Someone recently told me to take a day off every two weeks and that's the best concept I've heard in a hot minute. So here is your how-to for your mandatory "me day".

Make sure you take this day every two weeks or so. Keep in mind that this day is for you and you alone. As tempting as it may be, don't spend it with friends or your significant other, this day is just for you. It is healthy to feel comfortable, confident, and content when being alone. This is somewhat challenging for a lot of us, especially extroverts. Extroverts need to occasionally isolate themselves so they can check in with themselves and truly reflect and recharge. Due to our nature to try to take on everything possible and spend as much time with the people we care about, we need to actively set apart time to do so.

So get that day, or even half a day set aside for yourself. Then, find a few things that you truly want to do. It can be anything from going to the gym and taking an extra long shower, to shopping, getting your nails done, or even just watching Netflix in bed. If getting some extra studying or homework done is going to make you feel accomplished and lower your stress, then by all means, get some school work done. Once you've come up with something you truly want to do, do a little prep. Make sure any commitments are done before your day off so you can fully enjoy it.

On the day of, I challenge you to turn off your phone for a few hours to be completely by yourself. This is a difficult thing to do, but it will help clear your mind and allow you to take care of yourself for a while. After this, the world is your oyster. Whatever you want to do is available to you. Go for it. For a little push, this is what my next "me day" is going to be like...

In the morning on that Sunday, I will be getting home from my sorority's retreat weekend. This means I will have been socializing all weekend and will be ready for a break -perfect for alone time. I will have probably missed my Sunday church service, so I might do a devotion to take a moment and work on my faith. (If you're not spiritual and prayer isn't your thing, which is totally okay, I highly recommend meditation or breathing exercises to help center yourself). After this, I'm going to work out at home with some yoga and bodyweight exercises, take a long shower, and cook something healthy for myself. I plan on going to get tea or coffee by myself off-campus and sit to do some journaling, writing, or some light homework. I will also be spending this day without makeup to give my skin a break as well.

After some time at my favorite coffee shop, I'm going to go thrift shopping by myself - with headphones in of course - and find some deals. Once I get home, I'm going to do some skincare, maybe meal prep, and do some Netflix binge-watching. In the evening, I'll take my phone off of airplane mode and spend a little time on it before dinner. Finally, I'll probably do some painting and listen to music before I get ready for bed. I'll do some more stretching, yoga, and reflecting and take my melatonin supplement (yay, sleep!) and get to bed at a good time. I'm very excited for this "me day" coming up soon, and I challenge you to also make the time for yourself. Happy self-caring everyone!