If you feel like you’re busier than ever, you’re not alone. For many of us, balancing work and home life is hard enough, let alone squeezing in some time for ourselves.
Ironically, often when we stop and do just that, we start to slow things down and regain a sense of equilibrium. Whilst it can be hard at first, implementing some regular ‘me-time’ is one of the best things we can do for ourselves – especially when we’re busy.
Forgot what that looks like? Here are 7 ways to treat yourself (because you most certainly deserve it).
1. Read
These days, it’s so easy to just hit play on whatever you were last watching whenever you get a spare minute. But why not try reading as one of the ways to yourself?
Reading has been dubbed ‘exercise for our brains’ and linked with a crazy number of positive health benefits including improved concentration, reduced stress, better sleep quality and even increased emotional intelligence. Even just 30 minutes a week can increase our overall wellbeing and even improve confidence and self-esteem.
With a world of books out there, there’s literally something for everyone. Next time you want to binge-watch your favourite show, do yourself a favour and pick up a book instead.
2. Spend a little time in the sun
Spending time in the sun is essential for our overall wellbeing. Just a few minutes of sunshine a day can boost our body’s supply of vitamin D, aid our immune system, prevent disease and promote good mental health. Plus, a little bit of sunlight can help you sleep better and even give you that bright, glowy skin we all know and love.
Kill two birds with one stone and take a book to your local park so you can bask in the sun while engaging in some brain-nourishing entertainment. Of course, be careful not to overdo it. Get yourself some SPF50+ moisturizer so you can protect your skin from the dangers of UV rays.
3. Practice some mindfulness
One of the best ways to treat yourself is to engage in some mindful practices.
Mindfulness has been linked to all kinds of mental (and physical) benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, improved focus and memory and even the promotion stronger interpersonal relationships.
There are plenty of ways to practice mindfulness, from keeping a gratitude journal to doing meditation exercises. For the latter, apps like Headspace are a great way to get started. Part of mindfulness is about creating good habits, and if you can include these practices in your daily or weekly routine, you’ll be sure to see the benefits.
4. Take yourself for a massage
Of course, when you think of treating yourself, the first thing that comes to mind may just be a massage (it is for me!). Blissing out for an hour on the massage table is a great way to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday demands and indulge in some pampering.
When it comes to spa therapy, a facial is another great option – perfect for giving your skin the hydrating refresh it’s craving. Float tanks are also becoming increasingly popular as a way to treat yourself to some ultimate blissful relaxation, whilst soothing your muscles with Epsom salts.
5. Enjoy an at-home pamper session
When you can’t afford the time or money to take yourself for a massage, an at-home spa session is an equally great option when it comes to ways to treat yourself. Stock up on your favorite beauty essentials that will leave you feeling fabulous.
Start by lighting some candles and putting on relaxing music – then you get to decide what comes next. You could try a dry body scrub, followed by a face mask or a hair mask (preferably both!). Whether you focus on specific areas or do a full-body pamper is up to you. Run a bath and treat yourself to a bath bomb or some salts; remember, this time is all about you.
6. Buy yourself something nice
There are so many occasions for which we buy gifts for our loved ones, but not many where we buy gifts for ourselves. Whether it’s flowers, chocolate, a nice skincare product or a piece of jewellery, don’t forget to splash out on something for yourself every now and then. It will make you feel special and you’ve no doubt worked hard for it.
7. Do some exercise, yoga or stretching
Whilst the idea of exercise might be more of a chore than a treat for some, spending some time being active is actually one of the best ways to treat yourself. Exercise releases endorphins in your body, triggering positive feelings that last for hours afterwards. Don’t feel like you have to do an intense workout at the gym to reap the benefits, just a short 20-minute workout – or something lighter like a yoga class or even some stretching – is enough to get those good vibes flowing.
There’s no right or wrong way to treat yourself. If you focus on what you love and what makes you feel great, you can’t go wrong!