8 Ways to Celebrate Yourself: ME Day

Use these 8 ways to celebrate yourself to have the best ME day yet!

Who do you take care of? Your kids? Your spouse? Your pets? Your parents? How about yourself? In our busy lives it’s easy to get caught up in all the “must dos” and taking care of everyone and everything but ourselves.

I know that I can be guilty of that. I at least partially attribute it to being a workaholic. I have a really hard time with the concept of leisure. Being busy is something I always feel like I need to do. I seriously have to force myself to sit and watch a movie or television show without working on something at the same time. When I DO actually relax, I think “Wow, this is nice. Why don’t I do this more often??”.

I know I can’t be the only one like this! There must be lots of us struggling with work/life balance and others/self balance. You have probably heard the old adage “You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself”. While that is true, it’s not important to take care of yourself ONLY so you can take care of others. We are each important, worthwhile people and we deserve to be cared for!

This month we have a special day, “ME Day,” created by domain .ME, is March 16th, 2015, to help us concentrate on this goal of self-care. This special day is dedicated to promoting the values of diversity, tolerance and freedom, as well as self-appreciation and importance of taking care of ourselves.

8 Way to Celebrate Yourself

To give you some ideas of how you can celebrate yourself on ME Day and give yourself a chance to refresh your mind and body.

Get Outside
While the outdoors aren’t for everyone, I personally feel recharged and exhilarated after spending time outdoors. Maybe it’s the vitamin D from the sun, or maybe it’s just the fresh air, but getting outside and taking a walk is helpful for more than just exercise.

Try Something New
Stimulate your mind by trying something new. Take a painting or cooking class or try a new type of exercise – maybe Zumba or Tai Chi. You just might find something new that you love to do and add some variety to your life.

Be Lazy
If you’re always on the go, give yourself a solid chunk of time to do NOTHING. Sit in a bubble bath until you get pruney, lay in bed reading trashy magazines, or sit on your porch watching the neighborhood or the squirrels running around on the lawn. Doing nothing lets your mind slow down and take a break from its usual hamster-wheel-style running.

Phone a Friend
Staying close to friends is excellent for our mental and emotional well-being. Pick up the phone to chat with a friend you haven’t connected with in a while. Facebook messages and texting don’t count! Actually talk on the phone or, better yet, get together for coffee or dinner.

Treat Yourself
You deserve nice things! Treat yourself to something just for you – whether it be big or small. Buy a new pair of earrings, an outfit for the new season, or a book by your favorite author.

Change Things Up
Making a change in your appearance can change your attitude. Color your hair or paint your nails a funky color. Try a fashion you have never thought about wearing – you just might love it!

Take Yourself on a Date
Do something that is usually considered a couples activity all by yourself. Go to the movies, play a round of mini golf, or go to a nice restaurant. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Say “Aaaah” at the Spa
Book yourself some time at a spa. Whether you like a massage, a facial or something other spa specialty, relax and recharge with some pampering. If money is an issue, check daily deal sites for local offers (there are a LOT of them), or give yourself a spa day at home with face masques, bath salts and some scented candles to set the mood.

Now that you have some ideas, be sure to join us in celebrating ME Day on March 16th, but don’t limit your self care to that holiday! Stop and take your ownME Day whenever you realize you need to recharge and refresh.