Did you know National Self-Care Day is celebrated every year on April 5? Now this is a holiday we can get behind! Self-care can mean a multitude of things, but it's been defined as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health; or the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. It's more than a hashtag, but it's also really quite simple: take care of yourself.
In honor of National Self-Care Day, we've rounded up a few ways to better your own self-care practices locally.
Spend Time in Nature
Getting outdoors is an important part of any self-care routine. Tune out all the noise and ground yourself in nature. Whether you're walking, running, hiking, biking or beyond, the Valley is surrounded by great spots, including Trexler Nature Preserve, Leaser Lake, Nockamixon State Park and Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. Trails include Lehigh Parkway Path, Ironton Rail-Trail, Saucon Rail Trail, Karl Stirner Arts Trail and the D&L Trail. Read about all these spots and more in our guide to getting outdoors.
Pamper Yourself
Self-care isn't all massages and manicures… but it can be! The Valley is teeming with businesses offering everything from facials to floating. Check out our list of five must-try local spa treatments and book yourself an appointment asap!
Declutter Your Space
If there's anything we've learned from the myriad of home organization shows, it's that physical clutter oftentimes translates to mental clutter. Spend some time getting rid of your excess stuff and see how much better you feel once you do. Decluttering doesn't just feel good today—it can actually make you more productive tomorrow. Learn more about how you can use organization to get things done with insight from Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant Diane Albright.
Make a Healthy Meal
Oftentimes, just the act of cooking can be a grounding practice, promoting mindfulness by focusing on the task and ingredients at hand. Carve out some time for yourself in the kitchen and start reaping the benefits—bonus points if what you're making is also good for you! We recommend chef and recipe developer Heidi Borelli's Endless Summer Vegetable Salad.
Move Your Body
We all know we feel better after exercise, so why not move it to the top of your daily self-care list? Whether you're into yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength training or something else entirely, the only thing that matters is that you're moving your body. Read co-founder of Forward Thinking Fitness Evan Howard's advice for prioritizing your workouts here.
Learn Something New
Conquering a new skill can be extremely gratifying, so why don't we challenge ourselves to do it more often? Fortunately, the Valley makes it easy to try something for the first time, whether it's cheese making at Flint Hill Farm Education Center, salsa with Lehigh Valley Salsa or golf with The Golf Lab. Check out our full list of 33 clubs, classes and workshops to explore here.
Listen to a Podcast
Engage with your mind by listening to a podcast. Select a genre, pick a show, plug your earbuds in and get lost in conversation. There are so many local titles to choose from, including Lehigh Valley with Love, The Official Brunch Boys, Simply Why, From the Flight Deck, The Patio Podcast, The Living On Purpose Podcast and, our very own, The LV Edit.
Buy Some Plants
Did you know that caring for plants has been shown to reduce stress? Interact with the plants you have or purchase a new one. We have no shortage of shops in the Valley (we even have one where you can order a cup of coffee with your succulent!). Need some advice before caring for a new leafy friend? Dana Carpenter of Fancy Plants Club gives her tips and tricks here.
Connect with Community
Socializing can be a huge part of one's self-care. It's important to find a community where you're able to feel truly connected. Prioritize your relationships by joining a local group that welcomes exactly that! There are so many opportunities in the Lehigh Valley, including Books, Brunches and Booze and ToastiQueen.
Donate Your Time
Volunteering can promote self-worth, providing a sense of purpose and meaning to one's life. There's not enough letters to list all of the incredible local organizations that would welcome a volunteer, but if you've been thinking about donating your time, know that you'd also be benefiting your own self-care while you do so. Hear from Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley, a local organization that connects locals with non-profits in need.
Try Therapy
This one might seem obvious, but therapy is perhaps the purest form of self-care. It's all about improving your emotional, mental and physical health. So book that appointment you've been putting off or research local therapists until you find a match—you won't regret it! Read more about the ways therapy supports your mental health here.
Dance
The act of dancing can help release tension while also promoting self-expression. Choreographed or freeform, dance allows you to move spontaneously and feel good as you do it! There are so many local dance studios to choose from and lots of gyms offer Zumba, but we like the idea of weekly line dancing at your favorite restaurant. Every Thursday evening at Sports & Social Allentown is Country Night, with live acoustic country music followed by a DJ spinning country hits.
Meditate
Meditation brings a sense of calm and balance that can benefit one's overall health and emotional well-being. But it can be hard to get the hang of! Did you know Twin Ponds Holistic Heath hosts a free introductory meditation class every month? Led by Greg Schweitzer, a true master of meditation, the class gives attendees the chance to learn some mindfulness techniques that are sure to improve their quality of life—and promote self-care. Read more about the magic of meditation with insight from Greg Schweitzer here.
