You can use these techniques altogether or just a few at a time. If you can manage, try reserving a few hours per week for self-care. I find that when I do this it makes a world of difference for my mental health. After a stressful week, it can be very nice to do something just for you and your health.
None of the products listed below are sponsored. All of my recommendations are 100% honest and authentic based on what has truly worked for me.
1. Cook yourself a nutrient-dense meal.
I recommend eating three meals a day because I find that when I neglect to do so, my energy dwindles, my mood shifts, and I don’t feel 100%. I suggest incorporating as many healthy fats as you can into your diet such as avocado oil, coconut oil, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and MCT oil. Dr. Josh Axe has many quick, easy, and delicious recipes on his website that could help get you on the right track for eating a nutrient-dense diet with loaded with healthy fats.
2. Set an hour or two aside for an at-home spa session.
I love rewarding myself after a long week with spa day at home. Starting with a hot shower or bath can help to release any built up tension within the muscles. I really like to use Dr. Teals products such as the Pure Epsom Salt or their Body Wash which can help ease the tension that I can experience in my legs and shoulders.
After your bath or shower, try doing your nails. I’m definitely not one of those girls who visits a nail salon once a week, but there’s something really nice about finding the time to tend to your nails. I also like to do a face mask for my skin. I have enjoyed using this one from Freeman which is very reasonably priced.
3. Use an essential oil diffuser.
Diffusing organic essential oils can have a variety of physical and mental-health benefits. Some studies have suggested that they have the potential to decrease stress and pain. Essential oils also have the potential to improve sleep, mood, the immune system, the respiratory system and overall cognitive function.
There are also benefits for beauty including improving your skin health and appearance by adding more moisture into the air which is especially helpful during the winter. There are many essential oil diffusers on the market. However, I recommend using this one by VicTsing which you can purchase on Amazon. Both myself and my best friend have this diffuser and we both love it.
I would also suggest purchasing high-quality essential oils from Lunaroma in Burlington, Vermont whose owner Leyla Bringas hand-crafts all of her products which are 100% natural, botanically-based, and aromatherapeutic grade. There are some dangerous side-effects particularly for animals, if you diffuse synthetic or poor-quality essential oils.
4. Read a book.
I love to destress after a long day by sticking my nose in a book and forgetting about the rest of the world. Recently, I have been reading books most related to wellness, but you can obviously read whatever is of the most interest to you.
5. Listen to music.
Music has helped to pull me through some of the hardest times in my life. I think that this might be because when nobody else seems to understand what you’re going through in life, there is always a song that gets it just right.
6. Put on a TV show or movie.
When I’m upset about something or stressed out and just need a moment, I love throwing on a show that gives me a double-dose of nostalgia. I am also really enjoying reality television shows which help me to think less about the struggles of my own life by watching them to figure out how to solve theirs instead.
7. Use CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been clinically proven to help treat a variety of people coping with mental disorders and chronic illness. It can also be helpful for those who suffer from chronic pain, chronic stress, narcolepsy, and premenstrual syndrome. There are many ways to use CBD including tinctures, infused oils, salves, and even baked goods. You can find these products at Sisters of the Valley.
8. Do yoga.
Do you love doing yoga but don’t necessarily want to go to a class? No worries. Instead follow the lead of Yoga with Adriene from the comfort of your home. She seriously has a yoga video for everything! From stress melting to sleep inducing, she can help you out. I try to fit yoga in twice a week and it helps a lot. It does take time to work your way to committing to 45 minute sessions so, my advice is to start small and then work your way up.
9. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
I love animals particularly dogs and cats, but spending time with bunnies can be heart-meltingly adorable too. I’m telling you, if you love animals, nothing will snap you out of a funk quicker than volunteering for a fantastic cause and getting to take care of animals at your local shelter.
10. Meditate.
There are so many more ways to meditate than sitting cross-legged in silence while focusing on your breath. There are a variety of meditations you can try for free on Youtube. I frequently do a Guided Meditation with Progressive Muscle Relaxation or a 20-Minute Mindfulness Meditation for Being Present. However, Youtube has many more meditations available for, so find whichever one you like the best and stick with it. I usually meditate as I am laying in bed trying to fall asleep, it usually puts me out within 5-10 minutes.
11. Workout.
You have heard it time and time again but I’ll say it once more… working out makes you feel amazing! If you don’t have a gym membership and you find it financially unreasonable for you to purchase one, head straight over to Youtube! It’s easier to workout now more than ever before in the comfort of your home, even without gym equipment. I have recently been alternating between 4 workouts Intense 20-Minute Extreme Abs at Home Workout, 10-Minute Fat Blasting HIIT Workout, 30-Minute Selena Gomez Workout for Flat Abs & Toned Legs and 60-Minute Workout With Jeanette Jenkins.
12. Take your supplements.
Try taking a vitamin B, C, D3-5, and fish oil for an extra boost of energy during the day. If you find that you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression) consider taking vitamin D. It can be helpful for improving your mood and mental- health because during the winter we are lacking the vitamin D that naturally comes from exposure to sunlight.
13. Start working on a project you’re passionate about.
Working on a project that is just for you could improve your mood because you can take at your own pace during your leisure time. It could be gardening, making a cookbook of your favorite recipes in a binder, or mastering a dance–anything that makes you happy.
14. Attend a community event.
You can usually find community events posted on Facebook. I follow a couple of restaurants, businesses and organizations around my town that are known host really fun events. This is a great way to get out and to meet kind-hearted people with similar interests to your own. It can be challenging, but by putting yourself out there you can become more confident and resilient.
15. Spend time with loved ones.
Spending time with your loved ones will help you to realize that you have a support system. If you don’t have a support system, refer to #14. When I’m in a funk, I tend to isolate myself in order to cope with stressful situations on my own instead burdening others. However, if you have the good people in your life they’ll be there with you no matter what your going through, and they’ll get you to open up. I personally believe that compassion, understanding and resilience are the most important qualities for a good-friend to possess. These are the loved ones you’ll have for life and that’s priceless.
What are some of your favorite ways to unwind? I’d love to hear from you!
