
Self-care looks different for everyone, but certain essential items can help you maintain physical and emotional wellbeing. The following items will make an excellent addition to anyone’s self-care routine.
1. A comfortable bed
The importance of getting a good night’s sleep can’t be underestimated. For most people, that begins with having a comfortable bed. If you don’t have a comfortable bed to sleep in, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Getting quality, deep sleep is one of the most important aspects of self-care.
When you sleep well, your body will get the rest it needs to recover and repair itself throughout the night. You’ll wake up feeling rested and refreshed, instead of walking around with a heavy sense of fatigue. Great sleep also contributes to a positive mood, while poor sleep can make you feel anxious and stressed.
There are many ways to get a better night’s sleep, but it all begins with having a comfortable bed with a good pillow and bedding that makes you feel amazing.
2. Compression socks
You might not have thought about putting compression socks in your self-care toolkit, but there are many reasons that make them an essential item. For instance, if you have lymphedema, poor circulation, or neuropathy, compression socks can provide significant relief.
3. A meditation cushion
If you’re familiar with the benefits of meditation, you might be wondering if you should splurge on a fancy meditation cushion. If your goal is to enhance your meditation experience, the answer is yes.
Cushions specifically designed for meditation are different than folding a pillow or using a chair. When you sit on a meditation cushion, you automatically put your body into a position that’s more conducive to flowing energy through your body without having to learn complicated positions. This will enhance your meditation experience, but also, a cushion will help you stay alert and focused. If you get too comfortable – even sitting in a chair – you’re more likely to fall asleep.
4. A weighted blanket
You’ve probably seen weighted blankets on the market, and if you’ve never checked them out, they are quite therapeutic. Having a little bit of weight on you while you rest on the couch or sleep is very calming. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, or you have a sensitive nervous system, a weighted blanket will likely bring you comfort.
5. A gratitude journal
Regularly focusing on things you’re grateful for can significantly improve your overall mood, and make you feel good. When you write in a gratitude journal, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, and that induces a state of relaxation.
You can buy a premade gratitude journal online or make one yourself by using a template. All you need to do is write down a few things you’re grateful for each morning before you start your day and you’ll start to notice a gradual increase in happiness.
6. Bubble baths and soaks
Finding time for deep relaxation is important, and that’s why you need bubble baths. If you don’t like bubbles, get some bath bombs or salts and create a nighttime routine to soak in the tub before bed. Hot water is therapeutic on its own, but when combined with Epsom salt, lavender, lemon balm, and other calming essential oils, it can be the perfect nighttime relaxation routine.
7. Cozy pajamas
Nothing beats heading to bed in the coziest pajamas you’ve ever worn. When you have luxury pajamas to slip into, you’ll feel amazing when you go to bed. Whether it’s a cozy adult onesie with feet, fuzzy pajamas, or just something cotton and comfortable, you’ll start looking forward to your nighttime routine. Cozy pajamas can also help you sleep better at night.
8. An infrared heat mat
Infrared heat does wonders for the body, and you can get it in the form of a mat that you lie down on for a relaxation session. Infrared heat mats promote deep relaxation, alleviate pain, help you sleep better, and can even leave you feeling more energized.
Build your self-care toolkit
Remember that self-care isn’t a selfish act. It’s actually one of the most selfless things you can do because it makes you more available to the people in your life. You can only take care of others if you first take care of yourself.
What you put into your self-care toolkit will evolve over time, but start with the basics and you’ll have plenty of time to learn more about what you need to feel great and thrive.