February is the month of #selfcare. And while we may have been thinking about our S.O. and the perfect VDay gift at the beginning of this month, now is the time to invest a bit more time in ourselves.
Turning attention inward and 'spending' time and energy on YOU rather than others can seem decadent and a little naughty (even thought it's absolutely necessary). That’s why we've created a ‘50 Shades’ themed list of indulgent self-love ideas for our friends at employee wellness perks company HealthKick, and are sharing with you here. So start reading and give yourself the love you deserve the rest of this month!
Get your vitamin game in order - try Care/of’s personalized vitamin packs for chicly packaged and super clean vitamins and supplements
Drink more water. Commit to drinking your weight in ounces of water each day.
Get a massage. San Francisco's Remede Spa in the St Regis offers a deep tissue and hot stone therapy massage that will melt tight muscles. Or try an on-demand massage service like Zeel for a 60-minute Swedish session without stepping foot outside your home.
Eat more greens. Have a big salad at least once per day, the rest of the month, and it will become a habit.
Eat those greens even when you’re rushing around or on the road. ALOHA makes yummy individually packed greens powders that can be added to water no matter how far you are from the nearest salad bar.
Turn up the heat on your yoga practice. Especially when it’s chilly outside, a hot yoga class can be a great way to dial up your cardio and flexibility. Try Core Power anywhere, Ritual in SF, Hot8 in LA for starters.
Prepare a decadent dinner for one. Completely completely from vegetables. If you need a little inspiration (or fully prepared foods delivered to your door), check out Hungryroot’s carrot noodles with tangy sriracha peanut and almond chickpea cookie dough.
Get yourself the gift of a morning workout. If you need suggestions, check out our city guides.
That morning workout can even be a twenty minute walk to grab a morning tea or coffee and back. While you’re at it, tune into a Headspace guided meditation to get your zen on.
And don’t forget about a post-workout morning smoothie. Try out different smoothie combinations to discover new favorite flavors. For some expert help, try Greenblender’s smoothie subscription.
Switch out your morning coffee for an antioxidant-packed matcha latte or an adaptogen-based latte like turmeric.
Explore a new indoor workout, even if you normally swear by sweating in the great (urban) outdoors.
Replace your nightly glass of wine for a glass of kombucha once or twice per week. We heart Health-Ade or Revive.
Have a date night with coconut oil - cover your body, face and hair in the good stuff and then make a coconut-inspired dinner for one like a coconut curry with zoodles.
Splurge on a trend-setting fitness classes you’ve been wanting to take.
Treat your feet to a massage dedicated entirely to them, sometimes we forget how much work they do.
But your hands could probably use some love, too, so take them out for a nice mani, too.
Along with that mani, get a Friday morning blowout, without the stress of getting to the salon, by using an on-demand beauty booking app like PRIV or BeGlammed.
Give your punam a facial’s facial with laser combo treatments and microcurrent therapy at spas like SkinSpa New York.
If you’ve never tried it before, give wellness coaching a go to develop a positive personal narrative.
Spice it up in the kitchen. Learn a new trick or two with the help of a gourmet meal kit service like Purple Carrot or Blue Apron.
While you’re at it, clean up your spice drawer to make sure all is still fresh and that you have plenty of good-for-you herbs on hand.
And give your fridge the same treatment - remove anything that won’t help on your wellness path and replace it with healthier versions that inspire you.
Think about your beauty from the inside out by trying skin and hair supporting supplements, like those included in the new beauty pack by WellPath.
Send yourself flowers. Or just grab a bouquet on the way into Trader Joe’s.
Workout in your underwear, in the comfort of your own home, using a streaming fitness service like Cody App, Fit Plan or Grokker.com. Bye, inhibitions.
Pack yourself healthy lunches using your favorites healthy flavors, or in a pinch order up from healthy lunch delivery services like Good Meal.
Get a fitness form tune up from a personal trainer. Find one you love at your gym, or ditch the membership fees and connect with one who aligns with your goals at findyourtrainer.com.
Organize your fitness apparel drawer, out with the old and everything else in its place.
And treat yourself to a new piece of gear, you deserve it.
Have a dance party for one in your living room.
Think about your favorite cocktail, then Google how to make it lower in sugar and better for you.
Make meditation a priority. The Path in New York and Unplug in Los Angeles offer great classes for beginners and those who want to deepen an existing practice.
If you’re not in a meditation savvy city, explore the world of digital mindfulness via the many apps out there. Find one you love and commit to meditating each morning for at least five minutes for one week.
Scrub that winter skin. DIY a sugar scrub at home, or take yourself out to a Korean spa for a thorough exfoliation.
After, draw a bath and luxuriate in your favorite essential oils.
Hit the stairs. They are awesome for your tush, cardio system and getting some fresh air. Bonus: they’re free.
Clear your voicemail queue.
If you’re already a spin pro, take your resistance to the next level with an added challenge like the new Pelo in SF or underwater cycling at Aqua in New York.
Reinvigorate your oral hygiene routine. Companies like Tulip are revolutionizing oral health with cutting edge toothpastes and brushes.
Unsubscribe from any email newsletters that no longer serve you.
While you’re online, book yourself a health-focused getaway to somewhere you’ve never been. For trip planning ideas, check out Escape to Shape.
Unplug once per week, for at least an hour. No phone, computer, television.
Journal, just the good stuff. Write down achievements, however small, compliments you may have heard throughout the day and challenges you’ve overcome.
Stretch! Develop a stretching practice at home, at your desk, at the gym. Cody App has a great stretching program with Ashley Galvin.
Say ‘no’ to obligations that won’t inspire or help you on your journey. Your time is valuable.
Same goes for social media accounts you currently follow. Remember, your time is valuable.
Create a sanctuary at home for just you. You can use comfy pillows, artwork from a favorite trip, textures that calm.
Develop a daily tea ritual - have an energizing cup to start the day or a soothing one made of herbs to wind down.
Take yourself out to a movie. 50 Shades or other.
