Pamper yourself for $0
Do you have a day without plans coming up? Would you like to plan a precious moment for yourself, to do yourself some good?
These moments are rare (for most of us), so we have to cherish them, to do what really makes us feel good!
Without further ado, here are some ideas for activities, treatments and little moments that could fill you with happiness, without spending a penny out of your pocket:
Writing down your current thoughts (journaling)
Whether it's your first time or something you're used to, write down what you feel, your gratitudes and your wishes in a journal (or simply on a piece of paper that will go up in flames after rereading it). This method will allow you to empty your heart, take a step back, be gentle with yourself and allow you to express yourself 100%. It's only good for your heart and your head, no matter what's going on in your life. ❤️
Close your phone and all notifications
I am aware that not everyone has this luxury. That said, really ask yourself the question and be honest: can you do without it for 4, 6 or 8 consecutive hours? I even feel like telling you a nice NO GAME! No game to allow yourself to slow down, to reduce your stimulations, to stay in the present moment, with yourself.
Create your drink of the moment
A herbal tea, a coffee, flavored water, rummage through your cupboards and concoct a beverage with love. Put lots of things you like in it. Personally, I always have some Mental herbal tea in my herbal tea drawer. Without your phone or other screen, take the time to prepare and drink what you have prepared, alone with your thoughts. If you can, go outside and get some fresh air, on a chair or even by taking a short walk!
Meditate and breathe
It seems simple like that, but meditating, settling down, whether it's 5 or 30 minutes, feels so good! Focus on your breathing and your posture, let your ideas flow and enjoy this beautiful moment that you are giving yourself. Surprise yourself by not setting a timer, let yourself go and live the moment you need, one less thing to calculate in your day! You can even finish your exercise with a few stretches, to increase your blood circulation and increase your energy for the day.
Relax your facial muscles
If you hadn't noticed, when we're stressed, the muscles in our face tense up. With busy days and busy weeks, taking the time to massage your face will do you a world of good! My friend Marie-Pier Valois, an orthotherapist, even made a little video to show you how to untie all that.
A moment of well-being in the water
Whether you're more of a bath or shower person, water brings calm, take advantage of it to make an appointment with yourself without judging yourself. Leave your fears there. It may seem silly but try it! Tell them to go away, you'll see, it feels good to name them! Finish by rinsing yourself with cold (or at least cool) water. You'll see the benefits right away.
Exfoliation without leaving the house
If you already have what it takes to give yourself a facial, go for it! If you don't have an exfoliating product at home, take a tablespoon of sugar mixed with a little olive, sunflower or almond oil (avoid coconut oil - if it's not diluted, it makes you break out 🤭). Gently, make small circles gently on your face, on your neck, then clean everything and moisturize your skin with your favorite cream. You can repeat the exfoliation on your legs and feet if you want, it's energizing and helps to lighten your lower body.
Dance, dance!
No one is there to watch you. Come on, put on your favorite music, dance as you want, sing if you want, move as your body feels. No need to think about anything, no need to be on the note, on the rhythm or to have the right steps. Let go, let your crazy (or your serious) go without thinking, without filtering with your adult brain 😆.
Bring out the artist in you
And there, no right to say that you don't have creativity hidden somewhere! Creativity can be expressed in so many different ways: drawing of course, writing, but also in decorating your home, knitting, embroidery, finding new ways to arrange your wardrobe. Move some furniture to change your environment, move your frames, do makeup tests, create a recipe with your feeling, write a story that has no allure. In short, there is something that lights you up even if it won't end up in the Museum of Fine Arts. Creating something gives you self-confidence. Without you realizing it, your self-esteem will go up a few levels. Enough to cultivate this little flame 😊
Listen to yourself and give yourself permission
The important thing here is to listen to yourself, to give yourself the right, the right to laugh, smile, cry and scream if you have to! Ask yourself the question. What would really make you feel good. Give yourself the right to express yourself, no matter how, and to find it beautiful! It's beautiful when you can take the time to look into space and smile because you feel good. It's also beautiful to be able to let yourself cry if you need to. Allow yourself to live what you have to live, only you can do that.
Take care of yourself and have a good journey!
Andy☀️
