This long weekend, pamper yourself a little extra with self-care rituals that truly love you back

I’ve been feeling a little out of it lately. I’ll race through the week, anticipating the weekend and the endless rituals that work as self-care for me. Catching up with friends over a vanilla latte, losing myself in the library, trying out a new Thai restaurant, and promising myself another chapter to add to my drafts. Yet, come Friday night, I’ll be too tired to make it for movie night. Consoling myself with the idea that the weekend hasn’t begun yet, not really, Saturday disappears in a blink of half-hearted errands and matcha plans gone awry. With Sunday’s bittersweetness already looming, there’s really little else I want to do than nap the day away. So where did my uber-relaxing weekend go, and why do I feel like I accomplished exactly nothing?

Maybe the trick is to not have an eye-wateringly vast list of things that will promise us peace of mind, and actually go with the flow. If you wake up wanting nothing more than to play Scrabble and light a meditative candle, or jump up with energy and decide that a two-hour Pilates workout followed by a healthy brunch is the way to go, it's perfectly okay. Self-care looks different for everyone, and it’s high time we allowed it. There’s nothing more restorative than a truly restful day, and I think the key is to not simply copy what’s working for others, but instead create one that’s adaptive to your personality. Here are some ideas:

Hit the pause button

 

There’s a reason why even a day dedicated to rest suddenly seems like a monster to tame. What have you been doing up till now in the name of relaxation, and why hasn’t it been working? Far too often, we lift a conventional technique and feel frustrated when it doesn’t quite leave us feeling content. But what we fail to do is recognise our needs for their unique nature and work around it to create our very own miracle mornings. Maybe meditation will work one day, maybe a packed day with all your favourite activities might work another—but start the day by checking in with yourself.  

Manifest your ideal day 

 

In a perfect world, what would you be doing right now? Believe it or not, the act of actually spelling it out helps you visualise it clearly. So take a notebook and pen to map out what you’re feeling. Permit yourself to dream without limits, then gently reel in reality. Look at what’s really doable. If your social battery seems charged up, plan a visit to your favourite aunt. If you need some time to recoup, park yourself on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and the latest movie recommendations. If a seven-step skincare routine sounds like bliss, go for it! There’s really no right or wrong way to reset, just do something that will definitely recharge your soul.

A perfect date  

 

Whether you’re single or not, the allure of taking yourself out is unmistakable. Have you been waiting for an elusive “yes” on your group chat? Family, husband, or best friend, all wrapped up in their own routines and needing their own resets? Depend only on yourself for your relaxation. Taking time out for yourself—even an hour or half the day—might just do the trick. Prioritise things that feel nourishing, both physically and emotionally. Tranquil routines can be sunrise yoga or making yourself a surprise smoothie. It doesn’t necessarily have to be solo—you can plan an outing with loved ones or go for a movie with your niece— but if they can’t make it, don’t let your plans fall apart. Take yourself on a long drive, notice a flower in bloom on your walk, or people-watch at your neighbourhood café.

Let some tasks go   

 

Decide your non-negotiables, and set a limit for them, say two to four. Plan your day around these. For instance, if planning your week’s meals is necessary for your peace of mind, complete that first. But choose your chores; if cleaning is important, divide it into what’s realistically achievable in one day. Can you really deep-clean your entire house in two hours? Probably not, so permit yourself to be okay with dividing bigger tasks throughout the week. Focus on one space, perhaps, consider tidying up your room to your heart’s content. Pick something to do on your date that can add a pretty finishing touch to a chore—maybe spruce up your room with fresh flowers!

Be gentle with yourself    

 

Above all else, this is definitely a golden rule. In a world determined to run humanity down with routine and monotony, keeping your softness intact is integral. Reflect on the things you did exceptionally well this weekend, no matter how big or small. Take a spontaneous rest day in the middle of the week if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Pack your weekend with activities if that’s something you’ve been looking forward to. Keep up a steady stream of encouragement for yourself. Indulge yourself with pretty views and iced lattes in the afternoon. Take a spa break. Basically, let your weekends look different. Let the energy ebb and flow. Be the kindest to yourself, and don’t judge yourself too harshly for not being able to do too much, or not being able to rest either. Just be.

Lead image: Alia Bhatt photographed by Keerthana Kunnath, for Harper's Bazaar India's March 2025 cover.

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