9 Ways To Practice Self-Care After a Work Week 

9 Ways To Practice Self-Care After a Work Week 

No matter how busy you may be during the week, you should always try to make time for yourself and self-care. It doesn’t matter what kind of job you have; you must still make time to do things outside of work.

Everything from a skin care routine to working out should be part of your daily or weekly life. Not only will doing these things make you feel better, but they will reduce stress, keep you calm, and allow you to be happier. 

• Cook in Advance

If you are incredibly busy during the week, you most likely aren’t eating as well as you should. While it does take time, cooking some delicious meals in advance will not only reduce the stress of having to cook, but you will have a healthy and filling meal ready for you when you get home every night. 

• Actively Reduce Stress

When the weekend rolls around, actively use it as a way to reduce stress. You can go for a hike, hit the golf course, or binge-watch a TV show; if it helps you reduce your stress and stay calm, then it is something you should do. 

These activities also help rejuvenate you and give you a fresh start when Monday comes back around again. 

• Sleep

One of the easiest ways to look after yourself is to ensure you get enough sleep. While the amount changes from person to person, you should aim to go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up at a decent time. 

A mistake many people make is using the weekend to go out and party all day and night. While you could if you want to, one night should be dedicated to proper sleep. 

• Have a Routine

Having a morning or evening routine gives you time for yourself no matter what happens during the day. It can be a skin care routine, meditation, reading, or something else; as long as it is relaxing and something you can do regularly.

• Take Time for Yourself

The number 1 goal of your weekend should be to take some time for yourself. You spend your week at work having to do what others need you to do, and it increases stress and tension and will tire you out. 

It can be an hour or two, or a whole day, either way, dedicate some time for yourself where you do whatever you want to do without committing to anything or anyone. 

• Exercise

While not fun for everyone, exercise is easily one of the best ways to reduce stress. You can go for a long walk or hit the gym for an hour or two; the exercise doesn’t matter; taking the time to do it does, though. 

Working out will also make you feel healthier, improve your sleep, and improve your mood; the benefits are almost never ending. 

• Journaling

Journaling has been proven to help reduce stress and lift our mood in a matter of minutes in some cases. Being able to sit quietly and put your thoughts and feelings down on paper helps you to clear your head and reset. 

While writing may not be for everyone, you can jot down a few points, make a to-do list, or whatever you want; doing the activity is the crucial part of this. 

• Do Something Fun

Whether it is by yourself or with friends, it is vital that you do at least one fun and uplifting activity each weekend. You can do something at home or go out, but you should at the very least do one thing you enjoy that you can’t do during the week. 

It is also very tempting to spend the weekend doing absolutely nothing, and while this may seem like a good idea, more often than not, you end up regretting not doing something. 

• Say No & Mean It

Finally, learn to say no and mean it. One of the biggest stressors is feeling you are committed to doing something and letting people down. However, the weekend is your time, and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. 

Learning to say no is not only empowering but also ensures you are putting yourself first when you want to.

Guest Article.