The dictionary defines self-care as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. Taking the time to practice self-care sounds simple enough, yet it’s something we overlook in our often busy lives. Self-care looks different for every person. It can be emotional, physical, or spiritual. Being alone in your solitude, going out with friends, sleeping, reading, or watching tv - there is no right or wrong way to practice self-care as long as you feel rejuvenated, happy, and loved after. Self-care is whatever you need it to be. While there are endless self-care practices, we’ve listed a few of our favorites to remind you to tune into you today.
Exercise
Exercising is one of the most basic forms of self-care - conditioning your body and clearing your mind. It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you choose, as long as you are moving. For some, this might be lacing up their sneakers and running laps. Others might blast their favorite playlist and dance around the living room. Regular exercise is said to help improve sleep quality and mental focus over time. Whether you are sweating out the stress or stretching it out, you’ll be sure to feel like the best version of yourself after.
Try a local class: The Hive is a dance and creative studio created to provide dance education throughout Chicago. They offer adult and youth classes of varying levels, including tap, ballet, contemporary dance, yoga, and stretch classes.
A Bath
Picture it - you're immersed in a hot bath. Candles illuminate your surroundings with a dim glow. Calming music whirls softly around you. Your wine glass rests on the bath caddy before you. You are easing into a place of relaxation as your mind and body release the stressors of the day. Does this sound ideal? The magnesium in Epsom salts can help ease sore muscles, and a calming aroma can trigger thoughts of zen. Turning a bath into a meditative self-care ritual can be just what you need to reset.
Tip: Lavender is an excellent choice to reduce stress and create a sense of calm. Our lavender mint salt soak is perfect for a full-body bath or a mini foot soak.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts is a beneficial way to express your feelings, contemplate, brainstorm, and reduce stress. You don’t need to be a writer to journal, as journaling can take many forms. Some enjoy stream-of-consciousness writing, where you set a timer and write consistently until the timer ends. The idea is to bring your ideas to the page without overthinking or analyzing them. Others enjoy bullet journaling, where you write as much or as little as you like using bullet points. This method is preferable for those who delight in list-making. For those with little time on their hands, there are one-line-a-day journals. You write down what you are grateful for or how you feel that day. Whether you are journaling freehand or using a prompt journal, this practice will be sure to calm you and illuminate your thinking in the process.
Journal prompts to get started: What are you most grateful for right now? What is causing you stress right now? Describe yourself in 5 words.
Crafting & Art
Remember as kids when we used to dump our crayons on the floor and create magic on paper? What a freeing feeling, not worrying about anything except our creation before us. The great news is you don’t have to be a kid to craft. Crafting is a form of self-expression and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment upon completion. There are endless possibilities; sewing, painting, sketching, tie-dye, collage, pottery, printmaking, knitting. Why not try something new? Art classes are a great way to build a sense of community and learn a new skill. Crafting is beneficial as a social activity or individually. Get a group of friends together and have a wine and paint night. Or color in bed while sipping on a cup of tea. Whatever you choose, take the time for yourself and enjoy the process.
Scratch Goods Self-Care Calendar: Classes in our event space have included a book club, a body mapping workshop, a tie-dye session, and a gua sha workshop. Keep an eye on our self-care calendar as we introduce new events and bring back past favorites.