I think that we can all agree that this year has had many ups and downs. From long work weeks to weekend plans getting canceled due to the pandemic. Self Care routines are even more vital to incorporate into your weekly routine — and Sundays are the perfect day for it!
Since some people don’t know where to start, I decided to write out 28 undefeated self care sunday ideas that anyone and everyone can do! We all need a reminder to take care of ourselves regularly.
Table of Contents
What is Self Care?
According to the dictionary, self care is the the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. This could mean ones mental health, physical health, or even emotional health.
The whole point of having a dedicated self care sunday routine is to consciously take time for yourself in order to promote balance in your life. I believe this is the secret key to living a happy and health life.
Why is it Important?
Let me paint a picture for you: you’re in a car driving on a dirt road taking a cross-country trip. You just made it to the halfway point and then realize that the fuel light on your car just turned on. You look at the tank and realize and think — “Oh man, I’m out of gas!” It would totally be unrealistic to think that you could make it to your destination without refueling. You have to pull over and take care of the issue!
Now replace the care with YOU! In order to make it to the finish line properly — whether that’s achieving your dreams or making to the end knowing you’ve lived a fruitful live — you have refuel your mind, body and soul! This is why it’s important to have a consistent self care routine. Without it, you may not even make it to the finish line (at least not in one piece).
How Can Self Care Sunday Improve Your Life? Having a consistent self care routine can lead to a more well-rounded and balanced life. Also, from my personal experience, I’ve learned that I have to maintain my self care routine in order to offer the best version of myself to others.
How Can I Make a Good Self Care Routine?
Making a good self care routine can seem like a daunting task. But once you create one, it’s easy to stick with it. The good thing about it is that there is no wrong or right routine. It’s completely up to you and depends on what works with your schedule.
For me, the hardest part of creating a self care routine is making sure that the tasks are not boring because I get bored easily. What I recommend is that you come up with 3 solid routines, including tasks that you would enjoy doing. Then, you can switch them out every other sunday — or whatever you’ve decided your self care day is — and keep things interesting!
So, let’s get into the good part! Here are 28 self care ideas that you can try out and potentially add to your self care routine. To make things easier to digest, I’ve categorized these tasks depending on the amount of time they take.
28 Self Care Ideas You Should Try
Easy Activities (15 minutes or less):
1. Practice meditation
- Practicing meditation is a really simply and quick task that you can do anytime and anywhere. It helps to center and calm you which is perfect for those overwhelming weeks. My personal favorite app to use is Dwell. It’s a narrative bible app that allows you to repeat certain books, chapters, and verses which is great when you want to meditate on a specific scripture.
2. Read 5 pages of a book
- Reading 5 pages of a book is a great hack for those of you that may need help getting in to reading. Not only does it help you escape your current reality, but before you know it, you’ll be reading 30+ pages at one time — this happens to me all the time.
3. Journal your thoughts (preferably in the morning time)
- Journaling is a great source for you to release your thoughts. The next time you don’t have someone that you can vent with, open up you journal and let the pen flow along the page. For me, journaling helps me organize my thoughts so I can have clear conversions the next time I talk to someone.
4. Call a loved one
- It always feels good connecting with a loved one via phone call or facetime because love (giving it out or feeling loved) is the best feeling in the world.
5. Declare some positive affirmations
- Positive affirmations help to remind you who you are in this world. They also keep me on track and prevent me from getting lost in this world.
6. Take a brisk shower
- Feeling clean and taking some time to refresh yourself is definitely a secret key to self care. Of course, there’s really nothing like a nice got shower!
7. Blast your favorite song
- Sometimes, you just need to put on your headphones and listen to your favorite song. Right now, my favorite song is Jet Black by Anderson .Paak ft. Brandy).
Breaks (30 minutes or less):
1. Go for a mindful walk or jog
- You’re probably thinking “Destiny, what the heck is a mindful walk?” Haha, I was thinking the same thing as I was typing this. My definition of a mindful walk or jog is when you take a scenic route and just enjoy the beauty of nature. You look at the trees, the flowers, the birds in the sky and truly appreciate its beauty and the fact that there is life in everything.
2. Do your nighttime skincare rotuine
- We love a thorough skincare routine. In this case, put on a face mask, exfoliate your skin(chemically or physically), and then seal your moisturizer in with an oil. Finally, complete your routine with a gua sha routine! You won’t regret giving your skin extra love.
3. Listen to a motivational podcast
- Who else has been into podcasts lately? Listening to a motivational podcast is definitely a good way to give yourself a little extra pump of energy — I also love a good true crime podcast (please recommend some in the comments).
4. Take a nice nap
- UGH! Sometimes you just gave to close your eyes and take a good nap. However, I recommend not going over 45 minutes or else you might mess up your sleep cycle.
5. Clean your room or workspace
- I personally feel better when I’m in a clean space. Cleaning up your environment is the ultimate way to show yourself that you care!
6. Get your nails done
- This idea doesn’t even need an explanation (we all feel much better with a fresh new set).
7. Retail therapy – do some online shopping
- This is for all my people who love retail therapy. I am also one of those people.
Dedicated Tasks (1 to 3 hours):
1. Take a nice bath
- There’s nothing truly as soothing as taking a nice warm bath. So, while you’re at it, be sure to add some essential oils or epsom salt for added nourishment.
2. Watch your favorite movie
- Don’t you have that one movie that you can literally watch over and over again? I definitely do — mine is Inception!
3. Listen to a full album — new music always puts me in a good mood
- I love discovering new artists and also new albums from artists that I already listen to.
4. Start a new series on Netflix
- For all those who love movies/tv shows, find a new show to binge on Netflix! Of course I don’t recommend you finish the whole show in one sitting, but to be honest, I’ve been guilty of that LOL.
5. Go for a scenic drive
- For some, driving can be a daunting activity. But for others, driving is a form of relaxation — especially when there’s some beauty scenery surrounding you!
6. Visit your favorite restaurant
- There’s nothing like a good meal in your stomach to recenter yourself (list some of your favorite restaurants in the comments below)!
7. Take yourself on a date
- Before you get involved with anyone else, it’s important to know who you are. How are you going to offer your best self to someone else if you don’t even know what qualities you have to offer? Taking yourself on a date is a great way to promote self-care as well as identifying who you truly are. What’s your favorite foods? What environment do you thrive in and also, what environment is draining for you? These are some of the questions you’ll be answer after spending some time figuring out what makes you YOU!
Full Self Care Days (3 to 5 hours):
1. Try following a new recipe
- UGH, who doesn’t love a good dessert? Show yourself some care by eating some very delicious carbs.
2. Clean out your closet
- Cleaning our your closet is very important! As your life changes, so does your body! So show yourself that you care but only having items in the closet that not only represents you but also fits you well!
3. Rearrange your room
- Some change is good. For instance, rearranging your room is a great way to switch things up. Treat yourself to a new layout without the price tags of all new furniture.
4. Take a break from social media
- Social media is a great way to connect with others BUT, it can be very draining. Looking at everyones life highlights can make you develop an unrealistic view of life. So why don’t you try deleting all your social media apps from your phone for at least a couple of days! If that’s too hard for you, then start off with one full day without social media. Trust me, you’ll feel rejuvenated after.
5. Visit your local museum or art gallery
- Art has a way of bringing a fresh perspective to your mind. Definitely visit your local museum or art gallery in order to give your mind a recharge!
6. Plan a fun day with your friends
- Friends are the best thing in the world! So, hang out with your friends and implement some self care together!
7. Plan to visit the nearest national park
- Nature definitely has some recharging properties to it! So, bring some friends, water, sunscreen, and absorb what nature has to offer you!
My Holy Grail Self Care Routine
I honestly love self care! My Holy Grail Sunday Self Care Routine includes the following: waking up a little later than normal (because we all need a recharge), going to church, eating a really good meal, hanging out with family for the afternoon, and ending the day with a nice bath plus an extravagant skincare routine. For me, Sunday’s are my dedicated day of rest!
Doing little tasks on a regular basis that make me feel good truly help me to function properly. Sometimes, life can get very overwhelming. Whether it trying to progress at work, maintaining a healthy relationship, or even figuring out what it really means to be an adult. It’s important to make sure that you take some time out for yourself so that you can present your best self to others.