It’s not always easy to make a habit of adding self care into your routines. Even if you have a daily self care routine or a Sunday routine that includes moments of time for yourself, sometimes you crave those dedicated days. That’s where a self care weekend comes in.
In this guide, we’ll explore the idea of having a self care weekend. I’ll share my favorite planning tips, and some self care ideas to help you plan a restful weekend.
Why have a self care weekend?
Sometimes we deserve a little more time for our self care activities. If you feel the need to rest, reset, and relax, a self care Sunday or self care weekend could be just the thing.
Taking two days out to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health, wellness, and wellbeing can help you feel refreshed. It’s enough time to get a real reset in, with plenty of time to unwind before the busy week ahead.
Self care weekend planning tips
Ready to get started with dreaming up your own self care weekend? Here are some of my planning tips to help you get the restful weekend you deserve.
1. Figure out your goals
Before you can plan your big weekend of self care, you first need to figure out why you’re doing it. Everyone’s reasons will be different, so take some time to think about what you need the most.
Maybe your body needs a rest from a busy week of work, or after a stressful few months. Maybe you’re just coming around to the idea of adding self care to your life and you want to jump in with excitement. Maybe you want to embrace themes of self love and self confidence, and want a quiet, relaxing weekend to work on your goals. Whatever your need is, set a goal, and plan a weekend to help you achieve it.
2. Choose the right weekend
Daily life can be busy and filled with appointments, deadlines, and responsibilities. That can make it hard to find and plan your self care weekend. There might not ever be the perfect time for it, but try to find a moment that makes sense.
Avoid any weekends where you have major deadlines in the upcoming week, so you can relax fully. If you do, try and complete your work early so there’s space to rest without worry. Think about any special events, birthdays, and holidays you have coming up, and plan around them.
When I need more self care moments than my morning routine can give me, I look for a weekend that’s likely to be more restful than others. I choose one that’s quiet, with no pressure, and where I know I don’t have to turn in an article the following day. It’s much more refreshing than choosing a weekend where we have a family commitment, or where there’s a big project coming up.
3. Decide how you want your self care weekend to look
Everyone’s idea of a self care weekend looks different. You might picture a long, carefree day filled with a slow breakfast, plenty of stretching, and a relaxing self care bath. For others, an afternoon free to binge-watch the latest drama is their idea of heaven.
Sit down and think about what your ideal self care weekend looks like. Think about what self care practices and self care activities you’d enjoy the most, and create a rough plan to guide you. It doesn’t have to be exact, but identifying your preferences and discovering weekend self care ideas you’d love to try can help you get the most from your time.
4. Let people know you’re taking a self care weekend
One of the most crucial parts of planning a self care weekend is protecting your time. To do this, tell your loved ones or people you share a space with that you’re taking a weekend to yourself.
This is hard for many of us, but setting boundaries and expectations is essential. If your family members or friends don’t know that you’re taking time out for yourself, they might stop by or interrupt your plans unintentionally.
Protect your space and time, and give others a heads up that you might be uncontactable or busy throughout the weekend. Tell them you might take longer to reply, as you’re turning your social media notifications off or you’re heading on a walk somewhere with poor reception. If saying “I’m busy” feels uncomfortable, try softening it with “but I’d love to catch up with you on [Day]!” or encourage them to try having their own self care day or weekend too.
17 of the best self care weekend ideas
Want to enjoy a self care weekend, but not sure what to fill it with? Here are some of my favorite self care ideas for the weekend. Pick a handful of these activities that match your goals, and put together your own self care menu to create the ultimate self care weekend.
1. Enjoy a Netflix marathon
Get cozy on the sofa and load up Netflix or your streaming service of choice. Find a movie to watch, or dive into a new drama, comedy, or reality TV series.
2. Run a rejuvenating bubble bath
If you love relaxing in a hot bath, run an extra special self care bath for your weekend. Add scented candles, essential oils, luxury bath products and soak in the tub for a while.
3. Have a spa day
Turn your home into a mini spa and enjoy an afternoon of pampering self care and me time. Have a manicure or pedicure, try a face mask or at-home facial, exfoliate and moisturize your skin, and relax like you would at the spa.
4. Buy fresh flowers
A vase of fresh flowers on the side always looks beautiful, and shopping for them can be a moment of joy too. Head to your local store or flower market to pick up some new blooms.
5. Create a self care vision board
If you love visualizing things and goal setting, a vision board could be for you. Gather inspiration, ideas, and motivational quotes to put together your own self care vision board.
6. Read some positive affirmations
It’s always good to feel good. Find and read out some positive affirmations to put yourself in a great mood for the day ahead or find a new appreciation for self confidence, self love, and self care.
7. Declutter your space
A clear space can make you feel so much better. Find a small space in your home to declutter, or try a decluttering challenge to motivate you to get your home all tidy and refreshed.
8. Cook your favorite meal
If you want to set the tone for a great self care weekend, start with a nourishing breakfast and continue by cooking your favorite meal for dinner. Make some extra so you can meal prep for tomorrow, too. Add in a few of your most loved snacks and you have the recipe for a feel-good day.
9. Get some fresh air
Escape outdoors and live in the present moment with a walk somewhere beautiful, or amp up the physical health movement with a run. Listen to an inspiring podcast or your favorite playlist, or enjoy the sounds of nature for a relaxing addition to your weekend plans.
10. Relax with a coloring book
If you enjoy coloring or doodling as a way to slow down, pick up a coloring book and color your heart out. My favorites include an underwater themed one and a home decor one by Young House Love.
11. Make time for loved ones
Enjoy some time with family members or friends as part of your self care weekend if you like. Head to a coffee shop for a hot drink, take a yoga class, or stay home and play board games together.
12. Try a new skincare routine
If you’ve been wanting to start a new everyday skincare routine but haven’t, this weekend is the perfect time to start. Take a look at this beginners’ skincare guide to get some ideas and tips.
13. Write in a journal
Writing in a journal can help you clear your mind and move forward. It’s also a great way to surface ideas and find inspiration. Use our self love journal prompts to inspire you to note your thoughts down.
14. Tackle a DIY project
Check a project off your to-do list by starting or completing a DIY task you’ve been meaning to do for ages. Whether it’s building a shelving unit or painting your bedroom, this is a fun way to spend a weekend.
15. Read a good book
Pick up a new book at the bookstore or buy a new audiobook instead, and get cozy as you lose yourself in a fantasy world, summer romance, or a new personal development book.
16. Try a digital detox
Say goodbye to your electronics and tech for a few days and embrace the natural world. Whether you go on a full-on weekend retreat or just switch to other activities at home, this can be a refreshing way to spend the days.
17. Practice gratitude
A calm and relaxing weekend is the perfect time to reflect on life’s good moments and practice some gratitude. Write your own gratitude list, start a gratitude journal, or just take a moment to reflect.
Looking for even more acts of self care and weekend activity ideas? Take a look at my ultimate list of the best self care ideas, which I update regularly when I get inspired with new things to do!
Plan your dream self care weekend
Planning is often the hardest part of any moment. Take these ideas and tips and let them guide you towards dreaming up and planning your own self care weekend. Get inspired with these self care ideas, find activities to fill your weekend with, and embrace the good feeling that comes with dedicated time for rest and relaxation.
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