If you’re anything like me, the fast (and somehow also snail-like) pace of the average workweek can really take its toll if you don’t take ample time to recharge. A lot of the time it seems as if I’m rushing through the day to get through all my tasks so I can just get home and sit on my couch – but that’s no fun, and probably no good for anyone in the long run! So I’ve come up with a few routines that I can stretch to fit into my week – keep reading and try them out for yourself! Since everyone has different amounts of time and resources, I made a point to give a bunch of options that you can take or leave – it’s up to you.
Monday – Mix it Up
A lot of people get the Monday Blues, or a case of the Mondays – but for me it seems like Monday is the day that goes by the fastest. It’s a day to pickup momentum and keep going. That’s why I always aim to do something a little fun on Monday. Be it going out for a drink (and maybe oysters) after work, trying a new recipe, going to the new “holistic” grocery store that just opened up, watching an interesting movie or TV show, or hosting a game night with a few friends.
Tuesday – Mini Spa Day
A mini spa day will look different for everyone – for me it usually just involves a hair mask while I’m in the shower, some exfoliating (this is my absolute favorite scrub), and then a face mask, lavender essential oils in my diffuser, and if I’m feeling really dedicated – an at-home manicure. If you’re feeling like a splurge you can outsource your beauty or spa treatments, and book them at a salon nearby – pedicures are one of my favorite ways to treat myself. I have a monthly membership at a massage and facial spa, and it’s one of the things I look forward to most each month. I also subscribe to the Headspace app which has been helping a lot when it comes to quieting some of the mental noise going on. Whatever you do, focus on relaxing and leaving work at work. It may be difficult to schedule downtime, but even 20 minutes can make a big difference.
Wednesday – Get Creative
Sometimes an aspect of self care we overlook is using our brain in new and challenging ways. Finding something you’re passionate about outside of work can be tricky, but finding a hobby or honing a skill is almost always a good investment. This creative outlet will be completely up to you. Taking a pottery or dance class, learning coding or video editing at a local workshop, or working on a quilt, a podcast, a painting, or even a puzzle. Discover something that gives you a spark, and integrate it into your week somehow, even if it’s just sitting down to doodle on your lunch break.
Thursday – Get Productive
Thursday is the day of the week I tie up loose ends. Checking over my bank accounts to make sure everything looks good. Washing and folding a load of laundry, going through my pantry and fridge to see if anything needs to be tossed or repurchased, doing a quick tidy, and sometimes even picking a few things to sell on Poshmark or Mercari. It’s nice to have a day to check in and get things done that normally fall by the wayside. Put on a podcast or an album you love and just get shit done!
Friday – Reflect
Ultimately Friday is the day to party! You did it! A whole dang week?! You’re a superstar. Now’s the time to let it all go, but before you do it – set an intention. What do you want to get done over the weekend? Don’t overschedule yourself, but setting a few small goals will make the weekend go by without making you feel like you “wasted it all.” You can totally schedule doing nothing as your goal – I try to do that at least one weekend a month, (this is of course not an option for some people, especially those that work weekends and/or have children – but if you can make it happen once in a while, I encourage it!) You could also take time to look back at your week to congratulate yourself for a job well done, and look at aspects of your week that you’d like to do better in the next. Write that down, and peek at it on Sunday night or Monday morning. Setting goals is a major proponent of future success!
What are your weekday self care tips? Do you already do any of these things? I’d love to know your thoughts!