7 Not-So-Fun Acts of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths and face masks.

When you hear the words “self-care,” do you envision deep tissue massages, exfoliating face masks, and a freshly buffed manicure?

Do you see a lazy day, spent at home, cozy in pajamas with a pizza on the way, and Netflix on TV all day? Maybe, you imagine day of impulse shopping or bubble baths accompanied by several glasses of wine?

Whatever it is that comes to mind, it’s typical for the image to be quite pleasant.

But, there are many different ways to #selfcare, and more often than not, the most effective ways of taking care of yourself aren’t bubble baths and face masks.

Check out these 7 not-so-fun acts of self-care that you can practice today to immediately reduce stress, cross off impending to-do list items, and check-in with yourself.

1. Check your bank account, budget, and bills

Let’s be honest, a lot of our day-to-day stresses as humans stem from finances. For that reason, we ignore our finances which results in accumulating debt, overspending, and missing payment deadlines.

Classic.

Understandably, finances are a tough area to navigate for many people, especially with the number of individuals affected by COVID-19 layoffs. Regardless, it is imperative to check in with your finances a few times a month for the ultimate self-care ritual.

Set time aside each month to check your bank account & credit card statements, update your budget, and pay your bills. Doing such a simple act really takes a weight off your shoulders and ensures that you’re always up to snuff with your finances.

2. Journal

If you’re anything like me, journaling doesn’t even belong on this list because it’s so much fun. But, the majority decision seems to be that lots of people attempt to start a journaling practice, just to be met with writer’s block and an achy hand.

Journaling is one of the best ways to practice self-care. It’s been proven to reduce stress, keep your memory sharp, increase self-awareness, and boost your mood. Unfortunately, it’s often neglected because people put a lot of pressure on themselves when it comes to journaling.

My best advice? Do: start journaling. Don’t: think about it too much.

Seriously, just put pen to paper and watch the words hit the page. You’ll be amazed. But, is it really a surprise? Your mind is buzzing with thoughts all day long — some pleasant, some self-critical, and some that make you feel nothing at all. They tend to come out in journaling sessions, which is pretty much venting your deepest and darkest thoughts.

It’s sweet.

3. Workout

Nothing will make you feel better than a workout. I’m not going to tell you what type of workout is best, that’s up to your body and how it’s feeling that day. Some days it might be indoor cycling, and other days it might be yoga. Whatever workout you do, your mind and body will thank you.

Even those of us that workout on a regular basis have our off days where we’re just “not feeling it.” We’d rather lay in bed, scroll on our phones, or watch T.V.

Push past that resistance, and do the workout anyway.

When we workout, our bodies release endorphins which contribute to reduced stress levels, improved sleep, and higher self-esteem, as well as a slew of physical health benefits.

4. Update and check your calendar

When’s the last time you checked your calendar? How about the last time you updated it with meetings, appointments, and urgent deadlines?

When our to-do list items and appointment times are scribbled on sticky notes, it’s clear that we’ve got a serious problem!

Update and check your calendar to make sure you’re squared away on what your day, week, and month look like. It’s always nice to unload sporadic dates and deadlines into one organized space.

5. Drink a cup of tea

Nope, not a mimosa or a martini. Not even a soda or juice.

Get that kettle going and pour yourself a piping cup of herbal tea.

Even if you’re a coffee snob that sticks their nose up to “leaf water,” drinking a cup of tea is a simple yet effective act of self-care to offer yourself.

Drinking a cup of herbal tea can reduce stress and anxiety (seeing a common theme here?), lower blood pressure, and even improve digestion. It may not get you buzzing as a mimosa self-care day would, but it sure is healthier and more effective for making yourself feel your best.

6. Plan your meals for the week

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of ordering takeout multiple times a week…

I see you!

Look, there’s nothing wrong with takeout. But delivery fees and restaurant food is only getting more expensive, and who’s got the time for that?

Help your future self out by planning out a few meals to rotate through as your week goes on. You can categorize them by breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and then make a grocery list for only the items you need. This will help you save time and money, as well as benefit your health.

Food’s always better when it’s homemade!

7. Clean your house

Let’s be honest: nothing feels better than giving your house a facelift. Fluffing the pillows, dusting the bookshelves, changing the sheets, the whole 9.

It’s also definitely the most tedious self-care task on the list.

You may be surprised to hear, but tidying up your house actually has some serious benefits behind it. Cleaning your house fosters calmness, increases productivity, and even helps you feel less stressed.

I know, the dishes in the sink aren’t fun to wash and the floors aren’t easy to vacuum, but remember — a clean house is a happy house!

Don’t get it twisted — I’m still a sucker for a lazy self-care day in bed with wayyyyy too much pizza and reruns of Parks and Recreation.

But, there is no one way to self-care! This list is meant to provide you with actionable starting points to remind you of areas that we all can fall guilty to neglect.

At the end of the day, self-care takes many different shapes and sizes. But sometimes, self-care means being disciplined with yourself to take care of personal business.

You are the CEO of your life. It’s up to you to decide when you take vacation days and when you take care of business.