Since March 2020 and the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve all been staying home more. However, as vaccines continue to spread, the world is (finally) beginning to reopen. Nevertheless, when it comes to self-care, sometimes the best thing you can do to rejuvenate yourself is stay home. If you’re looking to plan your self-care day, check out these tips for some fresh ideas of how to relax and return to the busy world feeling refreshed. 

Spend time outside.

Time in nature is proven to be valuable, but you don’t have to travel to a national park or greenway to experience its benefits. If you have been feeling stressed or anxious, this is for you. You can click here to learn more about the benefits of spending time outside on your mental health. Whether you have a rambling backyard, a small balcony, or just an open window, it’s worth getting some fresh air on your day off. Consider taking a walk to kickstart your day (after getting plenty of sleep of course) or perhaps sitting outside while you partake in one of the other ideas listed below. 

Make something. 

Depending on your skill set, you may have either rejoiced or groaned at this idea. As someone who lives with 2 art students, I am painfully aware of my lack of artistic ability. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy trying (and sometimes failing at) new things. Using your hands to do something can be a source of relaxation, particularly when your main job involves sitting in front of a desk on a computer. Perhaps this looks like trying out a new recipe you have been curious about or taking some time to put together some DIY home decor. Maybe it is embarking on a new painting project. No matter the magnitude, incorporate some hands-on time to your self-care day. 

Journal. 

Writing is amazingly therapeutic. Journaling can take many different forms depending on what works for you as an individual. It can look like writing based on a specific prompt (if that sounds like you, take a look at this article for some prompts), recording recent events in your life and your current feelings, or just letting words fall onto a page. If you aren’t into writing, scrapbooking or photo journaling work too. All are great ways to express yourself, process your emotions, and find a sense of relaxation. 

Call a friend or family member.

While calling back that one family member whose calls you never answer may not be relaxing, catching up with a friend or family member whose telephone company you genuinely enjoy will be. Hearing someone’s voice makes them feel much closer than a text or email does, and in a time of unprecedented loneliness due to the pandemic, it may be just what you need. Not much of a talker? Remember, phone calls can be as long or short as desired and chances are, you’ll enjoy them more than you think. Don’t know what to talk about? Beyond a general life update, there’s always laughing about old memories and planning the next time you’ll get to see each other! 

Take a day off from social media.

While phone calls typically leave you feeling rejuvenated, social media often does not. As we’ve all heard, it can lead to comparing your life to the perfect ones of your friends and acquaintances as portrayed on the screen. Chances are, your reality measures up short to their idealized world. While there are clear benefits to having and using social media, it’s also important to be able to take breaks from it. Benefits of a break can include lower anxiety levels while also giving you perspective into just how much time you spend on social media each day, according to this article. On a self-care day like today, resolve not to check your social media. This may mean deleting the apps from your phone temporarily or just willing yourself not to open them. Not only will you gain some temporary freedom from the barrage of the world, you’ll also have more time as you cut out the “scrolling” portion of your day. 

Take a relaxing shower or bath. 

It wouldn’t be true to Self-Care Shower to not include this one. Besides, they’re relaxing, particularly when you have a eucalyptus bundle to add a soothing fragrance to the experience. No matter your bathing preference, plan a long, hot one for your self-care day. For those who want to go above and beyond, you can also plan a spa day to go with it from doing a face mask to getting your nails done and anything else that you can think of. 

Watch the sunrise or sunset.

This one goes back to the importance of being outdoors. If you need more specific direction than “go outside” in order to experience nature, here you go: catch the sunset or sunrise. Depending on where you live, you may need to venture out of your backyard or off your balcony to get a good look, but you shouldn’t have to go far. If you are interested in making this self-care day less solitary, grab a friend and a picnic blanket and head to a parking lot or grassy area to watch it. Not only are you experiencing nature, but you may also experience the feeling of awe or a sense of smallness, both of which have great rejuvenating benefits. For more information on the benefits of awe and nature, check out this NBC article. 

These are just a few of the many things you can incorporate into a self-care day for yourself at home. Many of them can be integrated into a daily routine as well, albeit on a smaller scale. The important thing is that you take time to relax and nourish yourself on a regular basis.