Life moves so quickly and we rarely have time to just enjoy our own solitude. After a long stressful week of classes, oftentimes the best way to decompose for many is going out with friends. However, the simple act of staying in and having a self care night is often overlooked as a destresser.
Self Care can Look Different for Everyone
With the weekly stressors of classes, clubs and a social life having a night in can do wonders for one’s mental health. So often when we hear the phrase self care we imagine a quiet night spent doing an intricate skin care routine inside a candlelit bathroom.
What many people don’t realize is that self care doesn’t have to look like this and it can be different for everyone. While it could be doing an extensive skincare routine for one person to another it could also be having your favorite snack and rewatching a comfort movie. Just to reiterate, self care isn’t one set thing, self care is trying to improve your mental health by taking time for yourself.
Ideas for your Self Care Night in
If you’re not sure what to do for your self care night don’t worry VALLEY has some recommendations for you. If you’ve been putting off your cleaning or laundry, consider putting on an audiobook or podcast and listening to it while you work through your chores. Although it might not sound like the most relaxing activity, the process of cleaning and organizing your space is a great way to reduce stress while also creating a peaceful environment for yourself.
If doing a skincare routine is when you feel the most relaxed then a good go to for a self care night in could be face masks. While doing your face mask if you want to take it one step further try practicing some breathing techniques as the mask sets. Not only will the face mask nourish your skin but these breathing exercises can help reset your nervous system. Next time that you’re feeling overwhelmed take a minute and return back to these breathing exercises to recenter yourself.
If you enjoy cooking, try finding a new recipe that you’ve been wanting to do. Turn on some of your favorite music and just let yourself unwind and focus solely on what’s in front of you. So often we let ourselves worry about what needs to be done or future plans rather than being in the moment. While you’re cooking, try your best to just put all of your attention on the task at hand. Practicing this ability will allow you to be more present in future moments and not let your mind spiral.
Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, with pics of what your self care night in looks like!
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