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Saturday has always been my favorite day of the week – untouched by the hustle and bustle of the weekdays or the blues of the Sundays. For me, it has been the perfect day for self-care long before the “self-care Saturday” trend became a thing.
Self-care Saturday is an opportunity to wind down, reconnect with yourself, check in with your needs, and do whatever fills your cup. It is an excellent way to devote time to ourselves to recharge our physical and mental batteries and prevent burnout.
Taking some time off for yourself is NOT selfish but the best way to ensure that you will continue to be able to give your best self to whatever matters to you.
If self-care Saturday sounds like something you want to try, you’ve found the right article! I have prepared a simple 5-step guide to plan the most successful self-care day and some ideas for starting this new ritual. Let’s go!
What Is Self-Care Saturday?
Self-care Saturday is an entire day dedicated to doing things you enjoy, reducing stress, and increasing your energy. But in order to understand what self-care Saturday is, we should first look into the concept of self-care itself.
Self-care is every action you take to promote your holistic health and well-being. It does not only concentrate on physical wellness but also mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Therefore, self-care is not a specific action, product, or food that promises a quick fix for your problems. It is whatever you need it to be. It looks different for everyone, and that is why it shouldn’t be a new area for comparison or self-criticism.
I love the concept of self-care because it empowers you to improve your own life. You don’t need to wait for external fixes; you take ownership of your well-being.
And what better way to do that than making time for a self-care Saturday?
How To Plan The Most Enjoyable Self-Care Saturday?
If you’re the type of person who needs to plan their rest days to get any rest at all, that means you need those days more than anything! Making time for an entire day of doing whatever you like is easier said than done.
Last-minute obligations, unexpected phone calls, and work anxiety can easily creep into the rest of your self-care Saturday. That is why I always prefer to plan things out: to make sure that nothing will bother me on my day off.
Here are some practical tips on how to plan the most enjoyable self-care Saturday:
1. Prioritize Your Needs
While navigating adulthood, you realize that your wants and needs often do not align. For example, going out for drinks until late sounds like a lot of fun; however, it might be more than your body can handle.
It’s always wise to listen to your mind and body’s cues and put your needs first. Prioritizing rest this self-care Saturday could mean that you would be mentally and physically prepared to prioritize fun for the next one.
2. Make A Realistic Plan
One day sounds like a long time, but it is probably still not enough to do eeeverything that you have been longing to do. I recommend keeping your self-care Saturday as simple as possible to avoid being in a hurry and enjoy every moment.
Making your self-care Saturday a (bi)weekly ritual will eventually allow you to do everything that fills your cup. Maybe this thought will relieve your need to squeeze everything you have pushed out of your busy schedule into one day.
Sit down with a pen and paper and make a realistic plan for your self-care Saturday. You should consider your preferences, energy reserves, and social battery. Also, make sure you leave enough time between the activities to go about your day leisurely.
3. Take Care Of Your Obligations Beforehand
This step is very important for avoiding getting dragged out of your fun and relaxation. Ensure that all your obligations from the days before are taken care of. Since you can plan ahead for your self-care Saturday, it is a bit easier to sort your to-do list in time.
Sometimes, it also helps to have a plan for Sunday, too. Knowing that the next day’s obligations are planned and will be sorted out can take some pressure off your shoulders and allow you to unwind without guilt and anxiety.
4. Set Boundaries For Non-Self-Care-Related Things
Setting boundaries means that you won’t get disturbed during your self-care Saturday. This could translate as not answering work calls, replying to messages on time, or receiving unexpected guests.
It is useful to let people close to you know that you are taking the day to yourself, maybe turning off notifications or being out of reach. I would also recommend getting comfortable with the concept of turning down work or suggestions from friends that won’t fit your schedule.
5. Practice Mindfulness
The perfect self-care Saturday can still be affected by a monkey mind. Intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and worries about the past and future can steal your attention from enjoying the present moment. Practice simple mindfulness by noticing your attention drifting away to negative thoughts and shifting it back to the present.
25 Ideas For The Ultimate Self-Care Saturday
Get Some Extra Sleep
The one activity I have caught myself constantly daydreaming about as an adult is sleeping. Instead of waking up early yet another time, set no alarm and sleep in. And when you eventually open your eyes, don’t rush to get up. Take time to stretch, daydream, and enjoy the simplicity of doing absolutely nothing.
Do A Week Recap
Time flies when you’re busy. We receive so much information daily that some do not register in our conscious mind. That is why I like to recap my week to process events and conversations and how they made me feel. You can do this retrospection mentally or write it down in a notebook.
Eat Breakfast In Bed
Prepare your favorite breakfast and enjoy it while in bed. To avoid spilling coffee on your sheets, set it on a tray or some books. Play your favorite music, light up a candle, and take your time munching and enjoying the stillness.
Get Moving
Integrating some enjoyable movement in your self-care Saturday has many physical and emotional benefits. You don’t have to go on a marathon; you can simply move your body however it feels right. You can do some light yoga, go for a short walk, dance with your partner, or hit the gym.
Have No Plans At All
If your strict schedule makes you feel stressed on weekdays, maybe it’s best to have no plans for your self-care Saturday. Intuitively doing whatever you want whenever you feel like it can make you feel like a child again. Follow your moods, cater to your cravings, and have no expectations. Doesn’t it sound refreshing?
Play Your Jams And Shake It Off
Dancing is an excellent way to release tension and have fun. Play your favorite songs and dance without any expectation to look good. Be bold, take up space, and let off some steam.
Go For A Quick One-Day Trip
I love going on short excursions to break the monotonous pattern of daily life. Hop on your car or public transportation and explore a nearby place with friends or by yourself.
Invite Friends Over
Host a gathering with your closest friends and family and enjoy some quality time together. You can catch up in the privacy of your home, cook a hearty meal or order takeout, have a good laugh playing board games, or enjoy a movie marathon.
Go On A Self-Date
I used to feel uncomfortable going out by myself, but growing up; I realized that nothing compares to dating yourself. You can sit at your favorite coffee shop with a good read or your favorite podcast, watch a movie, see a play, enjoy a cocktail with a view, and many more.
Go For A Stroll
Wear something comfy, grab your headphones, pack some water and a snack, and head outside. Take a leisurely walk to breathe some air and explore your surroundings. Take some photos, go window-shopping, or simply recollect your thoughts. And who knows, maybe your steps will guide you to a nice new place to grab a bite or some coffee.
Do Some Museum Hopping
Visit local museums or art galleries to soak up some art. Some of them have interesting shops and cute cafes to further entertain yourself.
Make Yourself A Fancy But Easy Dinner
Who said that one-pan recipes could not be a marvel for the eyes and the taste buds? Treat yourself to a fancy meal without the hustle of doing too much cleaning. Accompany your food with a glass of wine and your favorite music or show, and you will have the perfect dinner experience.
Read A Good Book
If you’re someone who loves reading but never has time for it, self-care Saturday is the perfect opportunity to do it. You can get comfortable and enjoy your book without setting an alarm or getting distracted every now and then.
Binge Your Favorite Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is never something we do on its own. We always do it while driving, cooking, doing chores or any other multitasking activity that comes to mind. No more! Sit down with your headphones and a notebook and immerse yourself in your favorite conversations.
Start Crossing Off Things From Your Watching List
If your watching list gets bigger by the day, like mine, self-care Saturday is here to save you. Get the popcorn ready and start crossing off those movies and series you’ve been meaning to watch.
Do An “Everything” Bath
“Everything” baths are balms for the soul and possibly the next best thing to sleep. They are also extremely time-consuming, which is why they can fit perfectly into your self-care Saturday. Oil your hair, soak in a bubble bath, shave, and moisturize every corner of your body like it’s the only thing you must do all day.
Experiment With Your Hair And Makeup
No one has to see the outcome of your experimentation, which makes the process all the more fun. Play with colors and styles you don’t normally go for, or practice the tutorials collecting dust in your YouTube list.
Catch Up With Friends On The Phone
Ring your friends or family to connect and catch up. Share your life updates or simply have a good laugh even if you don’t have the time or energy to meet in person.
Do Something Creative
Express your creative spirit by writing, painting, crafting, or playing some music. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on the process and the pleasure it brings.
Research Things That Caught Your Attention During The Week
Use your self-care Saturday to delve deeper into topics or interests that piqued your curiosity throughout the week. It could be a philosophical term, an interesting destination, or a movie recommendation. Look into it before it slips your mind.
Take Up A New Hobby For Saturdays
Explore new hobbies or interests you’ve been curious about but haven’t had the time to pursue. Dedicate your Saturdays to cultivating new skills and passions.
Plan Things That Take Space In Your Head
Take some time to declutter your mind by planning and organizing tasks or projects that have been weighing on you. Create to-do lists, set goals, and establish a clear plan of action to alleviate stress.
Plan Something You Have Been Putting Off
No more procrastination for you! Allocate some time during your self-care Saturday to book a doctor’s appointment, pay your bills, plan a gathering or a trip, or do anything you have been putting off doing.
Declutter Your Physical Or Digital Space
Physical and digital clutter can deteriorate mental clutter. Create extra space by letting go of unnecessary stuff and organizing the place where you live and work.
Do A Self-Appreciation Ritual
You are amazing and it’s time to celebrate it! Establish a ritual of acknowledging your accomplishments, strengths, and fantastic efforts. You can show your self-love through affirmations, journaling about your self-worth, or treating yourself.
Conclusion
Self-care Saturday can be the ultimate hack for some much-needed fun and relaxation. The above ideas are a good place to start, but you can come up with many more enjoyable activities. Mark the date, make plans, and enjoy a day of doing what you absolutely love!
I really like the idea of setting a Saturday aside for some self-care as I can take my time with it and not be rushed or frustrated by trying to find ways to fit it all in. Great tips—thanks for sharing!