Me-time Travel: Treat Yourself to Self Care

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Tuesday, 28 May 2019 12:30

Last Updated on 05 March 2020

Monica Costa

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The term “self-care” has been trending on social media for a while now. For those not familiar with it, self-care is pretty self-explanatory: it means to take care of yourself. If you’re experiencing excessive fatigue, brain fog, or stress, those are signs that you should slow down and take better care of yourself. This generally means that you make time to focus on your mental and physical health. This might involve walking through the park, going for a run, eating nutritious foods, and getting more sleep.

But self care also means treating yourself to something that makes you feel good, is fun, or helps you to de-stress. For example, if you love getting your nails, then it’s an activity you should make time for. If indulging in dessert now and then makes you really happy, then it’s worth it. And if you feel like you constantly have to put others’ needs before your own, just know that it’s okay to treat yourself to some much needed you-time. Your health and sanity depends on it! After all, you can’t help out others if you don’t have the energy to do so. If you need some ideas for getting started, here are several ways you can treat yourself to self-care this year:

 

Plan a Spa Day

This is one of life’s ultimate luxuries, and you deserve it. Get some friends together or plan to go alone, and schedule it as far in advance as needed. Treat yourself to a few different spa treatments, such as a massage, facial, body scrub, or pedicure. This is time that you’ve set aside in your day to indulge in activities that will make you feel better, so don’t get a treatment because you feel you have to or because a friend doesn’t want to go alone. Listen to yourself and what you want and need.

 

Make Time for a Mini Break

It’s hard enough finding a few hours to yourself during a busy week let alone the time for a mini break. But holidays, even short ones, are good for your soul — and your health and performance. Even if you have to schedule it out far in advance or take a day off work, make some time for a solo trip or a trip with friends to recharge. Always wanted to go to Barcelona? Let this be your opportunity to see what all the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region has to offer. Hint: It offers a lot more than great weather, beaches, and art. And once you get there, put a no-work rule into effect. If you continue working or answering emails while you’re on a holiday, it won’t feel like a holiday.

Pick Up Old Activities Again

Sometimes, we lose track of time — and activities we once enjoyed. If you miss playing soccer, painting, or playing an instrument, what’s stopping you from picking it back up again? Get together with friends to play soccer or find a local, casual league you can join. Take a painting class or buy some paints. Dig out your old guitar or violin, or save up to buy a new one and take lessons again. There’s no reason you can’t find the time or money for activities that truly make you feel joy. Find a way to make it happen — you’ll feel immensely rewarded.

Try Something New

Don’t listen to what anyone says — it’s never too late to try something new! Try something you’ve always wanted to try, something you’ve been afraid to try, or even something you think you won’t like (you never know, you might surprise yourself). Learn a new language, go sky diving, try new foods, go water-skiing, learn a new skill, take salsa-dancing lessons, or travel to a completely foreign country. It might be hard at first depending on what you try, but keep with it. Like picking up an activity you once loved, you’ll feel rewarded for sticking to it.

Treating yourself doesn’t have to be expensive or even cost money at all. It just means making time for things you enjoy, and that could be as simple as a long bath or reading a good book. So get to it!