Prioritizing SELF–LOVE:
Let’s be honest. We all get into a routine of constantly working and doing homework and forget about ourselves. Then, we are up late looking on social media about “THAT GIRL” who gets up at 5:00am and is extremely productive. Well, I am here to tell you that you don’t have to do that unless you enjoy it. Doing what you love and enjoy is what self-care is all about. You need at least one day a week fully committed to resting, and relaxing. Ready for the Self-Care Sunday Routine you will just have to implement in your week!?
SELF-CARE SUNDAY:
Morning:
Good morning! Start the day by journaling out any feelings you have, an intention for the day or get creative by bullet journaling. The first thing you need to do is invest in some fine colored pens. Why you may ask? Fine pens allow for smooth and straight lines when writing and making designs. But also, maybe just for aesthetic reasons. :) Overall, journaling helps focus the mind on artistic tasks and improve the mood.
Journaling:
Hydrate:
Feeling tired and unmotivated most mornings? Start the day with a glass of ice water or some warm tea or coffee. This helps re-hydrate our bodies after many hours of sleep. It helps increase energy and may allow you to feel more awake and focused for the day. Ginger, dandelion, chai, and lemon are some of my favorite teas right now with so many benefits. Tea helps with digestion, the immune system, has many antioxidants, and is simply warm and comforting.
Make yourself breakfast: Let me introduce you to the best baked oats recipe ever. All you do is add rolled oats, honey, nut butter, cinnamon, almond milk, and banana in a blender and bake. Then, add berries and nut butter on top! I bought a mini ramekin last year and ever since, I’ve been making oatmeal in it most days. Some other ideas are egg and avocado toast with cinnamon raisin bread or blueberry pancakes with yogurt. Whole foods are full of amazing nutrients to make you feel satisfied and energized. There are a ton of delicious recipes all over the internet like Pinterest.
Vitamins:
If you’re like me and many other people, taking vitamins seems like such a chore and the worst thing. But many people are deficient in vitamins like Vitamin D and Iron, that they don’t get in their diets. Vitamins are very important for overall health and well-being because they provide balance for the body to help grow, improve the immune system, and energy.
meditation + Reading:
After taking your vitamins, reward yourself with a gentle meditation and read. Reading can be a great escape from reality and is a good cognitive exercise for the mind. Meditation allows the mind to reset and awaken to give you energy to feel like you are ready to take on the day.
Facial Steamer:
A product I recently started using is a facial steamer. Facial steamers help clear skin, are good for the sinuses, and allow us to relax and just breathe. The warm steam is so calming, and you can add essential oils like lavender or lemon grass in the basket!
Ice Roller:
After the warm facial steamer, try an ice roller. Ice rollers help with redness and swelling on your face and is soothing for the skin. Before using, to get the most out of it, it is suggested to cleanse your face and moisturize. I like to use it after the shower or a workout.
Essential oil diffuser:
Use an essential oil diffuser at any time during the day to help breathe and reduce congestion. Essential oils in general are good for improving mood and better quality sleep.
Afternoon:
The afternoon slump around 3pm is so real. Energize the body by drinking electrolytes, working out, or taking a nap.
Movement:
Move your body through a yoga flow or a workout that sounds good to you. Heather Robertson, Travis Elliot, and Move with Nicole are some of my favorites on YouTube. If the sun is out and the weather is nice try going on a reflecting, and mindful walk getting some fresh air. Allow your body to rest when needed by taking a nap and just enjoying the peace and quiet.
Electrolytes:
Balance and hydration work in repairing muscles after a workout. Nuun allows for you to relax and are filled with micronutrients. Along with their health benefits, they have a delicious flavor. Two of my favorites are cherry limeade and strawberry lemonade.
Cook or bake:
Baking is an art form in a way and it allows you to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. A few ideas of treats you can bake on your day are a mini cake, cookies, blueberry muffins, or banana nut bread. While your cookies or mini cake are baking, listen to a podcast or music. Podcasts help you learn more about the world, get advice, and an insight on things you are curious about. Some of my recommendations are “Anything Goes” with Emma Chamberlain, “Take the Cake” with Kate Noel, “MOOD” with Lauren Elizabeth, “The Rebecca Leigh Podcast”, and “The Happy Times” with Joey Kidney.
Face Mask:
Try a face mask because it really shows you’re taking this self-care day seriously! It helps your skin become hydrated, moisturized, and smooth. The clay mask I linked below has become very popular because it tightens, brightens, and helps clear up dry skin.
Night:
Comfy Clothes:
End the day burning some candles and putting on comfy clothes! Whenever I get back from my last class of the day, I always come back and but “My Comfy” on. It honestly feels like I am getting a hug because there is so much comfort and warmth.
Heating pad:
Once you are relaxed and ready for your night routine, warm up a heating pad. The one I linked below is lavender scented and is so soothing to calm and ground yourself at the end of the day. Now, it’s time to sit back, relax, unwind, and watch your favorite show or a new movie!
MUSIC:
Once it’s time for bed, listen to your favorite music and do what you enjoy! I find it nice to read before bed or journal. Listening to music is beneficial for the mind, mood, and can help decrease stress and anxiety.
HelpFul REMINDERS + kind words:
I hope you have a beautiful Self-care Sunday! Remember to notice all the amazing qualities about you, and replace the negative with a positive. Balance is created within you and allows you to live a life with meaning and enjoy every moment.
Incorporate self-care in your daily routine and you will notice the changes and have gratitude for yourself. Now that you have a self-care routine, time to start practicing, accepting, and seeing the beauty in the little things by romanticizing your life!