Ditch the Bubble Bath
Ok ladies, real recognize real and the hustle is real. Between juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, feeling like a superhero is less "yay, saving the day!" and more "ugh, where's my cape made of stretchy yoga pants?" I get it. Hustle culture tells us busyness is beautiful, but let's be honest, it's leaving us burnt out and, frankly, kinda cranky.
Forget the pressure to "adult" perfectly and embrace unconventional self-care that sparks joy, ignites your inner badass, and leaves you feeling like the magnificent being you truly are. Ditch the bubble bath (although, hey, if that's your jam, more power to you!) and dive into these activities that are anything but boring:
1. Become a Digital Da Vinci: Unleash your inner artist without messy brushes! Free apps like Procreate Pocket let you express yourself with endless possibilities. Feeling outdoorsy? Capture the sunset's glow or sketch a squirrel's antics - studies confirm art therapy reduces stress, boosts mood, and ups your self-esteem. Think you're not that artsy....hit a local spot to paint by numbers with your friends and make it a night!
2. Unleash the Beast: Feeling angry? Consider unleashing your fury through rage writing. Unlike venting your frustration outwards, this practice involves safely letting out your rage on paper. Don't hold back: scream, curse, let it all out! This might sound super strange, but the benefits are real. Rage writing can be cathartic, helping you understand your anger, find solutions to problems, and learn to manage your emotions better. While gratitude journaling focuses on the positive, rage writing tackles the negative, allowing you to process and release pent-up anger in a healthy way and avoid the toxic positivity cycle that we can sometimes fall into with gratitude journaling. Remember, it's about expressing your own emotions, not fostering aggression. Also make sure you keep your writings in a safe place so you don't feel the anxiety of hurting someone's feelings. Better yet, burn the pages.
3. Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing: Ok, stay with me here and don't focus too much on the fact that this can lean slightly into the woo. Take some time to escape the concrete jungle and immerse yourself in nature's magic. Find a park, arboretum, or even your backyard, breathe deeply, and soak up the green goodness. Studies show this Japanese practice reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity - nature's got your back!
4. Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Because, They Probably Aren't): Feeling too shy to hit the hip hop class your friend has been begging you to go to? Bust a move with online dance fitness classes or free YouTube tutorials! Dancing isn't just about fun (though there's plenty of that!), a 2017 study in Frontiers in Psychology found it improves cognitive function, reduces anxiety, and boosts mood. So, go ahead and bring sexy back. No choreography required. Just move ya booty.
5. Master the Art of "No": Boundaries are self-care superheroes. Setting healthy boundaries protects your time, energy, and mental well-being. Use the phrase "I appreciate the offer, but I need to decline" or suggest an alternative. Saying no to unwanted requests leads to greater happiness and reduced stress. Remember, if it's not a "hell yes!" it's a "no".
6. Embrace the Power of Play: Remember the pure joy of childhood? Reconnect with it! Build a blanket fort, have a coloring session, or bake a ridiculous amount of cookies (just remember to share...maybe). Having a lil' play time reduces stress, increases creativity, and boosts well-being. One of my faves is reading nostalgic books from my childhood (not exactly playtime but great for my mind) and I'm a HUGE fan of Legos and find it's super soothing to concentrate on creating something fun.
7. Conquer a Fear (Just a Tiny One): Stepping outside your comfort zone is incredibly empowering. Sign up for that improv class, try a new food that makes you sweat a little (think spicy!), or strike up a conversation with a stranger. Facing your fears, even in small ways, builds confidence and reminds you that you're braver than you think.
Remember, self-care doesn't have to be vanilla. It should be fun and easy and it encompasses SO much more than just sitting in a tub of water (seriously, hate baths btw...ewwwww) By taking care of ourselves, we fill our cups to pour into others, conquer our goals, and rock this crazy thing called life with more grace and laughter.
Embrace the unconventional, and discover what sparks joy in your unique soul and then grab hold of it and have some fun with your self health! You've got this, queen! ✨
I'd love to hear what you're doing that's different and exciting and filling you up! If you're not following me on socials you can find me on Instagram and Facebook @chasitycampbellco. I'm always sharing more over there and of course, the podcast is a great way to connect with our community!
