12 Self-Care Ideas For 2023
Introduction
Self-care is something we all should practice. It's a great way to be kind to yourself and also boosts your mood by lowering stress levels. But sometimes it can feel like there need to be more hours in the day or you're too busy with work or family obligations. If that's the case, here are 25 simple ways you can practice self-care without taking up too much time:
Yoga with Cows + Conscious Cow's Pose
What better way to get a healthy dose of self-care than by engaging in some yoga? The benefits of this practice are endless, and when you add the element of mindfulness into your routine, it can help you slow down and focus on what matters most to you.
As for a specific pose that could help with self-care in 2023, we'd recommend trying out the "cow's pose." Here are the steps:
- Deeply inhale as you raise your arms over your head (for instance, if someone is going to give you a high five). Then exhale while dropping them down until they rest parallel with each other in front of you—similar to how cows stand on their hind legs when they want something from humans or look at themselves in reflective surfaces like mirrors or windows*. y This is also known as the "cat/cow pose."
- Next, inhale as far up into an arch as possible before exhaling back down toward ground level, where it started.* Note: You might feel like crying during this part due to how much space opening up inside will create around all those old thoughts and feelings that don't serve any purpose anymore. Sit with yourself for however long you need before you make the conscious decision and affirm out loud, "I let go of all of that which no longer serves me."
Start a new artistic hobby.
You might think, "I don't know how to draw or paint." Don't worry—that's not a requirement. There are different types of art out there! You can paint (or not), sculpt, draw and sketch, do mosaics or stained glass windows; the list goes on and on. The important thing is that you try something new and let your creativity flow. Even if you think you're not good at it, give it a shot. Chances are that even if your first attempt isn't perfect, it will improve with practice. And the benefits of creativity aren't just for artists; they apply equally to other hobbies! When we're creative in our hobbies, we feel happier overall because we've been able to express ourselves in some way that connects us more deeply with ourselves and others around us—and what could be better than being happier than usual?
Have a picnic on the beach.
- Pack a picnic basket.
- Bring a blanket or towel to sit on.
- Bring a first aid kit in an emergency, at least until you get home.
- Bring games and activities for everyone to play together, like Frisbee or cards.
- Remember sunscreen! And if you have time, pack bug spray too!
Take a bubble bath with rose petals.
Rose petals are a great addition to your bubble bath if you're looking for a more aromatic experience. Add a few drops of essential oils for an even more luxurious experience. Try using a bath bomb, but be careful not to drop it! Bath salts or sponges can help make the water feel more luxurious and soft on your skin.
Go to an aerial yoga class.
Aerial yoga is a great way to get fit and stay fit, and it can help you build muscle tone, improve flexibility, and reduce stress. Aerial yoga is also great for people of all ages and fitness levels because it is a low impact on the spine. This means that even if you have an injury or illness like arthritis or back pain that prevents you from doing other exercises, aerial yoga can still benefit your body!
Aerial yoga is effective at helping build strength and flexibility simultaneously because it uses the entire body weight as resistance during each pose. The muscle groups targeted during regular practice include:
- Upper arms
- Forearms
- Shoulders (deltoids)
- Chest (pectorals) - these muscles help us lift our arms over our head while performing a pose such as a tree pose, where we raise one arm above our head while keeping both feet planted firmly on the floor surface area below them
Wear an eye mask and turn off your phone for hours.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it may be time to take a break from your phone. Try wearing an eye mask and turning off your phone for hours. Your eyes will thank you, and so will the rest of your body and soul.
Apply collagen serum (a peptide-rich, rejuvenating serum).
Collagen is a protein that makes up the connective tissue in our bodies, including skin and bones. It keeps our skin looking young and healthy, but as we age, it breaks down and leaves us with dry, wrinkled skin. Luckily there are collagen serums—a peptide-rich formula that helps your body produce more collagen to fill fine lines and create an overall firmer complexion. Apply the serum consistently for about three months for optimal results!
Visit a sauna or steam room.
Saunas and steam rooms are an excellent way to relax, unwind, and detoxify your body. Whether you're looking for a relaxing experience or something more intense (or both), there's no shortage of ways to use saunas and steam rooms.
>Benefits of saunas and steam rooms:
- They can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
- They can be great additions to your workout routine if you're trying to lose weight or build muscle mass.
- Steam rooms may help alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis by increasing circulation near the surface of your skin, helping clear away dead cells that build up in affected areas and reduce inflammation in those areas (1). Saunas might also work well for people with arthritis due to their ability to increase blood flow throughout the body (2).
Build a blanket fort in your living room and watch movies in it!
Watch movies in a blanket fort!
Now you can build your blanket fort and watch movies inside of it. I recommend using either a projector or a TV to watch your film. Using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone for this activity is also possible.
See a movie all by yourself.
In today's society, finding time and space for yourself is hard. We're constantly on the go, always busy with work or school commitments. Getting out of that cycle for a while is essential for our mental health! Going to the movies is a great way to escape reality, relax, and unwind after a long day. You can see what new movies are coming out (or old ones you've wanted to see), eat popcorn and drink soda—and eat candy if you want! But though: what's better than sitting in an oversized seat in a dark room surrounded by strangers watching something other than your own life? It'll be fun!
Cleanse with essential oils (while listening to soothing music).
Essential oils may sound like something you'd use to clean your house, but they are also much more. For many, essential oils can be used for cleansing, relaxing, and making you feel good (aromatherapy), as well as massage and skin care.
Essential oils come from plants or flowers and contain the aromatic compounds that give them their smell. They are often extracted from these sources by distillation or expression—that's why it's important to know what plant an essential oil comes from since each one has its unique chemical composition. You can get them in many forms: diluted in carrier oils like coconut oil, infused into watery mixtures called hydrosols, or frozen in gel form (ice cubes).
Self-care is not selfish!
Everyone is always going and going in today's world. But is that a good thing?
Taking time out of your schedule to do something just for yourself is essential. This can be anything from taking a walk through the park or reading a book to watching your favorite TV show or spending time with friends. Self-care doesn't have to be an elaborate activity – it could be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning before work to meditate or journaling about how you feel that day.
Conclusion
Remember to always take care of yourself before you can care for others. You can spend less than hundreds or even thousands on self-care products or services, and you need the willingness to do it. If you can make these small changes in your life and dedicate some time each day for yourself, you will be surprised by how much better you feel!