4 Steps To The Most Self-Care Sunday Ever

After an exhausting work week and a Saturday filled with brunch dates (and bottomless mimosas), the lure of a lazy Sunday is too real. We're talking about the kind of Sunday where you spend 16 hours floating from bed to couch to bed, binge-watching all along the way and subsisting entirely on delivery. And while there's nothing wrong with completely vegging out (in fact, we're all for it!), putting effort into really taking care of yourself is pretty important too. Finding little ways to practice self-care can help improve your mood, your self-esteem, and the overall relationship you have with yourself.

Here's the secret: A self-care Sunday doesn't need to involve an hour-long massage followed by yoga and a bubble bath (unless you want it to, of course). As long as you have the right tips and products, true self-care can be easy, time efficient, and reservation-free. But most importantly, it can leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the new week.

We've partnered with SheaMoisture to bring you some ideas for a truly relaxing "Treat. Yo'. Self" Sunday. From journaling to giving your skin some much-needed TLC, get ready to feel like a whole new, re-energized person.

Write In A Journal

Journaling can help beat the blues, reduce stress, and keep track of your thoughts and goals. If you're worried that you won't be able to get into it, just remember: There are no rules when it comes to what you jot down. Consider a dream journal, where you write down all the things you'd like to try. Experiment with a bullet journal, where you take quick notes. Try stream-of-consciousness writing. The journal world is your oyster!

Give Your Skin (And Hair) Some Love

The struggle of dry skin and damaged hair seems never ending. That's why Sunday is the perfect day to give yourself head-to-toe TLC. You can multi-task during your self-care ritual by pampering your hair and skin at the same time while you're in the shower. Start by washing your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, like SheaMoisture's 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo. It's packed with oils, such as coconut and shea, that help soften and moisturize the hair. Then, rinse off with a body wash that'll simultaneously moisturize your skin as it cleanses, like SheaMoisture's 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash. That's a self-care win-win.

Take A Long Walk

We all know working out can be an effective way to manage stress, but we’re not about to tell you to spend your special self-care Sunday sweating gallons on the treadmill. Instead, take a long, restorative walk. It's a low-key way to get your exercise for the day while enjoying some fresh air. Put on your favorite playlist (or grab a friend), hit the ground, and just zone out.

Unplug (The Realistic Way)

Technology: We love you; you stress us out. In fact, a phone habit can even negatively affect happiness levels, productivity, and sleep cycles. But if the idea of going completely off the grid for a day is too much, you can cut down on your technology in a more balanced way.

• Turn off all your notifications — if there’s a real emergency you need to handle, you’ll receive a call.
• Limit overall phone use by choosing a specific time to stop using it — ideally at least two hours before you go to bed. This way, you can end your day of self-care with a better night of sleep.
• Have other outlets handy (like a book) when you start feeling the urge to go on Instagram, again.

This post is sponsored by SheaMoisture.