100+ Self Care Saturday Ideas For The Best Self Care Weekend
Self-Care Weekend Ideas
July 8, 2024
By Haley Holt
Image by Tetiana Kobzeva
Does anyone else feel the need for a hard reset, a renewed focus on wellness? We’re not talking about the fad detox diets or extravagant spa days, but genuine, sustainable self-care weekends.
In these recent years, we’ve all experienced heartaches, life chaos, and anxiety-filled scenarios that go beyond what face masks and bubble baths can mend.
Anddd as we grow older, we've come to understand that we can’t solely rely on a large glass of champagne to cure all our problems. Sad, but true.
Taking care of ourselves can be fucking difficult. This requires setting all obligations aside and putting yourself first. It seems like a crazy concept, right? But self-care can look different for everyone and can be done in various ways.
It could be as simple as going to bed early, saying “no” to that one-year-old’s birthday party you didn’t really want to attend, or starting a new skincare routine to achieve that snatched jawline you've always craved.
But most of the time, we don’t have time.
That’s why it’s best to plan your Self-Care Saturdays. We know you're busy, so schedule this self-care time in your calendar, block it out in the Outlook, or write it down on the kitchen fridge for the whole family to see. This serves as a powerful reminder that self-care isn’t just another task but an integral part of your weekend.
Below, you’ll find over 100 ideas to care for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, financially, and environmentally. We explore the importance of self-care, debunk common myths, and show you how to make it a regular part of your daily routine that can extend past the blocked off Saturday.
Image by rawkkim
What Is Self Care and Why Is It Important?
Self-care is a buzzword we hear often, but what does it actually mean?
At its core, self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health. This includes rituals that promote physical, mental, emotional, financial, social, and environmental well-being. Basically, anything you feel that can benefit you positively.
Today, focusing on self-care ensures we don’t burn out and helps us maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Self-care is super important - it directly impacts our overall whole wellness. By taking time to care for ourselves, we can reduce stress, improve our mental health, boost our physical health, and increase our productivity. In essence, self-care is the foundation of a happy, healthy life.
Image by Tetiana Kobzeva
The Health Benefits to A Regular Self Care Routine
Obviously there are health benefits when it comes to this popular topic. After all, it literally has 'self' and 'care' in the name—caring for oneself.
Physically, self-care can improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Mentally, it can decrease anxiety and depression, enhance your focus, and improve your mood. Emotionally, self-care can increase your self-esteem, help you manage stress better, and foster a sense of peace and inner happiness.
Regular self-care also supports better sleep, improves relationships, and increases your ability to handle life's lovely challenges. By taking care of yourself consistently, you're investing in your long-term health and well-being.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve your mood
Encourages healthier choices
Increase your productivity and focus
Improve your relationships with others
Enhance your overall sense of well-being
Supports healthy mindset habits
Above all, the ultimate goal of a self-care weekend is to provide a much-needed break to ensure a healthier and more balanced state of being. This can lead to a better daily routine, allowing self-care to become a regular practice.
Image by Kateryna Hliznitsova
Self Care Myths
There are several myths about self-care that need serious debunking -
Self-Care is selfish - Prioritizing your well-being is not selfish; it’s necessary. You can't pour from an empty cup darling.
Self-Care is expensive - While spa days and retreats are nice, they require $$$; self-care can be as simple as a walk in the park or a relaxing meditation.
Self-Care is only for women - Everyone needs self-care, regardless of gender. We all deserve to show up as our best self.
Self-Care takes too much time - Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in your well-being. There are numerous self-care ideas you can integrate into your existing daily routine (habit stacking), such as practicing manifestation while pouring your morning coffee.
Understanding these myths helps us grasp the true essence of self-care and integrate it into our lives without guilt or misconceptions.
Image by Branislav Rodman
How To Plan A Self Care Weekend
Planning a self-care weekend doesn’t have to be complicated. Begin by setting your intentions. What do you want to achieve this Saturday? Whether it's relaxation, rejuvenation, or a mental health boost, having a clear goal helps. Make the time, and implement.
Manage Your Schedule
Set aside dedicated times for different self-care activities. Treat these like very important appointments - appointments with yourself. It’s time to prioritize yourself this weekend.
Prepare in Advance
Collect all necessary materials in advance, whether it’s books, a journal, or workout gear. Having everything ready ensures you can fully immerse yourself in your new self-care routine.
Unplug and Disconnect
Reduce screen time to minimize distractions and energy takers, this was you can fully engage in the self-care activities. Disconnecting allows you to focus on rejuvenating yourself without external interruptions.
Diversify Your Activities
Choose a variety of activities that address your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This holistic approach ensures you cover all aspects of self-care.
Remain Flexible
Be open to adjusting your plans as needed. The goal is to derive enjoyment and benefit from your self-care time, not to stress over sticking to a rigid schedule. Flexibility allows for a more relaxed and fulfilling experience.
As you choose from these practices, remember that they’re designed to be nurturing and caring activities. Focus on activities that give energy to you rather than take energy. Once you're finished, don't forget to share what works best for you in the comments!
Image by Tetiana Kobzeva
Self Care Ideas For Physical Self
Get enough sleep by sticking to a set bedtime.
Bring 30-minutes of movement into your day, whether it’s a workout or a slow walk.
Keep a full water bottle with you at all times to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day - throw a lemon in for extra zest.
Go on a hike - we can almost guarantee there is a trail nearby with the Alltrails App.
Brew your morning coffee slowly, and then use the used grounds to gently exfoliate your skin during your next face wash routine.
If you drink, try intentionally skipping the alcohol on Saturday - this way you can wake up refreshed on Sunday morning.
Practice self manual lymphatic drainage massage with a Guasha, here’s a great guide on how to start.
Create a personalized self-care shower routine to unwind.
After your shower, apply a nourishing oil all over for a soothing skincare routine that pampers your entire body.
Schedule the appointments that support your wellbeing—you can do them all at once, or slowly add to your list throughout the coming weeks. Even if making calls is stressful, give that time as a gift to your future self.
Use a homemade sugar scrub to exfoliate your lips, then apply your favorite lip color or balm.
Make yourself breakfast in bed; nourish your body with a delicious fruit platter, a greens smoothie, or protein pancakes to shake up your typical morning routine.
Take a refreshing 5-minute break outside in the sun to recharge.
Practice deep breathing exercises to relax your mind and body.
Enjoy a rejuvenating nature walk to connect with the outdoors or the ability to multitask with the indoor walking pad.
Relax with acupressure at home.
Exfoliate the dead skin cells on your entire body with an exfoliation pad.
Disconnect from screens to reduce digital fatigue; popularly know as a technology detox.
Prepare healthy snacks or meals for the upcoming week to stay on a healthy track.
Take 10-minutes for stretching to alleviate tension and improve flexibility, you'll be amazed at how much better you can feel afterward.
Give yourself a breast self-exam to familiarize yourself with what's normal and abnormal for your body, checking for lumps, changes, or areas of discomfort.
Roll out tension using a foam roller, massage balls, or even a tennis ball.
Color your eyebrows to cut down on makeup prep time during your workweek.
Scalp massage or hair oil treatment to promote hair growth and intense relaxation.
Take the medicine, the vitamins, the supplements that serve you. Start new remedies like taking herbs, dandelion root (tea form or supplement), burdock, milk thistle, and drinking green tea daily offers liver cleansing and protective health benefits.
Give yourself an at-home mani-pedi. Soak your hands and your feet, trim your cuticles, apply multiple layers of nail polish.
Finally invest in that Yoga or Pilates mat you've been meaning to get to start your Pilates journey.
Dry brush your full body's superficial skin.
Make your sexual pleasure a priority to not only satisfy physical urges but also mental and emotional clarity.
Find out which Ayurvedic skin type you are to properly focus your skins needs.
Get clear about your morning routine.
Participate in a weekend yoga or meditation retreat to deepen your practice and find inner peace.
Image by Annie Spratt
Self Care Ideas For Mental Self
Dedicate 10-minutes daily to meditation, regardless of your experience level. Allow yourself time to simply be present.
Brew a comforting cup of tea and unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists to clear your inbox and declutter your mind.
Craft personal affirmations that resonate with you, and integrate them into your daily routine in meaningful ways.
Create a vision board showcasing your aspirations and dreams—any time of year is perfect for this empowering exercise.
Brainstorm and jot down all your to-do tasks on a blank sheet of paper, then prioritize them to plan your focus for each day of the week.
Looking for guidance on discovering your life's purpose or career path? Try filling out this quick 10-minute worksheet for free.
Practice gratitude by either making a list of everything you're thankful for right now or capturing moments of gratitude with photos throughout the day.
Jot down your core values. What matters most to you, and how can you integrate these priorities more deeply into your daily routine?
Get out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off to set yourself up for a positive and successful mindset for the day.
Connect your mind and unwind with a puzzle, this simple hobby can be fun and mentally stimulating.
Create a reading list of books you are actually interested in.
Positivity Jar - Curate a list of things that radiate positive energy and place them in a jar for future revisits.
Enroll in therapy for personal development.
Go on a mindful all-senses walk, a walk engaging all your senses—smell, sight, taste, touch, and sound. What sounds do you hear? How does the wind feel?
Manifest your soulmate with these essential manifestation techniques.
Image by Alexander Mass
Self Care Ideas For Emotional Self
Curate a Pinterest mood board filled with images and ideas that resonate and inspire you.
Practice quiet and intentional generosity by donating or volunteering for a cause that holds personal meaning.
Cultivate a reading habit to expand your knowledge and relaxation.
Organize all your photos into albums in your phone, this way you can take a nostalgic journey down memory lane.
Record yourself using your voice notes app to create a personal podcast - describe your current feelings, challenges you're facing, and what you're working to overcome. This can be a powerful form of self-therapy that often goes overlooked when you're not able to talk with someone.
Spend time with animals, whether it's playing with your own pets, volunteering at an animal shelter, or visiting a petting zoo - this practice is proven to release dopamine and relax you.
Shift your focus to a positive perspective throughout your day. Whether it’s walking down the street, chatting with a friend, or encountering traffic, find one positive aspect in each moment. Your outlook shapes everything—aim for positivity in everyday situations.
Explore the realm of astrology, including how to interpret your birth chart and understand your zodiac sign. This exploration may provide insights into why you are the way you are.
Write a note to your younger self—you'll be amazed at how much you've grown and achieved.
Laughter Therapy - Watch funny videos, movies, or shows that make you laugh and lift your mood.
Create a self-portrait using your preferred medium, whether it's painting, photography, or collage.
Monitor your moods throughout the day or over several days. Label your emotions every few hours and consider how they fluctuate, as well as what influences them positively or negatively.
Discover you or your partner’s love language to strengthen the relationship.
Listen to bird sounds while painting a Paint by Numbers kit. Research shows that bird sounds can uplift your mood for up to 8 hours.
Perform random acts of kindness for a feel-good activity that is backed by extensive research showcasing numerous benefits for both the giver and the receiver.
Place sticky notes with positive affirmations on your mirror to repeat each morning while brushing your teeth.
Try self-directed art therapy to express your emotions through creative activities like painting, drawing, or writing poetry. This can aid in processing and releasing emotions effectively.
Create a bucket list that excites you, whether it's for the summer, for your kids, or for your wildest dreams.
Journal with prompts. Use journaling prompts to delve into your emotions and understand them better. For example: "What emotions am I experiencing today?", "How do these emotions feel in my body?", or "What do I need to feel more balanced?"
Image by Andrey K
Self Care Ideas For Social Self
Be deliberate about your social media follows - Dedicate twenty minutes to unfollowing accounts that don't uplift you. You'll feel more positive going forward looking at your feed.
Explore a new hobby.
Arrange a coffee date with a friend.
Plan a FaceTime dinner date with a friend or family member.
Write a spontaneous thank-you letter to a friend or family member.
Have a park day without any technology - yes this means no phone.
Exchange books with your family or friends to broaden your library with titles loved by others, sparking future conversations about your reading experiences.
Invite friends over to bake with a unique cookbook, we adore this wellness cookbook.
Experiment with different mocktail recipes to create one you truly enjoy. This way, you'll have a go-to drink to bring to future social events.
Team up with a friend for a one-week holistic challenge to stay motivated and have someone to rely on.
Spice up date night with card games.
Make a Spotifty playlist for someone you love.
Call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Swap the morning coffee with an Herbal Tea Tasting. Explore different herbal teas and create your own tea blending session.
Image by Martha Sorto
Self Care Ideas For Financial Self
Set up a budget that supports your financial objectives, try out various banking apps available for detailed assistance.
Review your spending from last week to identify one area for improvement, starting with minor changes makes for bigger improvements.
Dive into a financial podcast to gain insights and financial education in an entertaining way.
Write down affirmations that promote a positive relationship with money.
Read a book that enhances your understanding of finances.
Review your credit card statements to track your spending habits.
Set a clear savings goal to work towards achieving financial milestones.
Try out the Two Week Rule: anything in your shopping cart must stay there for two weeks before you can make a purchase. This helps distinguish between wants vs. needs.
Go a full day without spending $$$.
Practice gratitude for the financial resources you have, no matter how small. Focusing on abundance rather than scarcity can help shift your mindset and attract more financial prosperity.
Create a vision board focused on your financial goals.
Emergency Fund - Build or replenish your emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses without relying on credit.
Side Hustle exploration for additional income through freelance work, selling items online, or starting a small business.
Image by Camille Brodard
Self Care Ideas Environmental Self
Wash and refresh your bedding, towels, robes, and curtains. Take a deep breath as you put everything back in place, reminding yourself that change and renewal are always possible.
Reorganize your closet, as the state of your closet is believed to reflect your state of mind. The aim is to achieve a tidy, organized space to begin your morning routine smoothly.
Rearrange your home layout for a new aesthetic, even if it's just shifting furniture slightly. Embrace positive disruption to invigorate your living environment.
Declutter and organize your purse or everyday bag.
Dust your living space to reveal its hidden brilliance.
Brighten your home with a bouquet of flowers—whether from your local market or creatively sourced.
Set the mood with a candle, incense, or essential oil diffuser, filling your space with scents that uplift and inspire.
Refresh your accessories: polish jewelry, clean makeup brushes, wipe down mirrors, and ensure clear vision with clean glasses.
Create a serene meditation corner in your home.
Sort through your underwear and sock drawer, discarding old items and those with holes to ensure your intimates are in great condition.
Bring a houseplant into your home to add a vibrant environmental boost.
Make some artwork for your walls using materials you already have. Display old photos, coasters, matchboxes or anything else that inspires you to decorate your space.
Grow herbs from your kitchen.
Image by K8
Why Self Care Saturdays Are Better Than Self Care Sundays
Self-Care Saturdays often provide more flexibility and set a positive tone for the entire weekend.
By dedicating Saturday to self-care, you give yourself a chance to recharge and still have Sunday to prepare for the week ahead. This approach can prevent the Sunday scaries and leave you feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle your week. Moreover, many community activities and events happen on Saturdays, offering more opportunities for social self-care.
Whether you’re pampering yourself at home, engaging in physical activities, or nurturing your mental and emotional well-being, there are countless ways to practice self-care. By dedicating Saturdays to self-care, you can set the stage for a more relaxed and productive week ahead.
Now, take a moment to give yourself some well-deserved credit, you chose you this weekend.
Thoughts? Comment below which self-care Saturday activities you chose this weekend.
