So, here’s the thing—life has been a whirlwind lately. Between work deadlines, social commitments, and the never-ending pile of laundry, I’ve been feeling like I’m running on fumes. Sound familiar? That’s why I decided to dedicate my Wednesdays to self-care. Yes, Wednesdays. Not the weekend, not a random day, but smack in the middle of the week. Why? Because let’s be real, by Wednesday, I’m already dreaming of Friday, and I need a little pick-me-up to keep going.
It all started a few months ago when I realized I was constantly putting myself last. I’d wake up, rush through my morning routine, power through the day, and crash into bed at night, only to repeat it all over again. I was exhausted, irritable, and honestly, not the best version of myself. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of Wellness Wednesdays. At first, I thought it was just another trendy hashtag, but then I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Here’s how I’ve been making it work:
First, I start my Wednesday mornings with a slow and intentional routine. No alarms blaring at 6 AM, no frantic scrolling through emails. Instead, I wake up naturally (okay, fine, my cat usually does the job), make myself a cup of herbal tea, and sit by the window for a few minutes. I don’t do anything productive during this time—no to-do lists, no planning. It’s just me, my tea, and my thoughts. This little ritual helps me feel grounded and sets a calm tone for the day.
Next, I incorporate some form of movement. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout (though sometimes it is). It could be a yoga session, a walk in the park, or even a dance party in my living room. The key is to move my body in a way that feels good, not punishing. I’ve noticed that this helps me release tension and boosts my mood for the rest of the day.
One of my favorite parts of Wellness Wednesday is my midday self-care break. I’ve started blocking off an hour in the middle of the day to do something just for me. Sometimes it’s a skincare session, other times it’s reading a chapter of a book I’ve been neglecting, or even just taking a nap. Yes, a nap. I used to feel guilty about taking breaks during the day, but now I see it as a necessary reset. It’s amazing how much more productive I am after giving myself this little gift of time.
In the evening, I make it a point to disconnect from technology. No emails, no social media, no Netflix binges. Instead, I’ll light a candle, put on some soothing music, and either journal or do a guided meditation. This helps me process my thoughts and emotions from the day and prepares me for a restful night’s sleep.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—this sounds like a lot of work. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be perfect or elaborate. The beauty of Wellness Wednesdays is that it’s flexible and customizable. Some weeks, I go all out with face masks and bubble baths. Other weeks, it’s as simple as taking a few deep breaths before bed. The point is to prioritize myself, even if it’s just for a few moments.
What I’ve learned through this practice is that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When I take care of myself, I show up as a better friend, partner, and colleague. I’m more patient, more present, and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want?
So, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, I encourage you to try Wellness Wednesdays (or whatever day works for you). Start small, be consistent, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You deserve it.