For the first time, I finally have a routine that I love. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’d notice how much I hate falling into a routine as I tend to get bored easily. But a routine involving self-love and self-care is something I don’t have a problem with.
The week can be long and exhausting. Work can be mentally and physically draining, and knowing you only have two days to recuperate isn’t satisfying at all. Some of us don’t even have two days. My Saturdays are usually spent doing all the adulting: cleaning the apartment, running errands, doing laundry, folding laundry, buying groceries, taking car to shop. The list goes on.
My Sundays used to be my going out day: catching up with friends, meeting for brunch, going downtown, attending events. Next thing you know, it’s Monday and then I get to have another long exhausting week again.
But since this year threw a wrench into our lives, including our normal routines, we are forced into recreating new ones. Our lives were turned upside down, and my week turned from being busy to having a lot of time at home. No more going out on Saturdays and Sundays for me, but work stress and burnout still remains. Ever since we all experienced ‘the quarantined life’, I found it hard to be inspired and productive. I almost lost my sense of adventure, and I definitely lost my will to wear make-up and dress-up.
And so, I took it upon myself to make sure I have at least one day of the week, Sunday, to focus on self-care and mental wellness. Eventually, as I learned to accept it and adjusted, I started to embrace the small positive joys. Here are some things that I do on Self-Care Sunday. I hope they make you feel like you’ve destressed and recuperated. And feel refreshed enough to start your week again.
Turn off
- Turn off your alarm clock. Waking up slowly is a little luxury that we deserve even just for one day.
- Turn off your phone. What I mean is, stay off the internet, off social media, off the news. Stop stalking the Kardashians or ex-boyfriends. Stop watching your frenemies’ TikTok videos. Stop filling up your Amazon cart. Clear your mind. Cleanse your mind.
- Turn off your tube. Your laptop, your gadgets. Your Netflix shows can wait. Your favorite vlogger on Youtube can wait.
Let the light in
- I don’t like curtains. I’m a big fan of natural light and big windows. Pull back your curtains and let the light in. If it’s nice out, let the fresh air in.
Meditate
- Meditate the way you want. Do yoga, say a prayer or a simple breathing exercise even just for ten minutes. It’s all about clearing your mind and staying focus, releasing tension from your body, and bringing harmony to your senses.
Make something
- Make fresh coffee. I love the art of making coffee. From grinding my own beans, to using a French press or pour over, it never fails to start my day right.
- Cook something healthy.
- Bake something new.
- Make a healthy veggie and fruit drink.
- Make a meal plan, a to-do list for the week, and get organized.
Pamper yourself
- We all know that a bubble bath is the ultimate self-care.
- Focus on your skincare regimen and give it some extra care. On top of my basic skin care routine, I also put on a moisturizing face mask, and use a pore strip for an extra TLC.
- Create your own spa at home.
- Paint your nails.
- Buy flowers.
- Have breakfast in bed.
Reward yourself
This is my favorite part. I give myself a little cheat day or splurge sometimes. I order a really nice meal from a nice restaurant, and set up my dining table like I am dining in some fancy café. Maybe a three-course meal with a killer crème brûlée, and an expensive bottle of Pinot. I think I deserve this after a long hellish week of working hard.
Play music
While cleaning up dinner and washing dishes, I turn on my record player. I usually put on my favorite jazz records, a little Ella Fitzgerald, a little Chet Baker. Or a Carla Bruni to put me on a French mood.
Have an early night
Tuck yourself in with chamomile tea and good book, read at least a chapter. Sometimes, I let myself watch an episode or two of a show I’m currently watching ( while picking out a Monday outfit for work) . But I try to get in my 8 hours of beauty sleep as much as possible. I need it to feel well-rested to start the week all over again.
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Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.