Pampering: Food for Your Mind, Body, and Soul

The term self-care has started getting plenty of spotlight, and can we just say, it was about time!

We seem to have grown up in a world where taking care of others (or simply doing our jobs) is seen as more important than taking care of ourselves. Yet when we burn the candle at both ends for too long, no one benefits – not ourselves, not our friends and families, and not our employers.

In this post, we’ll be looking at the joys (and benefits) of pampering. Here’s why it’s the absolute best food for your mind, body, and soul.

The Unexpected Benefits of Pampering 

Pampering is a great way to make yourself feel better, reduce your stress levels, and simply unwind. We’re all aware of the straightforward fact that we feel better after indulging in an activity we love. Here, however, are some of the less expected benefits of pampering:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Reduced muscle tension
• Eased chronic pain
• Improved concentration
• Increase in energy
• Improved confidence

Self-care really does feed all aspects of our existence. We should certainly stop looking at it as a waste of time or as a selfish thing to do and embrace it for what it truly is. 

How to Create a Pampering Routine 

The first step you need to take to ensure you pamper yourself more is to make the time. We often skip these important self-care tasks. Either we are too tired, are engrossed in a movie, or are too caught up doing something we at the time deem more important than pampering.

To ensure you never miss a pampering session again, schedule it into your calendar like you would any other chore. Don’t skip it, and consider it just as important as having a business meeting. 

You will also likely have to overcome some ingrained resistance towards indulging yourself. You may find that you need to choose between a self-care hour and going out for a coffee with friends. 

Don’t feel any shame for choosing to recharge your own batteries when you need to. To be the best version of yourself, you need to take care of yourself. You are the only person aware of the level of stress and exhaustion you are working with. When you feel like it’s too much (or preferably a lot sooner), pause, slow down, and do something you really enjoy.

4 Ways to Pamper Your Mind, Body, and Soul 

If you are unsure where to start your pampering routine, or are simply out of touch with relaxation, here are our four suggestions to add to your list. 

Sleep, Nap, Snooze 

Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is to sleep more. Most people sleep less than the required 7 hours, so giving yourself an extra hour in bed in the morning, going to bed earlier than usual, or simply taking an unapologetic nap in the middle of the day can allow your body more time to rest and recover. 

You should also consider investing in a new mattress, one that’s the right size to fit your needs perfectly. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can lead to waking up in discomfort and rather cranky, so a great mattress can literally change your life.

Order or Cook Your Favorite Meal

Eating a meal you truly enjoy is not just great for your body; it’s also amazing for your soul. Ideally, you want to go for something on the healthy side (i.e., not a burger and fries), but, of course, you can enjoy a fast-food treat every once in a while too. 

The idea behind your pamper meal is to order either something you don’t usually get. Either it’s too pricey, you need to go somewhere distant to get it, or you need a couple of hours to prepare. 

You can include a special dessert as well, something extra rich and indulgent that you turn into a special treat. If you only eat it on certain pamper occasions, you will associate it with positive emotions and look forward to it in advance. That’s a great mood booster in itself. 

Skin and Body Care

The first thing we think of when we say “pampering” is probably a day at the spa. And while a professional treatment can certainly be an amazing treat, you can do it at home too. 

There are things you can do every day to improve your complexion. But when you add an extra luxurious face mask, hair mask, body oil, and moisturizer into the mix, your skin will show the difference. 

Don’t save certain products for special occasions. Use them more often, and give yourself a bit of a pep in your step regularly. There’s nothing like a very good skincare product to make you feel more confident and more positive. 

Exercise Your Mind 

You want to do some mental pampering as well. What you choose to do will be entirely up to your personal preferences, but here are some ideas:

• Meditate: try an app or a guided video, or just let your thoughts wander.
• Visit a museum, an art exhibit, a talk, or any cultural event you are interested in.
• Read a book that has been on your “to be read” pile for ages.
• Try a coloring book.
• Do a puzzle (but not on your phone). 
• Start journaling or try writing a short story.

Whatever gets your mind excited and focused – but isn’t something you do for work or on a regular basis – can be a great way to unwind and pamper yourself more. 

Final Thoughts 

We should, as a society, start pampering ourselves more. If we were less stressed, more positive, and less ready to snap or fall off our feet from sheer exhaustion, the world would certainly be a more enjoyable place.

Make a change today. Schedule a pampering routine for the weekend, and start planning for it. Get yourself a lovely snack, grab a good book or choose a movie, smother yourself in nutritious goodness, and let yourself fall into bliss. For more self care tips, check out this complete guide to Self Care.