Self-care comes in many different forms but it’s most often envisioned as bubble baths, face masks, and lighting candles. While those things are lovely to do, lately I’ve been thinking about more practical forms of self-care and how that’s showing up in my life.

So in today’s post, I wanted to share 5 ways that self-care has been looking like in my life lately.

Buying Pre-Made Meals

Being in grad school full time, working full time, AND having a side hustle doesn’t leave much time left over for meal prep. And quite honestly, it’s the last thing I want to do with the few hours of downtime I have a week. So I decided that buying pre-made meals is actually an act of loving myself – making sure I eat an actual meal most days.

Knitting

Back in college I had an Etsy shop and knit until I go tendonitis. These days I’m knitting for pleasure and to help with pent-up anxiety and for the pure joy of creating something beautiful.

Learning About Buddhism

I grew up evangelical Christian and have a lot of religious trauma from that, so spirituality has always been a touchy subject for me. However, this past year I’ve recognized a yearning to foster my spiritual side so I decided to study up on Buddhism.

Tarot

I’ve been pulling affirmation cards for a few years now however I recently go into tarot and they’ve really resonated with where I’m at.

Ketamine Therapy

In March I underwent ketamine therapy for my anxiety and depression. Since my induction series of 6 sessions, I’ve noticed a decrease in my anxiety and a slight decrease in depression. I’m continuing with maintenance sessions and I consider that an act of self-care and investment in my own mental health.

Final Thoughts

Self-care doesn’t have to be limited to bubble baths and macaroons. It can look like practical ways to make your life a little easier each day. What is one way you can care for yourself this week? Tell me in the comments!