In our hectic world, it can sometimes be hard to find the time to pamper ourselves. When juggling the responsibilities of work, family, and home, it’s easy to assume that luxuries big and small are only for the rich and famous. But no matter how busy you are or how tight your budget is, there are a few little things you can do to feel like you’re in the lap of luxury, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Go to a living room. Once a month, go to a salon and get something done: a manicure or pedicure, a brow wax (even a bikini wax!), or a facial. These are inexpensive gifts that can be fun for half an hour, but the real reward is hearing the compliments you get all month long for your beautiful hands, feet, eyebrows…etc.
Go to lunch, alone. From time to time, treat yourself to a solo lunch break. Go to one of your favorite restaurants: prices will be much lower at lunchtime, so go ahead and order appetizers, if you like. Go for yourself. Take a book. Spend a few relaxing hours enjoying the kitchen and reading. It is guaranteed that you will return to your normal life feeling recharged and relaxed.
Take a bubble bath. When was the last time you took a hot bath with some scented oils and took some time for yourself? Your bathroom is an oasis, in many homes, it is the only internal room with a lock, and if you have a stressful life, you should make the most of it. Pamper yourself by including a glass of wine, a book, or some scented soaps or oils, whatever makes you feel like royalty.
Bring music back into your life. How long has it been since you listened to a complete CD? Whether you’re doing chores, running errands, or finishing some work, everything seems more fun when it has its own soundtrack. Take some time to create a mix CD, or a playlist for your MP3 player, for the tasks you perform and that consume the most time. You’ll feel less like you’re struggling to do chores and more like you’re having fun.
Do something active. No matter how exhausted you feel at the end of the day, you may not be getting enough exercise; most of us don’t. But you don’t have to join an expensive gym to get in shape. Instead, go for a run around the neighborhood or at a nearby park, take your bike in for a tune-up, or just go for a relaxing ride. Any exercise helps, and it can also be a great way to use up excess energy and have some time for yourself.
Think positive. Many of us imagine the worst possible outcome when something makes us nervous: we hate going to the dentist because we fear cavities; we’re afraid they’ll call us into the boss’s office because we think he might have a reprimand ready. But at least half the time, if not more often, the terrifying results we fear turn out to be not so bad. So why get anxious worrying about something that may not happen? The next time you find yourself worrying about something bad, stop and think about the best outcome. Just picture it carefully in your mind. This will most likely help you get rid of all the anxiety you are carrying around and help you feel more relaxed in general.
Take a nap. How many of us have time during the day to lie down, close our eyes and fall asleep? If you have the time and flexibility to do this, take advantage of it. Put on soothing music, dim the lights, and just sleep for an hour. However, even if you don’t have time to fall asleep, act like you do, just for a few minutes. The next time you come home to work, try changing out of your work clothes, sitting on the couch and snuggling with your cat or reading a book, or just daydreaming for a few minutes. Just taking that small amount of time for yourself can go a long way toward making you feel pampered.
We often try to take care of others before thinking of ourselves. But the truth is that no one can be a good caregiver if they don’t take the time to recharge and take care of themselves. Be good to yourself and your family and friends will benefit from knowing you are more relaxed and happy.