It's 5 o'clock. You are finished with work, dinner is in the oven, the sun is slowly fading behind the mountains and it is officially time to kick up your heels and relax. For me, this meant popping on the TV, sprawling out on the couch, and pouring myself a big ol' glass of pinot noir. Isn't that the definition of relaxing after a hard day’s work?
I would spend my whole day being mindful and eating healthy foods, I even wore two layers of sunscreen on my face for crying out loud. Every day, I practiced self-care. However, when the sun went down so did the self-care dial. One glass of wine led to one bottle of wine and then it was all downhill from there.
After checking off all the self-care boxes during the day, I felt like I deserved a reward for being so good to myself and committing to treating my body well. What better way to reward myself than with a bottle of wine and to erase and obliterate all the good I had done to my body mere hours before with every sip.
Here are some things I have replaced my glass (or bottle) of wine with and keep the self-care train rolling on down the tracks, even after the sun has set!
Puzzles
I love a good puzzle they are the perfect, healthier way to get out that pent-up energy and are great for brain stimulation. I especially love the 3D wooden block puzzles because you can hold them and they need to fit at every angle. It is so fulfilling and such an accomplishment to create and solve the puzzle. The best part is you can do this solo or with friends and loved ones.
Board and card games
I am very competitive. I’m talking Tonya Harding competitive. I love to win and I love a challenge. Board games are a great way to bond with friends and family and always have a good laugh. My favorite board games are classics like Monopoly, The Game of Life, any type of card game, Watch Ya Mouth, and Cards Against Humanity.
Spa night
When I really need to zen out and take a time out, I set up a spa bath at home. I use bath oils, sheet masks, candles, and whatever else I want and set the tone to make me feel like I am at an actual spa. Tonight I challenge you to dim the lights, place some candles around the tub and treat yo’self. I also love to put chakra and aura cleansing meditation music from YouTube to really get me in the zone.
Books or audiobooks
There is nothing better than curling up with a nice cup of tea and a good book or throwing on your sneakers and going for a walk while listening to the audio version. Here are a few of my favorites: The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz, Pussy: A Reclamation by Mama Gena, and The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman.
Wine is not self-care, waking up hungover is not self-care. Re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol IS self-care. Changing a habit is easier with support. Bestday gives you daily check-ins, a personalized plan, timely nudges, and a community in your corner. Start your free trial today.