Self Care  /  September 15, 2021

5 Ideas for a Soothing Self Care Weekend

What could be better than self care weekend after a busy and maybe even stressful week at work? Nothing. But far too often, weekends are full of activities–errands, family get togethers, cleaning and tidying up. Not exactly peaceful. Self care can all too often get put on the back burner, especially during certain times of year when things are transitioning, like back to school or when there are holidays such as Christmas.

I cannot tell you the amount of times co-workers have arrived on Monday mornings just as frazzled as when they left work on Friday afternoon. And often their weekend included bringing the kids to the pumpkin patch and grandma’s house, and having friends over after a day of cleaning and laundry. While pumpkin patches and get togethers are lovely, sometimes crowding all of this into one weekend is just poorly planned. Weekends ought be as much about you (as in your spirit and mental health) as it is about those you have relationships with, and events.

Today I want to share some ideas that will help you engage in self care and feel soothed instead of frazzled because nothing can beat a soothing self care weekend.

Lounge in the Tub

Nothing says self care like a long soak in a hot bath, does it? You can break out the bubble bath or bath bombs, candles and even a glass of wine. Rest your sore muscles and relax your mind while you enjoy the bath. You’ll come out of that bath feeling ten times better. And bathing has some amazing self care and health benefits! Indulging in a hot bath on your self care weekend is perfect because I know you’re either too tired or too busy to take a hot bath on a weeknight.

Give Yourself a Mani

I personally love going to get a mani, and if you are able to, totally do this. If time or money is a factor, an at home mani is just as good. And maybe even better. Painting your own nails can be soothing as you are practicing mindfulness while you do so, and caring for your body is always personally rewarding as it helps you feel more put together.

Mediate

Take some time this weekend to get really quiet. Lie down, sit down, whatever makes you comfortable and just breathe. You can do this with relaxing music or nature sounds, or you could do a guided meditation. There are tons on Youtube and there are a lot of mediation apps you can get as well. It sounds cliche or even ‘just not me’ I know, but it’s amazing what a few moments of quiet can do for you. Aim for fifteen but even ten will leave your mind feeling more clear.

Get Cozy

Take an afternoon or evening to just be cozy. Snuggle up with a loved one or a pet, or even just a good book or movie. Make sure you have a beverage of choice with you, and just take the time to lounge and be cozy. A blanket is a cozy must have but a big sweater would do nicely as well. I used to love lounging in bed with a book when I was younger and really, ought get back to that.

TakeTime for Your Hobby

You likely have a hobby. Or one you’d like to take up. Whether it’s photography or web design or something more tactile like knitting, it’s time to get back to that hobby this weekend. All too often we leave hobbies by the wayside as we are too busy to take up those knitting needles or camera, but hobbies are so important for your self care. They require you to be mindful and are relaxing because they are enjoyable to you. So take some time this weekend to get back to that hobby, or try out that hobby you’ve always wanted to.

Final Thoughts

It’s not always easy to take time out for yourself. But it is important to do so, and taking a weekend all to yourself is not a bad thing. We often need that rest and relaxation. So mark off time in your calendar to do nothing the same way you mark off time to do things–doctor appointments, days with family and what not. That “nothing” weekend is the perfect time to re-connect with yourself with some simple self care. And I’ll be honest, I’ve taken many such weekends and they have been instrumental in helping my mental health.

What do you like to do to relax on a weekend? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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