A guide to having the best self-care week

By definition, self-care is “the practice of taking steps to maintain and improve one’s own health.” It’s not just about what you eat or how much you train daily. It can be anything that brings you a few moments of peace and serenity.

In a world full of unhappiness and turmoil, we can forget to take care of ourselves, even though self-care should be an extremely basic part of life. We worry so much about work, career, and the future when our inner self craves affection and warmth.

It can seem difficult to have a week of self-care, especially if you’re really exhausted. But please take a moment to take care of yourself because you deserve it. Here’s my guide to having the best self-care week!

1. Develop a good sleep schedule

I know many of us are guilty of having a really messy sleep schedule and then relying on caffeine to chase the drowsiness away. Good sleep is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental health. Sleep is a vital part of an individual’s health and it is often overlooked. No matter how tiring your day may be, getting enough sleep will help you fight and stay strong. So get into the habit of going to bed early and not using your phone to watch TikToks.

2. Declutter your office/bedroom

I’m sure many of you have heard the phrase “cleaning your room is therapeutic”. And it is indeed true. The reason it’s so nice to declutter is that you get rid of unnecessary stuff and get more free space. Clean and organized places are also known to reduce stress. So whether it’s your desk, your closet or your drawer, clean it up. It will surely improve your mental health as well as your physical health since you will also get the workout.

3. Go for a walk

Exercise can help improve your mood. But if you’re not in the mood for cardio, you should try walking around. And it doesn’t have to be boring. You can listen to music while you walk. Just being able to get some fresh air will definitely clear your mind. Staying home and lying in your comfy bed may seem relaxing, but going out alone for a walk is even more relaxing than you might imagine. You can also use bicycles or skateboards to get around your neighborhood.

4. Find a new hobby

It’s never too late to start or learn something new. The company has declared age limits for everything from graduating to cooking to riding a bike. But here’s the truth: there’s no age limit for anything. Do you want to learn something new? So go ahead! Finding a new hobby will give you something to focus on. It will be refreshing and give you a fresh start. Some examples of hobbies are writing, baking, calligraphy, cycling, skating, makeup, photography, and many more.

5. Listen to new songs

The best way to take care of your sweet self is to listen to all the songs that have just been released. Get a new playlist and listen to it as loud and as often as you want. Music is also known to reduce stress and anxiety, so it should be included in this self-care guide. If you don’t like any of the new songs, find the old ones that you really liked, but stop listening after a while. It will make you nostalgic.

6. Put on nice/new clothes

What we wear affects our mood, our attitude and our confidence. It can boost your psychological state and make everyday tasks a little easier. Even if you don’t plan on going out, just try to dress yourself up. It’s therapeutic and you’ll feel so much more confident.

7. Talk to a loved one

Talking to someone about yourself or anything that feels heavy on your chest is really important for your mental health. Keeping everything to yourself might be okay temporarily, but it’s not a long-term solution. It can be anyone; a friend, a neighbor, anyone in your family. Make sure you take to validate your struggles and emotions because they matter.

This was a pretty short self-care guide, but obviously there are plenty of other wonderful ways to have a great self-care week to refresh your health, mind, and soul. Above all, remember to give yourself plenty of time. Do whatever makes you happy and at peace. Self-care is all about being aware of your own needs. When you take better care of yourself, you will understand the needs of others. This will allow you to connect with them and yourself on a deeper level.