Gift-giving and helping others is great, but it’s also important to show yourself some love. Enter 12 Days of Self Care! Whether you need a quick break from everyday life or you just want an excuse to spoil yourself.
Or even if you need to catch your breath from the holiday season’s hustle and bustle, these wellness-boosting ‘gifts’ that you can give yourself are simply priceless.
You and I both know that everyone takes a different approach to self care, because it means different things to different people.
For some, it might mean spending time with friends and family, taking walks in nature, or indulging in a hobby they love. Others might find self care in practices like prayer, meditation, yoga, or journaling.
No matter what self care means to you, there are plenty of ways to practice it daily. So, if you’re looking for some guidance, here are some ideas to help get you started.
Day 1: Get Moving
It’s no surprise that exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. The benefits of getting your body moving are vast and varied.
Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and increase feelings of well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to improve our cognitive function and memory.
On top of that, exercise is great for your physical health, helping to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. And, as a result, help to increase your lifespan.
Starting to exercise and trying to get fit can be a challenge, but it’s one that many people are willing to take on. A good way to help keep you going is to use a fitness tracker. It’s the perfect way to motivate yourself to get moving.
Not only do they track your activity, but many also offer features like sleep tracking and calorie counting so it can be a big help in increasing your chances of success with your fitness journey.
Fitness trackers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be at least one option that is perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for? Get up and get moving! There are plenty of exercises that you can do at home, so there’s no excuse not to get started today.
Related: The Short and Long Term Benefits Of Exercise
Day 2: Aromatherapy
One of the simplest ways to boost your wellness is with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant oils, known as essential oils, for the purpose of healing.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts of the original plant material that are produced using a process called steam distillation.
These natural oils are used to relieve your mind, body and soul of their stresses and have been shown to improve your mood, cognitive function, and even sleep quality.
They’re also believed to be effective in treating a variety of health conditions. From stress and anxiety to migraines and skin problems.
The benefits of aromatherapy are vast and many. Some people use aromatherapy to help counter the negative effects of stress, while others use it to invigorate or calm them during or after a busy day.
A popular scent today is lavender which is shown in research studies to work as a natural treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Other scents might stimulate your senses and can help you feel more fresh and awake, such as peppermint. Once the aroma is inhaled, it helps to send messages to different parts of the brain that control our emotions and feelings – which sends us positive signals that help us feel better.
Aromatherapy can also be used to help with other health problems, such as respiratory issues, depression or even high blood pressure.
To get started, try using a diffuser to disperse essential oils throughout your home or office. If you’re on the go, you can take a small bottle of oil with you for an instant wellness boost.
Day 3: Face Masks
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to relax, face masks are the perfect solution. Not only do they feel great, but they also help improve the health of your skin.
Face masks can help to remove dirt, oil and makeup from your skin while also providing your skin with essential nutrients that it needs to stay healthy.
They can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while also improving dry or oily skin. Even if you have sensitive skin, there are face masks that are gentle on your skin and are a great way to get rid of impurities in your pores.
There are many different types of face masks that are also available in different textures, so you can find one that is perfect for your skin type.
Choose a mask that’s suited to your needs. whether you need to detoxify, moisturize, exfoliate, reduce inflammation or work on fine lines or wrinkles there are tons available that you can choose from.
Or, you can simply make your own. Some of the most popular ingredients in face masks include honey, aloe vera, green tea, cucumber and oatmeal.
Why not give your skin a boost?
Day 4: Massage
Massage is one of the oldest and most natural forms of healing. It has been used for centuries to improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote relaxation.
They’re a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health.
There are many different types of massage therapies that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage. It uses long, smooth strokes to relax the muscles and improve circulation.
Shiatsu massage is another popular type of massage that uses pressure and finger strokes to stimulate the body’s energy points.
A good massage is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate your body.
If you are looking for a relaxing and therapeutic massage, be sure to visit a licensed massage therapist. They will be able to recommend the best type of massage for your health issues.
But, if you can’t afford to book a session with a professional, try using a massaging tool like a foam roller or massage gadget. These tools are great for targeting tight muscles and knots.
Day 5: Prayer And Meditation
Meditation and Prayer are both great ways to reduce stress and improve focus. These practices have been around for centuries. They’re important to your spiritual self care and have many benefits.
When you meditate, you focus your attention on something specific, and when your mind wanders, you gently guide it back to that which you’re meditating about. This practice can help you learn to focus and be more present in your everyday life.
Prayer is generally defined as talking to God, about what matters most in your life. Asking for guidance, support, or perhaps forgiveness; sharing thanks; and/or asking for protection and good fortune for yourself and others.
You may also consider reading an inspirational book or listening to inspirational audio before or after prayer.
The benefits of meditation include decreased stress and anxiety, improved moods, better sleep, and reduced inflammation. Meditation can also help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which can lead to positive changes in your behavior.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your mental well-being, consider giving prayer and meditation a try.
Some of the benefits of Prayer and meditation include:
- Help you to connect with a power greater than yourself.
- Provide you with guidance, strength, and support.
- Help you to focus and calm your mind.
- Improve your sleep quality.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Help you to handle difficult circumstances with more strength and courage.
- Improve your mental clarity.
Related: Tips To Practice Spiritual Self Care
Day 6: Green Tea me Drink Green Tea and Water
Both Green tea and water have tons of health benefits These benefits range from a healthy liver, healthy skin, weight loss, just to name a few.
Green Tea
Let’s take a look at Green tea first. It has been consumed for thousands of years and is still extremely popular today.
It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant used for black tea and white tea. So what makes green tea different from other teas?
It’s all in the processing! Green tea leaves are picked and immediately steamed or pan-fired to stop oxidization while preserving their rich antioxidants.
After processing, green tea leaves are typically rolled and dried. There are many benefits of drinking green tea on a regular basis.
Some of these include an increased metabolism which can lead to weight loss, increased mental clarity, reduced risk of cancer, detoxifying the body and lowering blood pressure.
It’s also praised for its powerful antioxidants and for boosting metabolism, concentration, and energy levels.
Water
You’ll probably agree that water Is the best drink. It’s the most important drink that should be consumed by everyone.
According to studies, water can help to relieve your stress as well as help your skin glow. It flushes out toxins which makes you look good externally.
You can skirt around it and consume other types of drinks, but the thing is, they’ll not really satisfy you because you’ll not get the hydration you need.
Drink at least eight 8 – ounce glasses of water daily because you’ll naturally feel better when your body has enough water.
Another great benefit of drinking lots of water is that it increases your metabolism rate, which you’ll notice.
So if you’re looking for the perfect drink to accompany your meal, or just simply to sip on, choose water or brew up a cup of green tea and enjoy it hot or cold. For extra wellness benefits, try adding fresh ginger or lemon to your water or green tea.
Day 10: Yoga
Yoga is a physical and mental practice and has many health benefits. There are many different types of yoga, and they all involve slow movements and deep breathing.
It has become a popular way to exercise and is often taught in group classes at community centers, gyms, and health clubs. Some people practice yoga on their own as a form of self-treatment for stress or other mental and physical problems.
Regular yoga practice can also help you to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a great way to improve flexibility, strength, balance and mindfulness.
If you’re new to yoga, try looking for beginner-friendly classes at your local studio or gym. Or, if you’d prefer to practice at home, there are tons of great yoga tutorials online.
Day 7 : Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of our lives. One of the best things you can do for your health is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
You’ve probably taken it for granted, but when you don’t get enough sleep, everything in your life suffers. You’ll feel grumpy and irritable and you’ll have trouble focusing.
According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re not currently getting the recommended amount of sleep, there are a few things you can do to try to make up for lost sleep.
Of course, if you can afford to take off work or school for a few days, that’s the best choice. However, for most of us that’s not realistic. So here are some tips that might help:
- Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.
- Avoid screen time before bedtime. They can disrupt your sleep patterns, so you don’t fall asleep as quickly or stay asleep as long.
- Ensure that your room is dark and quiet when you sleep. If this means using blinds, blackout curtains,ear plugs or a white noise machine, do it! It will help your body know when it’s time to sleep.
- Avoid caffeine after lunch, and don’t drink alcohol close to bedtime. Both of these things can disrupt your sleep over the short term, and they could also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to get back to sleep.
- Exercise regularly. This can help regulate your sleep patterns, but try to avoid exercising too close to bedtime so you’re not energized when it’s time for bed.
- Give yourself at least an hour to wind-down before bedtime, so you aren’t rushing around doing last-minute things.
Day 8 : Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
When it comes to spending time with your family and friends, you can reap so many benefits. For one, it gives you an opportunity to catch up on old times and reminisce about shared memories.
Plus meeting up with friends from your past who you haven’t seen in a while, can be a great way to maintain or re-ignite those friendships.
Connecting with loved ones can also help us feel supported and loved, which is especially important during tough times. Additionally, research has shown that spending time with friends and family can boost your immune system, improve your mood, and even help you live longer.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your health and well-being, spending time with family and friends is a great place to start. And who knows, you might just end up having a lot of fun in the process.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up eight great examples of how you and your family and friends can spend some quality time together:
1. Go on a road trip: There’s just something about traveling by car that allows us to unplug from the rest of the world and focus solely on those sitting next to you. Engage in meaningful conversations, take a turn leading the music playlist, and enjoy the scenery together.
2. Attend a family reunion: There are also many benefits to attending your family’s annual or semi-annual get-togethers. Not only will you have fun reminiscing with relatives you don’t get to see very often, but you’ll also deepen your existing relationships.
3. Play a board game: Not only are board games a lot of fun, but spending time together playing them can give you and your family and friends a chance to bond and catch up.
4. Have lunch together: Letting someone inside your personal bubble for an hour or so is a great way to strengthen your relationships – and it’s also really enjoyable!
5. Watch a movie: A lot of people say they don’t like watching movies, but with the right company many of us would be willing to give it another go. Invite some friends and family over for a movie night with all the trimmings- popcorn , hotdogs…..the whole works.
6. Go on a bike ride: Getting out in nature with the people you care about most can be both fun and refreshing. Cycling is also a great way to improve your health and mood, so this activity really gives you two ways to boost your well-being.
Day 9: Treat Yourself To Fresh Flowers
There’s nothing quite like fresh flowers to brighten up your home and improve wellness. Flowers are the perfect way to treat yourself. If you’re looking for a little ‘pick me up, treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Flowers aren’t just pretty to look at; they also have a number of therapeutic benefits. According to the University of Hawaii, flowers can help lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and reduce stress. They can also improve your mood and increase feelings of happiness.
Try setting up a vase on your kitchen table and enjoy freshly cut blooms all week long. Not only will they look beautiful in your home, but they’ll also help reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and lower blood pressure.
Flowers have been shown to boost your mood and make you feel happier. So why not treat yourself to a few fresh blooms today?
Day 10: Put Together A Relaxation Kit
If you want to put wellness first, it’s important to take time to relax. A relaxation kit is a great way to do that, and it can be used anytime, anywhere.
When you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to have a relaxation kit handy to help you to relax and calm down.
When you’re creating this kit for yourself, it can be as simple as putting together a basket of wellness-boosting supplies. This could include things like :
- A Journal
- A yoga mat
- Scented candles
- Books
- Some soothing music
- A diffuser
- Essential oils
So don’t wait – start assembling your own relaxation kit today.
Day 11: Gadgets or Tools
We all know that taking care of others is important, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of neglecting ourselves. It’s important to take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
You need to be in a good place mentally and emotionally in order to be there for your loved ones. Self care is a practice that will allow you to recharge and feel energized. One way to help with self care is to use tools. These tools can help you to relax and de-stress.
Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, including wellness.Todays gadgets can be a great way to recharge and help improve wellness in many different ways, especially if you’re struggling with a specific issue.
These gadgets have been developed over the last few years, and they are becoming more affordable for everyone. They’ll help to make self care easier and more achievable.
You can use them to track your heart rate, monitor your sleep, keep track of your food intake and even monitor your stress levels.
Bearing this in mind, we’ve made a list of devices and gadgets designed to help you create a better and healthier you.
It’s important to find what tools best work for you . With all these tools at your disposal, there’s no excuse for not living a healthier life.
If you’re looking for ideas, consider buying a wellness-related gadget such as:
- Foot massager
- Air purifier
- Stress ball
- Back massager
- White noise machine
- Fitness tracker
- Heated blanket
- Teeth whitening device
- Body exfoliator
- Ear buds
Day 12: Nature
Nature has a way of calming and centering us, which can be incredibly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety or depression. Additionally, being surrounded by natural beauty can boost creativity and inspire new ideas.
There are numerous benefits to spending time out in nature. For one, it can help improve mental health. Spending time outside also has physical benefits.
It can help you to get better sleep, strengthen your immune system, and improve your cardiovascular health. Plus, being in natural environments is great exercise.
Hiking, biking, and even simply walking through a park can help keep you healthy and fit. A walk in the park is one of the easiest ways to improve wellness without even trying. Plus, you can enjoy fresh air and exercise at the same time.
So the next time you’re feeling stressed or rundown, consider taking a walk in the park or going for a hike in the mountains. Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
If that’s not enough reason to get outside, try going for a midday stroll—it’ll give you an energy boost and help reduce stress.
Another great way to engage in the outdoors. is to go on a hike. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to lift your spirits, and hiking with family or friends can make this experience even better.
Not only will you be getting some exercise while enjoying the fresh air, but it can also be a fun experience.
Conclusion For 12 Days Of Self Care
Self care is a great opportunity to take stock of all the wonderful parts of who you are and invest some time in the things that matter most to you.
It gives you chance to rest; knowing whatever needs healing will heal given enough space and time without pressure from your day-to-day life.
Nourishing what makes your heart sing, what lights up your face when it happens, or simply brings joy into this world through service to others. It’s a way for you to give back the love and appreciation that we know you deserve but may not be showing up in your life right now.
These 12 days of showing up for yourself by caring for your body, mind and spirit in ways that releases stress and make you feel good.
In what way do you show up for yourself by including self care in your life? Comment below!
