What is Self-care Saturday?
Self-care is an essential component of simply living happy. It's a perfect way to acknowledge your personal growth and meet your own personal needs. With fewer obligations and more free time to focus on your well-being, Saturday is a great day to plan self-care activities.
The simple act of taking a relaxing bubble bath and allowing ourselves the peace we crave will have far-reaching benefits to our productivity and overall happiness. In this list, we have compiled numerous ways to incorporate self-care activities into your free time.
I love self-care Saturdays filled with a list of things to do and the enjoyment from the sense of accomplishment. Typically Self-care Sunday is a time to focus on relaxation and preparation for the week ahead. The good news is you don't need an entire dedicated self care weekend to reap the benefits of self-care activities. Spending time intentionally in your daily routine is a great way to have a positive effect on your mood. Many of the self care ideas in this article can be practiced in your daily life, too.
Self-care Saturday Ideas
- light a candle
- create a playlist of favorite songs
- take a relaxing bath
- go for a bike ride
- spend quality time alone
- Watch a new episode of a show
- Enjoy an adult coloring book
- Read a new story from a book club list
- Open the living room windows to let in fresh air
- Go thrifting or antiquing
- Visit a museum and learn something new
- Volunteer
The Four Pillars of Self-care
Emotional Self-care
When situations present themselves, we may find ourselves having harsh thoughts either towards ourselves or others. Taking some time to work through these feelings will help you feel better and take whatever proactive steps are necessary to support your mental health.
- Write a self love poem
- Talk to a trusted advisor
- Practice mindfulness
- Seek out good news or inspirational stories
- Find ways to laugh more
- Meditate to connect with the present moment
- Listen to ASMR as a means of regulating emotions and relaxing
Physical Self-care
Physical self-care can be so many things. If you’re training regularly throughout the week, gentle stretching and enjoying a movie marathon on the couch may be the best for your physical health.
Or, you may find the weekend is the perfect time to burn off some steam, raise your heart rate, and work up a sweat. There are so many health benefits to prioritizing physical self-care of all kinds. Keep reading for more physical self-care ideas.
- Book a spa day
- Diy face mask
- Take a yoga class
- Go for a long walk
- Get your nails done
- Hug a good friend
- try a nourishing new recipe
- Absorb some vitamin D by getting outside
- Give your body some much-needed TLC with an exfoliating scrub
For an indulgent but healthy treat, try making our mini blueberry pies
Social Self-care
Just like physical self-care has different ends of the spectrum, so does social self-care. It’s easy to feel lonely or secluded if you work from home or in a small office, so getting out and being around people can help recharge your energy. But if you’re frequently in public, spending some quality alone time might be just the ticket. Don't be afraid to prioritize your own needs in whatever form they take.
- Do a social media audit and seek out accounts that inspire, educate, or make you laugh.
- Plan time with family members
- Read a book at a nearby park
- Go to a local meet-up event
- Have a check-in with your significant other
- Reconnect with an old friend
- Perform a random act of kindness
Spiritual Self-care
One misconception about spiritual self-care is that it is entirely religious or faith-based. Though it certainly can be both of those things, there are also ways to nurture your sense of purpose and self without religious affiliation. If you do what makes your soul happy, you’ll be practicing spiritual self-care.
- Gratitude Journal
- Connect with community
- Read inspirational quotes
- Star-gaze
- Honor your ancestors
- Read positive affirmations
- Pray or Worship
- Create a vision board
- Write a love letter to your future self
Get your day started with a few good morning smile quotes here.
Self Care: More Than a Buzzword
Below are just a few examples of the rich tapestry of self-care practices specific to different cultures. It may be surprising to learn that traditions of connection and rejuvenation can be traced back to some of the earliest documented civilizations. Embracing these practices can not only enhance one's well-being but also deepen their appreciation of diverse traditions and lifestyles around the world.
Japanese Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): As mentioned earlier, Shinrin-Yoku involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to connect with nature, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. It's deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has gained recognition worldwide.
Hammam (Middle East and North Africa): The hammam is a traditional public bathhouse where people engage in steam baths, scrubbing, and socializing. It's a cleansing and rejuvenating practice rooted in Islamic culture.
Siesta (Spain and Latin America): The siesta is a brief afternoon nap, traditionally taken in regions with warm climates. It allows people to rest during the hottest part of the day and regain energy for the evening.
Onsen (Japan): Onsen refers to natural hot springs that are popular for relaxation and healing in Japan. Bathing in these mineral-rich waters is believed to have therapeutic benefits for the body and mind.
Lagom (Sweden): Lagom, a Swedish concept, means "just the right amount." It encourages a balanced and moderate lifestyle, avoiding excess and focusing on contentment.
Sauna (Finland): Sauna culture is deeply ingrained in Finnish society. It involves regular sessions of intense heat followed by cold water immersion, promoting relaxation and physical health.
Hygge (Denmark): Hygge is a Danish concept centered around coziness, comfort, and togetherness. It involves creating warm and inviting spaces and enjoying simple pleasures with loved ones.
Mexican Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): This cultural celebration involves honoring deceased loved ones through rituals, altars, and gatherings. It provides an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and healing.
Hawaiian Ho'oponopono: Ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. It involves meditation and repetition of specific phrases to release negative emotions and promote inner peace.
Mindful Eating (Buddhist Traditions): Mindful eating is a Buddhist practice that encourages full awareness of each bite of food. It fosters gratitude and conscious eating habits.
Yoga and Meditation (India): Yoga and meditation are integral to Indian culture and spirituality. These practices promote physical and mental well-being, self-awareness, and inner peace.
My Favorite Fall Self-care Saturdays
The start of almost every perfect self-care day starts with waking up and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. By taking things a little slower, I try to spend more time thinking about how much I appreciate the different things I encounter throughout my morning before the activities begin.
With temperatures starting to cool down, it is a perfect time to get outside for a hike or gentle nature walk.
If you live somewhere that experiences the change of seasons, it can be so peaceful to find a quiet place to take in the colors and listen to the birds and wind in the trees. Simple acts like these really help me recharge.
The way back from hiking is a great time to get a couple of errands out of the way. Maybe the grocery store and or hardware store. I might grab lunch out or make something fresh and delicious at home, depending on the time.
I love gardening, so cleaning up and preparing beds for fall and the next spring is always fun. I recently picked up a new hobby, vermicomposting, so I have my own compost to use in our plantings, which adds to the fun.
After dinner, I will plan to take a longer-than-usual shower to pamper myself, or if I feel really indulgent, I will take a hot bath with Epsom salts and essential oils.
I’ll end the night watching a favorite movie and get to bed early for some much-needed rest.
A Perfect Self-care Saturday in Winter
Where we are, there isn't usually snow during the winter, but we do get the occasional gloomy cold, sometimes rainy, day. On Saturdays, after a busy week when there isn’t as long of a to-do list, it is a total treat to curl up with a good book or watch an episode. Maybe even enjoy a cup of tea or take a nap.
The damp cold of the day is a welcomed invitation to retreat to the cozy warmth inside and PJ’s all day.
My Ideal Self-care Saturdays in Spring or Summer
The morning starts out like most days, with a cup of coffee and a few quiet moments before heading to our local farmer's market for some fresh produce and a yoga class in the park. One of my favorite small moments is enjoying a cold lemonade or iced tea from one of the market vendors after yoga.
The rest of the day might be a mixture of running errands with more intentional self-care in the afternoon with a dip in the pool and time spent relaxing.
FAQ’s
What is a self-care weekend?
Prioritizing your needs by dedicating time to things that help you recharge and feel your best. How one person spends their self-care weekend may differ entirely from someone else. The important thing is that you take the time to regularly check in with yourself and take action to look, feel, and live your best.
How can I practice self-care on a weekend?
The best way to practice self-care on a weekend is to plan how you want to spend your time and communicate your intentions to friends and family in advance. Treat this time like you would any other commitment. Read about ideas and types of self-care here.
What day of the week is best for self-care?
Any day or block of time you can dedicate to self-care is the best time. From finding a quiet place to take a few deep breaths or booking yourself a spa treatment to unwind, there are no rules as to when or how to best take care of yourself.
Are There Different Types of Self-care?
Yes, from active to restful, there are many different ways to keep your energy levels filled more than half full. We’ve broken different activities and ideas into four categories to help you plan the best self-care Saturday routine.
Are there challenges to self-care?
Yes, despite its importance, self-care can be difficult to implement, like any new routine or habit. Some of the most common hurdles to overcome include:
Not Having enough time: Busy schedules and demanding responsibilities often leave little time for self-care. This is where setting boundaries and getting comfortable communicating your needs is a must.
Guilt or Social Pressure: sometimes self-care can feel like self-indulgence, and though luxurious treatments can be a fun way to experience self-care, those are not the only means. It is crucial to see this time as necessary self-preservation so you can continue to show up as the best version of yourself for those you love and care about.
Lack of Awareness: Many people are not fully aware of the importance of self-care or the range of practices available. Education and self-reflection can help overcome this barrier. If you've found this article helpful, consider paying it forward by sharing it with others who may benefit from a few self care Saturday ideas.
Financial Constraints: Certain forms of self-care, such as spa treatments or vacations, can be expensive. However, numerous inexpensive or free self-care practices can be just as effective without the extra cost.
Every self-care journey is part of a healthy lifestyle
Self-care is not a luxury but a vital component of a healthy and fulfilling life. It helps us navigate the challenges of life by developing effective strategies for coping with stress by building resiliency, patience, and self-awareness.
Now is a perfect opportunity to create a plan for your next self-care Saturday that encompasses activities for emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being.
Self-care is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Until next time, we hope you're simply living happy.
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