The best 26+ self-care Saturday ideas to treat yourself!

Ahhh, self-care Satuday! In today’s world, it can be hard to find time to take care of yoursef but taking a day out of your week dedicated solely to taking care of yourself both physically and mentally is something that we all should strive for.

Not only does self-care have physical benefits such as improved energy levels, but also mental benefits like decreased stress levels and improved clarity of mind. Today, I’m sharing some #SelfCareSaturday ideas so you can feel your best!

 

What is self-care?

Wait, what does self-care Saturday even mean? Self-care means taking the time to focus on your own physical, mental, and emotional health. It includes activities such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, attending regular medical appointments, managing stress, and taking breaks from work when needed. Self-care also involves participating in activities that bring joy or pleasure.

 

The best self-care Saturday ideas to treat yourself

Let’s get started with some of the best self-care weekend ideas:

Take a long, hot bath.

Pour some Epsom salts in and let all of your worries drift away. If a bath isn’t your thing, opt for a shower. I like to take a nice hot shower with a candle going and smooth music flowing! Not only does this relax your body, but it also helps clear your mind and ease stress (plus, you smell good, which also helps us feel better!)

 

Read something you love

Read an inspiring book or article that’s been on your to-do list for a while. Maybe it’s something related to personal growth or just a favorite novel you haven’t had the time to get through yet. However, reading is a great way to practice self-care. After a few pages, you’ll begin to feel relaxed, and you may even gain new knowledge or insight into life. Plus, reading is an excellent form of escape when life becomes overwhelming. So take some time to curl up with a good book.

 

Practice yoga or gentle stretches.

Yoga and stretching have been proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and help you take better care of yourself; whether it be yoga, deep breathing, or even just a few gentle stretches – your body will thank you!

I recently started taking a sound meditation class at a nearby Yoga studio and it has seriously changed the game for me. I look forward to the class every week. I discovered the studio via ClassPass app that allows you take classes at different places at a discounted price! Click here try ClassPass for FREE!

 

Give yourself a facial

I have to admit that facials are one of my favorite ways to practice self-care and give myself some TLC. Taking time out of your day to give your skin the attention it deserves is a great way to relax and pamper yourself.

If beauty and skincare is your thing, consider a monthly beauty subscription like Ipsy, which sends you goodies via mail every month, like makeup and skincare products, that you can enjoy.

I love monthly beauty subscriptions because it gives me something to look forward to every month and almost forces me to take a self-care Saturday because I want to try out all the new products I was sent!

 

Go for a walk in nature.

Taking a stroll in the park or along a nature trail can be a great way to reconnect with yourself and appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Walking can have a calming and invigorating effect, helping to reduce stress and put things into perspective.

If you can’t find the time to take a long walk, even a short stroll can help. Take the time to observe the details of nature – birds singing, trees swaying in the breeze, and flowers blooming. Let nature’s peacefulness fill you up and carry you through your day.

 

Go for a swim

Swimming is a great way to exercise and relax at the same time. Taking a dip in the pool or lake can help reduce stress as well as tone your muscles. The sensation of floating in the cool water can also be very calming. Swimming also provides a distraction from worries or negative thoughts—so take a break and go for a swim! You may even find it helps you to sleep better at night.

Pro tip: Is it cold outside? Go for a swim at a local YMCA or gym with an indoor pool! Most places offer a one-day pass too!

 

Take a technology break for a few hours or a whole day.

So this is one of the biggest ways I take a break from social media, especially since I’m a full-time blogger and look at the screen most of the week! Put your phone on airplane mode, unplug from social media, and turn off all electronics. Just enjoy being!

 

Paint a picture

Take some time to relax, unplug and create. Grab a canvas, paints, brushes, and let your imagination go wild. Whether you paint something abstract or realistic, you will find that the process of painting can be a very calming and therapeutic experience.

Taking time to engage in creative activities like this can help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and give you a much-needed boost. As an added bonus, you’ll get to hang your beautiful creation in the living room or bedroom to remind you of your successful self-care practice.

 

Chill out on the porch

Another one of my favorite ways to practice self-care is to simply just sit on the patio and decompress, and the best thing? It’s free, and I’ve noticed just 10 minutes sitting on the porch or patio can instantly boost your mood! I love sitting on my porch so much that I even decorated my patio to make it more relaxing. Check out my video below:

If you love self-care, beauty routines, tutorials and tips to help you live a life you love, be sure to subscribe to my lifestyle channel on YouTube!

 

Make yourself a healthy and delicious meal.

If you enjoy cooking or baking, why not make yourself something delicious? Not only will it provide your body with essential nutrients, but it’ll also boost your mood and make you feel satisfied.

Browse online for recipes that include nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Or if you’d rather, pick up some of your favorite ingredients from the store and create something unique. Even if it’s just a simple sandwich, taking the time to make yourself a nutritious meal can be a great way to practice self-care. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you made something with your own two hands!

Extra tip: I don’t share recipes on this blog, BUT I actually enjoy cooking, and one of my family’s favorite meals is my crab platter. It’s a little pricey, so I only make it a few times out the year but lemme tell you; this meal will have you feeling AMAZING!

 

Practice deep breathing exercises.

Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing relaxation. It can be done in any position you like and can help to bring clarity to a chaotic mind.

Start by finding a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Begin by taking a deep breath in through your nose and counting to four. Hold your breath for another four counts, then slowly exhale through your mouth as you count to four again. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath and practice deep breathing can help to refocus and reset your mind.

 

Write in a journal or practice a gratitude list.

Writing can be an excellent way to express feelings and work through challenging emotions. Taking the time to write out your thoughts and feelings can help you gain clarity and create an action plan for working through them. You can also use the time to write a gratitude list, which is often helpful in lifting moods and improving your mental outlook.

Writing down what you are thankful for, even when feeling overwhelmed or stressed, can help to bring perspective back into your life and help you to start feeling better. You don’t have to be a good writer or even write in complete sentences. Just capture what comes to your mind!

 

Connect with a loved one, friend, or family.

Taking the time to reach out and connect with a loved one is one of the most important self-care ideas out there. Reconnecting with those we care about can help us become more grounded, and it is a great way to release stress and tension. A phone call or text message goes a long way to remind someone that we are thinking of them. Or, if you can, try and make plans for a quality catch-up in person.

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Catch up on your zzz’s

Sleep is so important, and yes, it can be a form of self-care too! Take a nap or go to bed early. Not only will this help your body heal, but it’ll also give you the energy to care for yourself and take on the day.

Additionally, be mindful of your sleep environment and make sure it’s a calming space where you can drift away. A great way to do this is to have a night routine that allows you to wind down and prepare to sleep. This can include making a relaxing cup of tea, reading a book, or listening to some soothing music.

 

Watch your favorite movie or TV show.

Taking some time for yourself is important, and it can be as simple as watching your favorite movie or TV show. Find the one that makes you feel good, and enjoy the feeling of relaxation that comes from shutting out the world for a little while. Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite snack, and just let yourself go for a little while. It can be just the break you need in order to continue tackling life’s challenges.

 

Listen to calming music or white noise.

Calming music or white noise can help you relax, reduce stress, and even improve your mood. It can be a great way to unwind after a long day or to take a break from everyday activities. Try listening to instrumental music, ocean sounds, or nature sounds to help you unwind and get in a more relaxed state.

 

Visit the spa

This is another one of my favorite ways to practice self-care, which is visiting the spa! There are so many different types of services and treatments you can get to pamper yourself. Whether it’s a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, or just relaxing, a spa can be a great way to practice self-care Saturdays! Check out Groupon for spa deals around the local area!

 

Practice a new hobby or revisit an old one.

Pick up a new hobby or revisit an old one! Learning something new is always exciting and can make you feel accomplished. It could be as simple as knitting, gardening, cooking, painting, photography, or playing a musical instrument.

Taking the time to work on something that’s just for yourself can help to clear your mind of stress and worries from the week. Plus, you’ll have something to show for it at the end of your self-care day! For me, I love gardening, and yes, I do consider working in my garden as a form of self-care!

 

Take a day trip or weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, taking a day trip or weekend getaway can help recharge and rejuvenate. Consider nearby places to go that offer natural beauty, historical landmarks, or activities that interest you. Make sure to plan ahead and bring the essentials for your journey so you can make the most of your time away.

Expedia has the option to look up things near you which is a great option for nearby resorts and day trip ideas. Simply type in your city, and it will show you places you can visit nearby and activities.

 

Spend time with a pet or attend a pet therapy session.

Studies show that interacting with animals can reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. Taking a few hours out of your day to play and bond with a furry friend can do wonders for your mood. If you don’t have a pet, try volunteering at an animal shelter or attending a pet therapy session. You can also look into adopting one if you feel ready for a long-term commitment.

 

Declutter your living space.

A cluttered living space can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Take some time to organize, put away items that are no longer being used, and give your space a thorough clean. This will help to create a sense of calm and restore order, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that all is in its place.

Here’s a video where I share some of my declutter tips:

 

Make time for a creative project, like jewelry making or crocheting!

Crafting can be a great way to relax and express yourself. You can find ideas online or at local craft stores, and you can make something beautiful that reflects your style and brings you joy. Plus, crafting can be a great way to connect with other crafters or even give something special as a gift.

 

Dance to your favorite songs.

Take some time to let loose, whether it’s in your living room or outside in nature. Put on some of your favorite songs and just dance. Dancing is a great way to express yourself and can be a great mood booster.

 

Join an exercise class or participate in a team sport.

Exercise is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. Joining an exercise class or participating in a team sport can provide you with physical and mental benefits that will leave you feeling recharged and ready to tackle your responsibilities. Not only will this help you stay physically active, but it also provides you with social interaction.

As I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite ways to exercise is attending different classes in the area, such as Yoga, Spin class, BootCamp, and my beloved sound medication! I take all of these classes at a fraction of the price with ClassPass.

Click here try ClassPass for FREE!

 

Practice affirmations and positive self-talk.

On a Saturday, take the time to practice positive affirmations. Say things like “I am enough” or “I am capable of achieving my goals.” Remind yourself that you are worthy and deserving of love and respect. Repeating these affirmations will help boost your self-confidence, reduce stress, and improve overall mental well-being.

 

Meditate

Meditation helps to clear your mind, reduce stress and help you find inner peace. Take some time out to practice mindful breathing and meditate. There are plenty of youtube videos that can help you get started!

Conclusion:

All in all, dedicating a day to yourself and creating “me-time” is essential for healthy living. Finding a balance between mind, body, and spirit can be a complex process, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some trial and error before you find the perfect self-care routine for you.

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Saturdays are meant for taking a break, so feel empowered to start coming up with your own personalized ideal Saturday. Whether that means spending some quality time with friends or taking yourself out to lunch, enjoy yourself and stay mindful of what will make you healthier in the long run.

Most importantly: don’t forget to incorporate rest into your days off. Unplugging from technology can help us gain perspective on our lives while also boosting our mental well-being. So this Saturday (and every Saturday!), why not take the time to relax and reconnect with ourselves?

What is your favorite way to practice self-care? Let me know in the comments below!