What to do When You Need a Self Care Day

Have you ever thought about going to a wellness retreat?

A self-care paradise?

I mean, imagine.

You’re in a beautiful location surrounded by lush trees and a cool breeze. And you have nothing to do except eat delicious food (that others prepare!) and focus on your own rest and relaxation. Maybe you take a nap, maybe you read, or perhaps you get a massage.

Um, is it just me that feels like this would be living the dream?!

Yet, there are a few problems with our little fantasy. For one, most wellness retreats are crazy expensive. Many of us have some higher priority things to save for.

And two, it’s hard to leave the family to do it. Ah, blasted mom guilt.

But sometimes we just NEED a RE-SET. So, what should we do?

A DIY self-care day!

I can’t give you the far away location, but with a little planning, the time can be just as well spent! Let me show you how!

This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. See my disclaimer for more info.

Would you like to save this idea?

Enter your email and I'll send the link straight to you.

Contents

The Basics of A Self Care Day

First, here are 4 essentials to consider when planning a day JUST FOR YOU!

1. DECIDE YOUR TIMELINE

The title to this post says “self-care day,” but this is open to interpretation! Definitely make it a whole “wellness weekend” if you can, or shoot for just a few hours if that’s all you’ve got.

But, be sure to clear your calendar and schedule it in! Make it a priority!

Remember, whatever time you can find to refresh and recharge will be well spent!

2. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

Next, while you don’t have to spend any money to make this awesome, it would be special if you have a little discretionary money.

So, before you plan, consider what amount of money you’re willing to put aside for your wellness day.

It will give you a clearer idea of the types of activities you can add.

And, I will mention that if you have kids, a babysitter would be a worthy investment for part of the time!

3. CONSIDER YOUR PERSONALITY

We all have different ways that we see the world and varying things that we connect with. So, consider your personality and stage of life.

Are you a homebody? Or do you love to be out?

Are you energized by upbeat activities? Or do you really just need to be alone in a bathtub?

What do you crave?

To take it a step further, think about your love language. How you receive love is a fantastic indicator of some of the activities to choose on your self-care day. Here are examples for each love language (Also, way more activity ideas later in the post!)!

Are you big on TOUCH? – Think massages, manicures, and hugs

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION? Consider writing a list of all the things you love about yourself, or a list of accomplishments that you’re proud of

QUALITY TIME? Spend alone time walking, meditating, and relaxing. And plan an undistracted activity with someone you love.

ACTS OF SERVICE? Do some nice things for yourself ahead of time, like putting clean sheets on your bed or getting your favorite drink ready to go.

GIFTS? – Buy yourself some flowers and something special during your day. Treat yo’ self girl!

No idea what I’m talking about with Love Languages? Check out this book! Or take my free self-care assessment HERE >>

4. PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME

Furthermore, think of it as planning for a vacation!

You would NOT be doing laundry in Hawaii! So, don’t do it during this!

To make this work, do these tasks beforehand:

laundry
meal planning (free meal planner HERE)
pre-cooking
cleaning
job-related work
childcare planning if needed

This way you will have as little to worry about as possible. Just like during a traveling vacation.

Also, consider buying things that make your life easier. Plastic or eco-friendly plates and cutlery can cut down on dishes for a day.

Remember, the time is meant for you, not your to-do list!

self care day, woman in a sunflower field

Ideas For Your Self-Care Weekend

Alright, now the fun part! Take out a pen and start planning!

Now that we’ve done some initial thinking, add some things that will make YOU feel amazing!

Here are some SELF-CARE ideas for your special day!

Drink fancy coffee

Journal (free writing or these are thoughtful questions)

Read a new book

Try meditation (if you’ve never done it before, this is great for beginners)

Have dinner out with friends or spouse

Practice yoga

Diffuse frankincense

Enjoy a face mask and body scrub

Spray lavender essential oils on your pillow

Put on new sheets (do beforehand!)

Have a spa night

Take a nap

Take walks in nature

Watch a video on something you want to learn

Do a facial or massage

Get healthy takeout

Write a huge list of everything you’re grateful for

Write a huge list of everything that makes you happy

Make a five year plan or vision board

Stretch

Drink fresh pressed juice

Spend time with others

Get a manicure/pedicure

Go shopping just for fun

Workout

Eat chocolate (can’t forget this one!)

Peruse a bookstore

Drink herbal tea

Go to a concert or event

Watch something that makes you laugh

Need even more ideas? You can find more here – Self Care Ideas List When You Need To Reboot or The Ultimate Sunday Self Care post!

Or SIGN UP below for a free pdf of the 50 ideas + self-care checklist!

Must-Dos During The Day

Lastly, make the MOST of the day with these 3 tips!

A DIGITAL DETOX

Let’s face it. Getting sucked into the rabbit hole of our phones is not self-care! And it will defeat the purpose.

So, please, take yourself away from email, social media, and news feeds for a short while. It won’t kill you, I promise.

To help, put your electronics in a separate part of your house out of the way! And, set your phone in a cabinet where you’ll check it less.

EAT WELL & NOURISH

Food is a HUGE part of wellness. So, focus on foods that nourish you for your self-care day.

Try a new salad or a side of veggies. Do that body good.

Additionally, a few treats are fun, but if all you’re consuming is heavy, processed food, you won’t be doing your body any favors.

DON’T LET “PERFECT” BE THE ENEMY

And finally, NOTHING is perfect.

In reality, women don’t often get to step away. If you can be completely alone, good for you! If not, improvise.

It also goes to say that things will pop up, because it’s life and they usually do. So, go with the flow and recharge the best you can!

*For a specific template to plan the day, see my ultimate self-care planner!

My Experience

In the last year, I’ve done self-care days twice. Once, in the dead of winter (hello winter blues), and then again a month ago.

Here’s what one of my days looked like:

Morning: Walked on a trail (took baby) to a nearby coffee shop, meditated, read a good book

Afternoon: Ate a pre-prepped salad, ran (got a babysitter for a time), did my 5-minute journal, took a bath, put on a face mask, did my toenails

Evening: Had a delicious dinner and drinks with a family member, and watched Friends (ah, still makes me laugh!)

Mine was pretty simple and was affected somewhat by the fact that I have small kids. However, I had other activities out of the house planned and didn’t do them.

For me, it was more relaxing to be home and it’s what made me feel AWESOME. Everyone’s different!

*Read these inspiring self-care quotes for added motivation!

Something To Consider with Wellness

In the end, what matters is what brings YOU joy and what’s good for your mind, body, and spirit! So devote a day, weekend, or even a whole month for self care.

I know it’s hard to find the time, but you’ll never regret investing in yourself!

What are you going to do for your day?! I’d love to know! (Print off these self care bingo cards to help guide you too!)

Other Self Care & Happiness Posts…