Therapists, physicians and medical professionals have attested that the first line against mental health and physical problems is you. You need to take care of yourself as good self-care and self-love keeps mental issues at bay, makes you a happy woman and improves physical health.
A major stressor for most women is work and family. Sometimes you’re coming out of a messy breakup, had a negative review at work or feeling overwhelmed with everything that’s going on in your life. Why not indulge in a bit of retail therapy, soak in a hot tub, get a mani-pedi or just lounge at home, spending the day watching your favourite TV show. It’ll make you feel better and healthier.
Researchers at Bishop University in Quebec evaluated 15 studies encompassing over 3,000 people and found that those who are kind to themselves are individuals who stressed less, ate healthy meals, slept better and enjoyed life.
Over the years, there’s been many articles with negative connotation addressing the difference between self-indulgence and self-care. Women struggle to care for themselves because most are busy taking care of their spouse, kids, home and earning a living.
When they indulge, there’s guilt associated that implies a woman is doing something wrong indulging or loving herself for one weekend. Take out time for yourself, banish the guilt, it’s okay to say no and enjoy the weekend.
10 things you can do to enjoy your weekend after a stressful week
- Entertain yourself
When you’re stressed from a week of large amount of work, wind down on the weekend by going to see the latest movie at the cinema. Dress up nice, look for something, uncomplicated and guaranteed to make you laugh, like a Jackie Chan or Adam Sandler movie.
If you’re in the mood for staying in, how about binge-watching the latest season of Scandal, Big Bang Theory or Grey’s Anatomy? Nothing like a tv show filled with interesting characters to make your day.
- Take a warm bath…alone
Most women can’t remember the last time they were in the shower alone, especially those who have little kids. But how about making all about you this weekend? Ship the kids off to your parents, sibling or friend for sleepovers so you’re completely alone. Light some scented candles, fill the tub with warm water, add your favourite bath salts, herbs, bubbles and don’t forget to play some Lionel Ritchie or Kenny G to set the mood.
- Retail therapy works like magic
Apart from the joy of buying new clothes, shoes and accessories, retail therapy is a stress reliever that boosts your mood or morale when you’re feeling down. But be careful so it doesn’t turn into a compulsive habit. Besides that, a little shopping is good for the soul. Try out online stores like Harajuku Fever which stocks everything from clothes, bags, shoes and comfy flip-flops – all within affordable prices that won’t bust your budget.
- Ever tried a staycation?
If you’re working with a small budget, you don’t have to take a getaway trip to Greece or Spain when you could indulge in a staycation at home. It’s a great time to put the phone down, disconnect from social media, take a walk, enjoy the weather, drink a homebrewed tea, and read the papers (the hardcopy ones, not the digital copy on your screen). Find something you haven’t tried before. A great weekend doesn’t have to be expensive.
- A cheat day is in order
Many women who have had kids are on one diet plan or the other, trying to regain their prenatal body and tone muscles. Once in a while you’re allowed to throw the diet plan under the bed and indulge in your favourite cheat meal.
A sinful bar of chocolate is a great place to start. It gets right to the brain’s level of serotonin, the feel-good chemicals and boosts your morale during menstruation and PMS.
- Try meditation
A study at Brown University shows that women benefit more from mindful medication than men. A total number of 77 undergrad students participated in a 12-week course featuring 30 minutes of meditation thrice a week. Women showed greater decrease in negative emotions like irritability and guilt. They also were more self-compassionate.
Meditation also helps improve breathing and is rumoured to alleviate health problems like body pains, arthritis, rheumatoid, high blood pressure and body pains. Proper breathing makes you more enthusiastic and alert because of oxygen flows.
- Look smashing on a regular day
If you’re a stay-at-home mom with small kids, you’re probably in sweatpants, fluffy slippers and shirts all day. No makeup, chipped nails, or groomed hair.
On your self-love weekend, when the kids are out, wear makeup, fix your hair, wear your favourite earrings and lipstick. Your spouse might be the only one who sees you but you’ll feel more confident and happy remembering what it feels like to look gorgeous and sexy…. even for a day.
- Take a day spa
Open your Chrome browser and look for local deals in your areas and you’ll be surprised at the number of salons offering deals on Amazon, Groupon and Gilt. If you can’t splurge on a full day pampering, how about a half day pampering package that includes a facial and massage to help relieve stress and make you feel good.
- Put a bouquet together
Fresh flowers in your home are peaceful, wonderful and refreshing. It kind of brightens the room and makes it more homely and welcoming. Most grocery stores sell cheaper flowers on the weekend or if you grow your own flowers, you can put together a bouquet from your collection.
- Make your own facemask
You can whip up a moisturizing and detoxification face mask using ingredients in your kitchen. All you need is one spoon of honey and half cut lemon squeezed in a bowl.
Mix both ingredients together and apply directly to your face after your morning shower. Leave for 20 minutes, wash and follow with a serum or moisturizer. It’s even more fun when you try it on a weekend with your girls, sipping red wine and laughing about everything.
Conclusion
Work is good and kids are important but if you don’t take care of yourself, you might slip into depression, become unhappy and miserable, and living your life purely for others. It’s essential you find time to pamper yourself at least once a week. It’ll make you more contented and give you something to look forward to if you’ve had a stressful week.