Let’s be real—some days can be real challenging for our mental health. However, one thing that can boost mental health is a cleansing Self-Care Sunday! What’s that, you may ask? Self-Care Sundays have became popular on Instagram, where influencers are practicing and sharing their special tips to reset themselves for the week ahead. Now, reading a good book is a no-brainer, but what else? We’ve got five activities to help you center yourself for the week to come, and we recommend a perfect book to accompany each activity. Welcome to Self-Care Sundays!
Morning Yoga, Meditation, and Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean
Mornings are perfect for spending some much-needed alone time. They are also a great time to hear (and quiet) your inner chatter. What are your worries? What song is stuck in your head? To get a better sense of your inner thought processes, we highly recommend meditation and yoga. Yoga will keep you physically fit, while meditation will give you a greater sense of focus and calm. Once you’ve completed your yoga and meditation, we recommend diving into a fun read, like Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean—a funny rom-com about what happens when the fake boyfriend one girl made up actually shows up to her family vacation.
Vibing with Sage, Crystals, and In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
Cleansing the energy of your home can do wonders for your mood. A Self-Care Sunday must: cleanse your living space with sage to remove harmful energy and put your home in a neutral state. (Be sure to open your windows to let out any negative energy.) Once you’ve saged, fill your space with crystals that bring good vibes and protection. Rose quartz, a crystal used to swell your heart with love while bringing vibrancy to all of your relationships, is a good choice. Once you’ve performed these acts, we think it’s safe to seal the deal by reading something positively witchy, so we suggest In Nightfall by Suzanne Young. It’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Lost Boys. You can thank us later.
Spa Day While Reading American Royals by Katharine McGee
Now that you’ve cleansed your mind and spirit, it’s time to show your physical self some love, too. Given that we need to practice social distancing, you can’t go to a spa, but you can certainly have a spa experience at home by giving yourself a facial. Order several face masks from your favorite online beauty vendor. Follow the instructions for the mask, and top it off with two slices of cucumber for your eyes. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can give yourself a mani-pedi, too! And since you’re treating yourself like royalty, why not cozy up with American Royals by Katharine McGee while your nails dry? This story about a modern American monarchy seems fitting.
Become a Plant Parent and Read Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Plants are a great alternative if you can’t have pets. They improve the air quality in your home and liven up any living space, but they’re more than just decorations. They need a lot of love and care. Think you’re up for the task of being a plant parent? Websites like Rooted NYC can mail you the plant baby of your choice. After you’ve shown your plants some love, we highly recommend Wilder Girls by Rory Power—a book about coming of age and the fortitude of women.
Baking Cookies with Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? They say cooking is cathartic, but there’s something special about baking—it comes with a sense of glowing achievement as well as delicious rewards. You can make your batter from scratch or use a premade cookie dough. Either way, you’ll get a yummy snack and a perfect companion to a sweet read. Our recommended pairing? Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee, a queer teen romance that’s just as sweet and satisfying as your freshly baked treats.
