Life is about making investments – investments in our children, homes, and careers. Sometimes it can feel like you’re pouring from a half-empty glass and don’t have anything left to invest in yourself. Thankfully, the importance of taking time to guard your mental health is becoming something that we realize is important. Whether you’re looking for ways to pamper yourself or just ways to keep your head above water, there are some easy ways to get the ball rolling in prioritizing yourself. Keep reading if you need inspiration on ways to practice self-care at home.
Pamper Yourself
One of the most important things you can do at the end of the day is taking a long hot bath or shower. Not only is this the ideal time to focus your thoughts and de-stress, but you can also tend to self-care routines you don’t have time for in the morning. From exfoliating body scrubs to a mask or hair bond builder, the little details of grooming make us feel confident. Take the day off by relaxing in the tub or shower, lighting candles, bringing a book to the bath, and letting your stress melt away.
Invest in Your Bed
Decorating our homes can come with a hefty price tag, and everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs. One area that you shouldn’t be too frugal is your bed, however. Investing in the highest quality mattress you can afford is not only an act of self-care but a necessity. We spend around one-third of our lives asleep, and if you’re not getting quality sleep, it quickly shows in your mental and physical health. Luxurious cotton or linen sheets are an excellent upgrade, as well as supportive pillows that align with your sleep style.
Honor Your Inner Child
Studies have shown that coloring in coloring books has the same benefits on the brain as meditation. Other studies have shown that playing board games can significantly decrease anxiety levels. Whether young or young at heart, show yourself some love by honoring your inner child. These simple games or activities are a great way to center yourself alone or in the company of others.
Declutter Your Home
If you’re the type of person who gets easily overwhelmed with too much visual clutter or a messy room, sometimes a little organization can go a long way. Not only is decluttering self-care in the long term by emptying your home of belongings you don’t love, but in the short term, it’s a great distraction from worries that may be on your mind. It’s well documented that too much clutter raises cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, so getting organized in the name of self-care has science-backed benefits.
Dance Break
Dancing has so many important benefits when it comes to emotional well-being. Feeling down? Start dancing! Dancing raises endorphins, focuses your mind, and lessens depression. Dancing is an easy way to show your body some love through movement, and you can dance with others if they’re home with you.
Take a Nap
While investing in eight hours of sleep each night will pay off in spades, so too will taking a nap. If you feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends and need a reset, a nap is one of the best and coziest forms of self-care. Naps are not only great for emotional well-being but they’ve also been shown to positively impact everything from cardiovascular health to getting promoted at work. Start scheduling a nap a couple of days a week and reap the benefits.
Massage
Massages have numerous health benefits, not the least of which is an immediate release of stress and tension. Hire a masseuse to come to your home and work those knots out or ask your partner to massage you. Self-care isn’t just about taking care of yourself emotionally, there is physical self-care as well, and a massage is an essential form of the physical version.
While it may seem easy to juggle a million balls at once, eventually, it will catch up with you. By prioritizing self-care practices in your day-to-day life, it’s much easier to keep your cup full. By implementing some or all of the above ways to love yourself, you’re well on your way to feeling your best. Here’s to you!