According to Professional Beauty, the terms “self-care” and “self-care routine” have surged in popularity and Google searches by 250% since the UK’s first lockdown in March 2020. This is the highest it has reached since 2004.

This article is the first instalment of a three-part series for different self-care ideas to do while at home. Continue reading to learn how to regroup after a busy and stressful week.

Definition of Self-Care

The concept of self-care has risen more during the pandemic since the term was first coined in the 1950s. Initially, it was used to describe how institutionalised patients could raise their self-worth through acts of care and preservation.

Then the definition expanded to larger communities in the 1960s due to civil rights activists, namely the Black Panther Party. This party consisted of organisers, community and political leaders, and those who were focused on the fight for racial justice in the United States. They protested against police brutality and fought for liberation for marginalised areas. Furthermore, the party continued to show love and care for their communities.

To learn more about Black Panther Party, you can visit the Britannica website.

Self-Care Ideas to Practice at home

1. Write down three things that you love about yourself

Before you officially start your day, take a second to jot down three things that you like about yourself and/or your life. Showing some gratitude and self-love will give you a confidence boost and ensure that your day begins on a positive note. Complete this small act of kindness to yourself, it will only take a couple of minutes.

Related Reading: 25 Acts of Kindness

2. Hydrate yourself

Take care of your body by drinking four cups of water per day. A much healthier option than sugary drinks, water aids with weight loss and reduces kidney damage and joint pain. It is recommended to carry a bottle of water with you everywhere, not just during the hot days, to maintain and normalise blood pressure.

Personally, I also enjoy drinking green tea every so often as it soothes my stomach.

3. Have an early night

While it is tempting to stay up late in the evening and binge-watch Netflix or scroll through social media (I can totally relate!), there are plenty of benefits to opt-in for an earlier night’s sleep. For example, it will make you feel more energised and productive the next day because sleep deprivation impairs your judgment and efficiency. To get your brain and body working at their best, try to get seven to eight hours of shut-eye.

4. Unplug for an hour

Set yourself an hour or so each day to put your phone down and savour your own company. Unplugging will remove unhealthy feelings of loneliness and jealousy caused by grandeur posts on social media as well as anxiety and attachment to your device.

Instead, use the time to read a book that you have been meaning to delve into, organise a section of your home, or finish a chore that you’ve been putting off.

5. Plan something to look forward to

Life is more interesting when you have something fun and exciting planned. This could be a weekend trip away with your partner, a celebration with your friends or family, or the next day you have to yourself. Prioritising your wants is another great form of self-care. It keeps you motivated and gives you something nice to work towards in the future.

Thank you for reading my first instalment of five simple self-care ideas to do at home!

Please visit again and follow this series to learn more tips 🤗 If any has piqued your interest or you would like to share how you unwind at home, feel free to leave a comment below! ❤