. Cooking is known to stimulate your brain and reduce stress. Make something savory that is going to put you in a fantastic mood. Be sure to save some for leftovers.
Journal: Get your favorite book and pen! There are so many topics you can journal about. You could write all the things you are grateful for, recount the specifics of your day, or write something you wish to work on in the next few weeks. It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and document what you are doing in your life.
Meditation and mirror affirmations: Take 5 minutes to sit in stillness and focus on your breathing. Really take count of how your body feels and sounds when you inhale and exhale. If that isn’t your thing try standing in front of the mirror and looking at how beautiful you are. Admire everything about you and give gratitude that you can see you for YOU!
I know first hand that its easy to get wrapped up in everything outside of ourselves. This is a reminder to give yourself permission to be still and to take better care of you. Your overall well-being needs love and attention in different ways. The best thing you could every do for yourself is focus on your self-care.