Craving a spa day? Longing for a weekend wellness retreat? Chances are, those self-care luxuries are on the back burner right now. Whether you’re still under stay-at-home restrictions or in a place that’s largely opened back up, it’s unlikely that spa and wellness services will return to normal anytime soon.

 

So what can you do to create a self-care practice at home? Plenty!

 

That’s right—just because your favorite wellness ritual may be unavailable, you don’t need to say so long to self-care. Now, more than ever, it’s important to spend some time focusing on yourself. There are countless practices and habits you can develop to calm and pamper your mind, body, and soul. Read on and we’ll show you how.

 

Savor Those Zs

Let’s start with the basics. Sleep is your number one defense against stress and illness. Get plenty of sleep to bolster your immune system and keep your body functioning at its best. From your digestive system to your brain function, sleep impacts every aspect of your health, so be sure to set aside 7-9 hours per night for those crucial Zs.

 

Drink Up

Proper hydration is another non-negotiable in self-care. When you’re stuck at home and less active than usual, it’s easy to forget about fluid intake. But just like sleep, your body needs lots of liquids to stay in top form. Track your intake according to the volume your bottle holds. Go big with the 32-ounce Beckridge bottle and make sure to empty it at least once each day.

 

Clear the Chaos

If you’re home more than usual, you may be feeling a bit boxed in—and those overflowing dresser drawers, crowded closets, and stuffed storage bins aren’t helping at all. But fear not. Just follow these tips from professional organizer Marie Kondo to de-clutter your space. Not only does the “KonMari Method” help organize your belongings, according to Kondo it also helps clear the chaos in your personal life.

 

Make a Mask

No, not that type of mask. We’re talking an original face mask—the type that moisturizes your skin and tightens your pores. Here are eight DIY face masks you can try. Now’s also a great time to take a break from heat styling and hydrate your hair, or perfect the art of the at-home mani/pedi.

 

Jot—or Draw—it Down

Journaling is a wonderful way to carve out time for inward focus. But if writing doesn’t soothe your soul, try an art journal instead. Set aside 30 minutes every day to draw or paint anything that comes to mind. If the idea of creating art intimidates you, simply think of it as doodling instead!

 

Cull Your Mental Calm

Would you devote five minutes a day to a habit that would help relax your mind and body, leaving you feeling centered and refreshed? Then meditation is a perfect practice for you. Even a brief meditation session can do wonders in terms of self-care. Curious to try meditation but don’t know how to start? Don’t stress—just read our beginner’s guide.

 

Trigger Happy Memories

If travel is what typically takes you to your happy place, you’re probably dreaming of a getaway right about now. But even when you can’t travel, you can trigger some of those same feel-good emotions. We explain how in this post, aptly titled Satisfy Your Wanderlust—Even While Stuck at Home.

 

Get Moving

Feeling sluggish? Whether you’re in a rut mentally or physically, movement can help. Exercise is critical to good health, and it helps reduce your stress in addition to toning your muscles and slimming your waist. You don’t need access to a gym to perform a full-body workout. Our buddies at BlenderBottle have some excellent home workouts—like this one and this one—to help you stay fit.

 

Log Off

We love having you here. But let’s face it—the internet can be a pretty stressful place, and one that’s tough to turn off. Take a self-imposed time out each day as a screen-free, email-free, no-phone zone. Log off of all your devices and do something different, like take a walk, garden, or cook a healthy dinner. We mean it; log off right now and luxuriate in some precious time to yourself. And don’t worry—we’ll be here when you’re refreshed and ready to come back!

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