We're always on-the-go these days. There's always another task to accomplish, an errand to run, a project to finish, or an appointment to get to in time. But when we're always looking ahead to the next task and stretching ourselves too thin, it's common to experience burnout. The easiest way to fix that is to focus on yourself for a change. Try one of these self-care methods next time you could use a pick-me-up.
1. Take a nice shower or a relaxing bath.
For some reason, everything seems much more managable when you're freshly showered. Cleaning yourself up can lift your spirits and wash your bad mood down the drain.2. Read a book.
Whether you read fiction, non-fiction, or whatever sub-genre your heart desires, reading is a great way to relax. It's also easier on the eyes than squinting at a backlit screen all the time.PS: If you think you don't have time to read a book, you probably do! Consider what you usually do in your downtime instead and see if you can replace some of it with reading. You just might learn something new!
3. Drink a relaxing cup of tea.
It's no secret that I'm a big believer in tea. A cup of tea is a great way to relieve stress! Chamomile or other herbal blends especially good for unwinding after a rough day. My favorites are Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime Vanilla, Traditional Medicinals' Easy Now, and Yogi's Kava Stress Relief. PS: If you want to buy any of these, here's a $10 off coupon.4. Watch a favorite movie.
My ultimate comfort movie is The Aristocats. However, the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a close second.5. Wear your most comfortable pajamas.
Because when you're comfortable, everything just feels better. Take off those constricting pants and just let it go.6. Get dressed up!
When I don't feel well, I immediately put my hair in a french braid. It makes me feel fancy and put together, even if I don't feel that way.7. Put on a face mask.
Another great way to pamper yourself! Here are three easy ones you can do yourself with what you probably already have at home.
8. Call a friend on the phone.
Because sometimes you've just got to talk it out.9. Paint your nails.
Not only will it distract you from the daily stress, but you'll be able to look down at your fingers and toes and admire a favorite color. I really like the formula of Julep nail polishes. If you want to try those out, you can get one of their free maven boxes here.10. Spend time with a pet.
Animals make fantastic company, especially if they are the snuggly kind. If you don't have a pet, a roommate will probably do.11. Write in a journal.
Getting your feelings down on paper is a great way to work through them, especially if you're going through something tough. There's something so gratifying about putting your thoughts down on paper, too.12. Draw or sketch.
Let your creativity shine! If this isn't for you, check out number 47.13. Wear your favorite fragrance.
Not only will you smell amazing, but it'll also boost your mood. Personally, I've been fawning over anything lavender recently.14. Put together a playlist.
Any genre, any tracks you'd like. Create the perfect soundscape for your life. You can even create some cover art if you're feeling so inspired! If you'd rather browse than create your own playlist, you might like 8tracks.15. Make your bed with clean sheets.
In the same way that taking a nice shower can put you in a better frame of mind, having clean sheets to snuggle into at night can also make you feel better... especially if you have a really nice smelling fabric softener!16. Spend some time on Pinterest.
Filled with recipes, tutorials, and other genuinely happy things to spark your creativity! Just try not to get sucked into the void because it can be a huge time-killer. I did a post on some of my favorite boards here, if you're interested.17. Light a candle.
They're pretty, they smell nice, and the flickering flames are mesmerizing.18. Take a walk through nature.
Unplugging from the rest of the world and getting outside can really be beneficial for your state of mind. Listen to the birds, have a look at the trees, and breathe the fresh air! It can help you get outside of yourself and enjoy the moment.19. Have a lazy afternoon all to yourself.
It's totally okay to have a relaxing day in instead of going out. We all need time to recharge every once in a while. Here's mine.20. Make a blanket fort.
No fancy explanations required for this one. You know you want to.21. Play a favorite game.
Getting your head in the game can definitely cheer you up! It doesn't matter if it's a sport, a board came, or a video game. All that matters is that it makes you excited.22. Go stargazing.
People have been looking up at the stars for thousands of years. Look up some constellations and see if you can find them. Not familiar with constellations? See if you can make up some of your own.23. Look up pictures of your favorite animals.
It's like stopping to smell the flowers, but it's extra cute. Not gonna lie, the Daily Puppy is an adorable resource.24. Redecorate your living space.
Rearranging furniture, adding your favorite colors, and choosing different elements of design can help create a positive environment for you to thrive in.25. Buy or grow a plant to care for.
Plants thrive off of CO2 emissions and add more oxygen to the atmosphere, cleaning up the air you live in. Plus, they can be really pretty.26. Give your skin some TLC.
You are two steps away from having distractingly soft skin. First, exfoliate to remove any rough patches and to help your moisturizer sink in better. Second, slather on a thick moisturizer. My two current favorites are the olive body scrub and the shea body butter from The Body Shop.27. Paint a picture.
It was Bob Ross that once said "Every day is a good day when you paint." We could all use a few happy little trees and clouds in our lives every now and then!28. Organize something.
Putting things in their rightful place can also help to organize the thoughts in your mind. Plus, it will look better when you're done.29. Listen to the rain, even if it's not raining.
It is all sorts of soothing. Trust me on this one.30. Read some Calvin and Hobbes.
It's an adorable, fun comic strip that has touched the lives of children and adults alike for decades. It's good for your soul. (I even have a book of them sitting on my bookshelf for emergencies.)31. Take a nap.
It's the human equivalent of turning something off and on again if it isn't working properly. Get in touch with your inner kindergartener and take a little snooze. Special blankets and stuffed animals are optional.32. Revisit an old favorite.
Rediscovering things that you once loved can be such a joy! I recently rediscovered my old CD collection, which I added to my iTunes library and have been jamming to ever since. Dig through a drawer or a closet to see what you can find!3. Leaf through a magazine.
We might live in the age of the internet, but print is not dead yet. There's something special about the tactile experience of flipping through a magazine and enjoying the visuals. (Find any images you like? Skip to number 44.)34. Solve a puzzle.
Puzzles get your brain working - and in a good way. Some of my favorite puzzles are Sudoku and anagrams.35. Try a new hobby.
It can keep your mind off of things when the going gets tough. Wondering which one is right for you? Check out this great article from A Beautiful Mess on the topic.36. Get unplugged.
Listen to the world around you! Stop and listen to the sounds of chirping birds, the whistling of the wind, or the rustling of leaves. You'll feel more connected to the world around you and less isolated by your stress and your problems.37. Do something nice for someone you care about.
Sometimes taking the focus off of yourself can be beneficial. I like to do this by sending letters and care packages to friends in far away places or cooking dinner for someone.38. Start a blog.
This could have gone under trying a new hobby, but it's such a complex pastime that it deserves it's own space. Blogging can be a lot of fun, and gettings started is easier than you'd think! Check out my five lessons I've learned from blogging, and read Elle and Company's insightful series on how to start a blog if you're feeling inspired!39. Serve yourself a nice cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!).
There's something so ritualistic about having a cup of coffee: the flavors, choosing the right mug, feeling the warmth between your hands, and finally sitting down to enjoy it. If you're not in the mood, you could even treat yourself to Starbucks or something.40. Snuggle.
A pet, a significant other, or even a pillow will do. I really like to create a nest of pillows and oversized stuffed animals to watch Netflix in. (I recently updated my Netflix recommendations post if you need some inspiration.)41. Go for a run.
Running away from your problems can actually help! Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, which acts as "natural high" and makes you happy.42. Daydream.
e to dream about financial stability and living in a one bedroom apartment by myself, but it's ultimately your call.43. Try some yoga.
It's a great way to relax, challenge yourself, and to feel better in your body. Here's a great sequence for beginners.44. Create an inspiration board.
Having goals, photographs, and quotes that inspire you all in one place can help you keep focus of what's important and what's not worth worrying about. Plus, getting a little artsy and crafty can make you feel good.45. Try out a new recipe.
Cooking and baking can be fun! If you don't want to end up eating a whole batch of cookies (which I totally respect, but don't quite understand), you can bring it into the office or give them away to friends.46. Look through photos of good memories.
I know that nothing makes me smile more than seeing all the goofy photos I've taken with my friends and family. Scroll through your camera roll, or print some of them out to put in frames!47. Color.
It's not just for kids! Focusing on coloring within the lines of an image can be surprisingly soothing.48. Meditate.
Tuning out the outside world and focusing on your own brain and body can be a great way to relieve stress. New to meditation? Here's a quick and easy guide.49. Plan a vacation.
I know that when I'm feeling stuck in a rut, the best thing to do is to think about times when I can get away from it all. I like to plan trips to visit my old friends! I would also love to go to Paris one day.50. Get a massage.
They are so relaxing, and can definitely change your outlook on life. Go for it! You deserve it.What do you like to do when you take time for yourself?
PS: If you liked this, you might also like my post on 5 Ways to Stress Less.
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