Self-care looks a little different for everyone. Take a moment to focus on yourself, and think about what you need to boost your mental and physical well-being. Consider what brings you joy and what makes you feel relaxed. Check out these ideas to get started on your personalized self-care routine.
1. Immerse yourself in a book.
Visit Firefly Bookstore in Kutztown and treat yourself to delightful reads. Browse fiction, nonfiction, vintage and collector books and make new discoveries. Best of all, you can make room for new books by trading in unwanted titles for store credit.
2. Soothing scents.
Use a diffuser to breathe in relaxing aromas of essential oils. Inspired Apothecary has a variety of styles, including bamboo, lotus, gem and a travel size small enough for a cup holder. Try different oils to rest, manage stress or boost your mood.
3. Show your skin some love.
Visit Alisha’s Spa Euphoria in Shillington for a firming peptide facial. This 60-minute service includes exfoliation to help erase fine lines, as well as a firming mask and massage. Revel in the rejuvenating feel of delightfully smooth, glowing skin.
4. Feed your mind.
Take a stroll through Reading Public Museum and feast your eyes on ancient and modern art objects from around the world, or check out their limited-time space-themed exhibits. End your visit at Neag Planetarium and experience the breathtaking wonder of the stars.
5. Delight in dancing.
Get active taking ballet, tap, jazz or modern dance at Visions Dance Company in Boyertown. Whether you danced as a child or are looking to learn something new, drop in or sign up monthly to experience a different dance style every Thursday evening.
6. Stitch to calm.
Knitting and crocheting are therapeutic hobbies that challenge your mind, reduce stress and help you experience life one stitch at a time. Visit Yarn Gallery in West Reading to choose fibers and tools for your next project or take a class to build your skills.
7. Music for mindfulness.
Embrace music to feel calmer and positively impact your mood and emotions. Besides listening to your favorite bands, create your own tunes by taking lessons at Funky Frets in Boyertown. Get personal instruction on the guitar, ukulele, piano or drums virtually or in-person.
8. Find balance.
Build strength and flexibility by taking a yoga class with one of The Nest Collaborative’s five teachers. Yoga practice helps participants reduce stress, sleep better and achieve physical and mental balance. Feel grounded and focus on intention as you connect with your classmates.
9. Prioritize sleep.
Make the most of every day by getting a great night’s rest. Look forward to bedtime with a soft, weighted blanket from Bed Bath & Beyond. These heavier blankets feel like a hug and can help relieve stress and anxiety for better sleep.
10. Play games.
Visit the Sinking Spring Public Library every fourth Thursday from 7-8pm for an evening of board and card games for grown-ups. Bring your own favorite games, or experience new ones. Boost your memory, relax and have fun while you play and meet new friends.
berkslibraries.org/events/7737
11. Take tea or coffee.
Unwind over a cup of tea or coffee at West Reading’s Simply BOLD Café. Enjoy time relaxing alone with a book, or meet a friend and spend self-care time together. Savor tantalizing aromas as you sip, socialize and appreciate quiet companionship.
12. Pedicure paradise.
Give your feet all-natural pampering. Visit Betula’s Botanica for a detoxing foot soak, eucalyptus and lavender mineral salt foot scrub, or a restorative foot salve. Soak, exfoliate and moisturize your feet with a mix of essential oils, Epsom and Pink Himalayan salt, cocoa butter and beeswax.
13. Joy in art.
Reap the benefits of artistic expression by attending a painting party at Boyertown’s Studio B. Making art lowers stress, boosts self-esteem, and lets you tune out distractions. Integrate art into your daily life for a calming way to connect with your creativity.
14. Wellness walk. Enjoy a breath of fresh air and get some exercise when you take a stroll. Visit Gring’s Mill and walk the trail. For a mindful walk, leave your earbuds at home, and tune into the sights and sounds of nature surrounding you. co.berks.pa.us/dept/parks/pages/gring'smillrecreationarea.aspx
15. Bake away stress.
Engage your senses and increase mindfulness by baking. Head to Michaels for pans, decorating tips and sweet supplies like candy melts and sprinkles. De-stress while you focus on the recipe and put your energy into the soothing repetition of kneading and mixing.
16. Write your way.
Get your thoughts on paper by experimenting with writing. Visit Barnes & Noble and let the ideas flow. Revel in the freedom of the page with a blank journal, or try a guided option with prompts, like Sharon Jones’ Burn After Writing.
17. Get puzzled.
Unwind and engage your brain by building a jigsaw puzzle. Enjoy screen-free fun with the whole family as you put together a picture of your favorite characters or animals. For an even more mind-bending challenge, try constructing a 3D building or vehicle puzzle.
18. Birding benefits.
Hang out with winter songbirds at peaceful Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Birdwatching is an ideal way to reduce stress and practice mindfulness. Wander the trails year-round for a variety of natural wonders, like the spring and fall hawk migrations, and hummingbirds in the summer.
19. Nurture greenery.
Experience happiness by caring for plants. Houseplants like spider plants and snake plants help clean the air, boost your concentration, and increase moisture even during the dry winter months. Check out Riverview Gardens & Gifts in Temple and find your perfect plant companions.
20. Calming candles.
Burn a candle on long winter nights. Visit Five & Divine in Wernersville for Maggie and Louise Soy Candles in a variety of scents. Delight in the peaceful glow of slower, cleaner burning soy wax while you eat dinner, read or quietly meditate.
