We’ve heard the term “self-care” being used very often, but what does it actually mean? Everyone’s got a different definition of self-care, but it all really boils down to an action or activity that we deliberately do to take care of our health!
You don’t have to go all out and do a ton of things, really. If you’re thinking of taking some time off for a me day, but don’t really know what to do, we’ve got you covered with activities you can do from dawn to dusk.
With these 10 simple self-care day ideas, you’ll be recharged, rejuvenated, and feel better than ever once you jump back into your everyday life!
1. Journal
Have you always had something you wanted to get off your chest, but didn’t really want to burden your loved ones? A journal can be your best friend too. Proven to help alleviate stress, depression, or anxiety, journalling can help you gain control of your emotions – simply by writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly.
Grab a pen and an empty notebook (we know everyone’s got a couple lying around), put your pen to paper, and your thoughts into words.
2. Make your home smell amazing
Who wouldn’t want a lovely smelling living space? Remember those candles you received last Christmas, or the diffuser and essential oils that are just sitting in the back of your cupboard?
It’s time to take them out and give your home a calmer and more pleasant-smelling ambience. Certain essential oils such as lavender and peppermint are also known to have some incredible health benefits – Lavender relieve headaches, anxiety, and insomnia, while Peppermint improves digestion and even sinus congestion!
3. Paint your nails
While generally seen as a more feminine activity, we think that shouldn’t stop you from getting your nails done.
If you’ve got some bottles of nail polish at home, you could easily give yourself a quick mani! Granted, the resulting mani may be sloppy and imperfect, but it helps to take your mind off things, even just for a little while as you’re so focused on painting your nails.
But then again, if you want to kick back and relax while your nails are buffed and painted, you could also go ahead and book an appointment with a nail salon! Over at Daily Vanity, we’ve curated a list of the best nail salons to go for gelish manicures and pedicures below S$30, which you can read here.
4. Whip up something in the kitchen
Always had that recipe you’ve wanted to try out, but never got around to doing so? Well, now here’s your chance, because you’ve got practically the whole day to do it!
Head on over to your nearest grocery store, pick out your ingredients, and get preppin’ and cookin’ (or baking, if that’s more up your alley).
Without the stress and time crunch of trying to whip up an edible meal in 15 minutes, you can take the day to experiment with recipes, and also remember to give yourself some room for error.
5. Netflix, Netflix, Netflix!
Fix up some microwaved popcorn, get comfy in bed and get on Netflix. Nothing feels better than finally getting around to watching that movie or show you’ve been eyeing for quite a while, or crying your eyes out after an emotional film.
Whatever mood you’re in, a Netflix party for one is a chill way to end off your day.
If you don’t really know what to watch, check out this telegram channel or online guide for the latest additions to the Netflix library!
6. Clean, organise, and tidy up
You look at the mess your closet, desk, or shelves are in, tell yourself you’re going to clean them up this weekend… but never did. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there before (the thought of having to sift through and clean everything already tires us out).
We know it sounds like a daunting feat, but our advice is to start small, and tackle the areas one by one. To make things easier, you could get some storage bins and trays online or at Daiso (they’ve got a great range for any organising need!) beforehand.
Cleaning helps you gain a sense of control over your environment, while also calming your mind for a couple of hours when you’re absorbed in the process. You’ll find yourself in a better mood and have a sense of satisfaction once you’re done, though!
If you don’t quite know how, or where to start, and need some help to make your desk space more productive (especially useful for WFH days!), you can read our guide here!
7. Read a book
Oh, we see you glancing at the dusty books sitting on your bookshelf alright! Don’t sweat it if you’ve always had trouble reading or engaging in other hobbies that require concentration or a long attention span.
Research has shown that reading makes you feel better and more positive, and has some amazing health benefits such as helping with depression, cutting stress, and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s later in life too.
Here, we’ve got a list of 12 page-turning fiction, classics, and more, that you can curl up with and enjoy!
8. Colour a book
Has it been a while since you picked up some coloured pencils? Us too! Adult colouring books have been all the rage for the past couple of years, and we totally understand why.
Colouring helps relax the fear center of your brain, reducing the thoughts of a restless mind to generate mindfulness and quietness so you can wind down. It also doubles up as a relaxing and electronic-free bedtime ritual that won’t disturb your level of melatonin (which blue light from your devices does!)
Treat yourself to an adult colouring book at Amazon and Book Depository.
9. Do some Yoga
Yoga can be done at home especially if you’re a beginner. Just spending half an hour on the mat can benefit your brain, heart, and bones, and some of the incredible health benefits include boosting your immunity, reducing chronic inflammation and lowering blood pressure!
Check out some simple tutorials by Yoga with Adriene, which include simple exercises you can easily do at home!
10. Go for a walk
Bonus points if the weather’s chilly and the clouds are grey for an even more comfortable evening walk. Keep your phone in your pocket, and take in the sights around your neighbourhood.
If you’re a photography or film enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity for you to snap some shots of your surroundings and have your walk immortalised in photos!
The Marina Bay area is also a great place for a stroll at night, and you might even get some awesome snaps of the skyline if you bring your camera along.
Pro tip: Start from Suntec City (Promenade MRT station) and take a walk down to Marina Bay Sands (Bayfront MRT station) via the Helix Bridge for some spectacular night views and breeze!
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