(This post was last updated on: 2/3/2024.) August 15th is National Relaxation Day so what better time to talk about relaxation and self care. Life gets so frantic and we as women always have a mile long to-do list. It seems like it never ends. Between work, home, kids and family, we tend to neglect ourselves because we put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. Let’s take this one day to really hone in on doing something special for ourselves today.
First schedule yourself some alone time, whatever it takes, get it done. Then decide what do you really want to do, what would make you fully relax, what can you do for yourself that you would not normally do? And make a plan. If you don’t have a plan of action, it won’t happen. Let me take the leg work out of it for you by coming up with some ideas that you may enjoy.
I really find myself relaxing when I am hanging out in the pool or hot tub. If you don’t have either at home, does your neighborhood or local community have a pool that you could enjoy? If not, you could book yourself a session at Float Carolina. I haven’t tried this yet, but I have had friends that have and they loved it, total peace and quiet.
I love to get my toe nails done, but I don’t find it very relaxing. I always feel sorry for the poor sucker who has to scrape my feet, but I love the end result. I know most people find the experience relaxing. So stop in your favorite nail shop on the way home and treat yourself. If money is tight you could give yourself a manicure or pedicure at home.
If you can get an hour or two alone at home, run yourself a warm bubble bath, light a candle, pour a glass of wine and grab a book or put on Pandora. That sounds marvelous to me!
When you get home from work, throw on your jammies and pamper yourself. You can put on a face mask, hair mask, groom those eyebrows and take care of those pores on your nose. You will feel rejuvenated when you are all done.
Maybe your ideal night of relaxation is grabbing a book or that magazine you have been meaning to read, mix up a cocktail and chill in bed. Don’t forget to turn off all of your devices so you can relax without being distracted by social media.
Find a quiet spot and meditate.
Taking care of ourselves also can mean getting physical. Sign up for that exercise class that you have thought about taking. Or pop in a yoga video at home and find your zen.
Writing can be very cathartic. Start a journal, gratitude journal, write a letter to a friend or family member, etc. You could also write out a plan to keep up with your self care on a weekly basis since this isn’t a one time thing, or at least it shouldn’t be for any of us.
A little retail therapy is always good for the soul. Whether you go out to the store or sit at home to shop online, treat yourself, you deserve it!
Do something nice for someone else. What’s that saying….the best way to lose yourself is in the service of others? I don’t know, something along those lines. I think you get the point. You never know when a small gesture on your part will greatly affect someone else’s life.
Make yourself a healthy smoothie.
Play with your pets; my dogs can always lift me out of the worst mood.
Plan a super luxurious evening by checking into a local hotel. Order some room service, book an appt. at the spa or just enjoy a night alone being able to watch whatever you want on tv.
Invite your best girlfriend over for apps and cocktails on the porch. Catch up and gossip the night away.
What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!
