Practicing self-care can help reset one’s mindset. Try something new! Follow the tips below, and choose whichever one suits you best. Watch worries and stress disappear.
- Make a DIY bath bomb
Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in a pleasantly scented bath after a long day or on the night before a big test. Making a bath bomb at home adds an extra aspect to this self-care routine by giving oneself time to be creative and unwind.
The following bath bomb recipe is from byrdie.com and can be customized based on one’s preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp. water
- 2 tsp essential oil *see below for tips
- 2 tsp oil (jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, olive or even baby oil)
- A few drops of food coloring
- A mold of your choice such as regular or mini-muffin tins, candy pans or round plastic molds specifically for bath bombs
- Optional: Dried flowers or sugar cake decorations like flowers or stars
Step 1: Mix all dry ingredients – except citric acid – in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix all liquid ingredients in a jar with a top. Close the jar and shake..
Step 3: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, and use your hands to combine and meld together. At this point, add the citric acid. Fizzing should occur, don’t add water.
Step 4: Mash the mixture into molds very tightly. Overfill the molds slightly and use a spoon or glass to press the mixture in as tightly as possible. Immediately loosen the bombs from their molds onto wax paper and let them dry overnight.
Step 5: Give the bath bombs a day or two to completely dry before using them
*Certain scents are known to decrease anxiety. Different scents suit different needs so pick the best one!
Lavender – to help with sleep
Cinnamon – to sharpen one’s mind
Pine – to alleviate stress
Citrus – help one feel more energized
Vanilla – can elevate your mood
Peppermint – may boost concentration
Jasmine – may ease depression
(From https://www.huffpost.com)
- Clean!
This may seem like an odd choice to practice self-care. However, sometimes the best thing oneself can do for themselves is to take care of themselves by taking care of their environment. This doesn’t have to be a full-on top-to-bottom house cleaning. Focusing on deep cleaning a small area of one’s environment can be a cathartic experience.
Here are some ideas:
- Clean out the bookcase (or closet)
- Clean your computer keyboard or phone (also a good choice to remain germ free!)
- Organize your cabinets and throw away some of the mugs in your collection
- Mop the bathroom floor and vacuum – put on some of your favorite music and dance it out!
- Go to bed at a reasonable time and wake up early(ish)
Mix up your routine and go to bed at a decent time. Try waking up early and seizing the day. Start the day off with a walk, yoga or other low impact exercise. Then follow it up with a healthy breakfast. Restart your routine with a good night’s rest and a strong start to the day.
- Take some alone time
Alone time doesn’t mean surfing Instagram by yourself in your room. This means taking some time alone with no distractions outdoors or indoors and just sitting. Alternatively, you can practice mindfulness by listening to relaxing music, coloring or journaling your goals.