7 Days of Self-Care

If you think you've been hearing about self-care way more often recently, well, you're right. According to Google Trends, the number of Google searches for "self-care" has climbed year after year, having more than doubled since 2015, and has peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A combination of social and cultural pressures have made it difficult for many people to prioritize self-care. It's important to do so regularly and not just when you get sick.

Focusing on only one thing a day can make it easier to incorporate self-care into your daily schedule or routine. Try designating every day of the week to a form of self-care! 

Monday: Eat & Drink Well 🍳💧

• Meal prep (including snacks)
• Stay hydrated!  

Tuesday: Unplug + Find Your Creativity 📖🎨

• Read a book 
• Learn a new skill (instrument, language)
• Pick up a new hobby (gardening, baking, photography, drawing)

Wednesday: Pamper Yourself 🛁🧖‍♀️

• Take a bath 
• At-home spa 

Thursday: Catch Up on Sleep 😴

• How to sleep better   
• Establish a nighttime routine
• Go to bed earlier 

Friday: Stay Social 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Happy hour
• Game night
• Facetime/Zoom 

Saturday: Get Outdoors / Workout 🌳💪

• Have a picnic
• Take a fitness class
• Go on a walk or hike

Sunday: Treat Yo' Self 🍩🛍

• Indulge in your favorite food or dessert
• Online shop 

Let's address some common myths...

Myth #1: Self-care is selfish

Although self-care by definition exists for your own personal benefit, taking time for yourself doesn't necessarily take away from others. In fact, putting effort into your own health and wellness ensures that you're happy and healthy enough to be there for those around you. Demeter deLune's Medium article said it best: 

"Meeting our own needs makes us better equipped to meet the needs of others." 

Myth #2: Self-care is time-consuming and expensive 

You may think of self-care in more of a grand context, such as taking a spa day or going on a weekend getaway. However, it can be as simple as drinking water regularly, watching that movie or show you've been looking forward to, or grabbing drinks with a friend. Despite all the typical outlets you constantly see on your Instagram feeds, self-care can really be anything that you personally find joy in, promotes/maintains your health and/or prevents illness. 

Myth #3: Self-care is only for women 

Gender-based stigmas have hindered men when it comes to self-care. But, times have changed and continue to change. Taking good care of yourself is gender neutral. Allied Market Research projects that the market for men's personal care will reach $166 billion by 2022.

Check out this handy graphic from Ambitious Kitchen!