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Health and Wellness

7 Self-Care Routines That Don't Involve Hitting The Treadmill

Take a break from the cardio and lifting and let yourself relax.

Ashley Britton

Aug 06, 2018

Syracuse University

Unsplash

We all have different ways to treat ourselves that work best for us. But a common misconception is that you need to constantly stay fit and workout in order to take care of your body and keep it at its best.

I'm here to tell you that this is all wrong.

Self-care can be so many different things, but you don't have to workout to take care of yourself. In fact, working out every day has been proven to have a few negative effects on your body, such as not giving your muscles enough time to recover from your workouts. Plus, it's good to give yourself a break every now and then, since sometimes going to the gym 24/7 can be emotionally draining.

If you're looking for alternative methods of self-care that don't involve lifting weights or the elliptical, here are a few that I can strongly attest by:

Sit outside with your favorite book

This is perfect especially in the summer time, when the weather is hot and sunny. Not only does reading make you feel more relaxed and allow you to escape from your own life, but it also helps you work on your summer tan. And if you do this during any other season, it's extremely calming to watch the nature around you change and transform from the past season to the present (especially from summer to fall, or winter to spring).

Start your own journal

If you feel like you don't have someone to talk to, writing down your thoughts and feelings is a perfect way for you to vent and get everything out in the moment. Plus, sometimes it's fun and healing to look back at past journal entries and see your progression.

Facemasks. Enough said.

There's not a better feeling in the world than lying in bed with a facemask on and watching your favorite movie or TV show. Not only do they make you feel refreshed and clean, but they're very cheap to buy and stock up on (Target offers a buy three get one free deal here.)

Treat yourself to your favorite foods or meals

Allowing yourself to eat what you want is honestly such a liberating feeling. Let yourself enjoy what you know you love without feeling guilty, because cutting back on something in order to be "good" for that day starts to become exhausting. So go for that large piece of cake or that extra slice of pizza, because you deserve it.

Go to your local coffee shop with a friend

I love Starbucks and Dunkin, but nothing beats local coffee shops. Usually the vibe and scene is very lowkey and chill, and can sometimes be a great place to plug in headphones with your favorite music playing while catching up on work. It's also a great place to go with friends to catch up or hangout, which is a great way to relax and take a break from your crazy life with people you care about most.

Eliminate all negativity

Whether it's removing negative people from your life or not complaining about your own daily tasks and routines, removing this bad energy will make a HUGE difference. If you don't like something in your life, then make that effort to try and change it instead of sitting around and whining about how much it sucks. Focus on what makes you feel happy and positive, and put all of your attention on that instead of what's making your life worse.

Learn to love yourself

This doesn't happen overnight, and it can sometimes be easier said than done for some people. But start your day by looking into the mirror and finding what you like about yourself, instead of only noticing your flaws. Leave sticky notes with positive and empowerment messages on the edge of the mirror that can be the first thing you see when looking into the mirror, as a way to remind yourself that you are important, and that you are beautiful.

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Recommended for you

7 Self-Care Routines That Don't Involve Hitting The Treadmill

Take a break from the cardio and lifting and let yourself relax.

Sit outside with your favorite book

Start your own journal

Facemasks. Enough said.

Treat yourself to your favorite foods or meals

Go to your local coffee shop with a friend

Eliminate all negativity

Learn to love yourself

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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