Top 12 gifts to give yourself

Sleeping in and chilling out in bed

Getting an extra hour’s sleep, lying in bed at weekends, having breakfast in bed, chilling out on the sofa watching a film… When was the last time you took time out to give yourself a cocooning break?

Make yourself a chicory infusion, jump into your comfiest pyjamas, slip under a blanket and you’re ready to go!

Exercise (or at least get back into it)

Did you know that sport can give you a feeling of happiness? After physical exertion, our bodies secrete endorphins, which have a significant effect on our sense of well-being. An anti-fatigue and anti-stress remedy that will enable you to take care of your body without neglecting your mental health.

And if, like us, you’re not the most athletic of people, don’t force yourself, go gradually and adapt your schedule so that it becomes a real pleasure!

Take a bath and relax until your fingers are wrinkled

Taking a bath is synonymous with a moment of relaxation, a moment of well-being that you offer yourself. Paddling in warm water for long minutes is a great way to clear your head. And why not take the opportunity to treat yourself to a facial or a hair mask? Taking care of yourself also means taking care of your body.

Weekdays, weekends, evenings and even during your telecommuting lunch break? It’s up to you to decide when is the best time to relax!

Meditate and breathe to cut yourself off from the world around you for a moment.

Feeling stressed? Feeling tired? Got a big decision to make? Renowned for its physical and mental health benefits, meditation stimulates the brain and memory, reduces stress levels, boosts immunity, reduces the risk of depression and much more. Meditation helps you step back and refocus on what’s essential.

Close your eyes… 1, 2, 3, Inhale…

Get some fresh air, go for a walk, recharge your batteries in nature

As you can see, pampering yourself is synonymous with taking time for yourself. It can also mean taking a walk in the forest, in a park, etc. Alone, it’s a time to recharge your batteries. With family or friends, it’s an opportunity to chat and spend time with loved ones.

Take some time to finish that book you started this summer

We’ve all got that book we started 6 months ago sitting on our bedside table… No more putting off reading it until next summer! Get yourself a little cocooning corner and enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation as you plunge into your novel.

Make brunch like a Sunday with friends… but alone

Yes, you read that right! On Sunday mornings, take your time and, for once, think only of yourself. Waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs… Put on some music and let yourself be surprised by the feeling of well-being that comes from cooking, all you have to do is enjoy!

Brunch often means an orgy of food… Beware of food waste and remember to use the right proportions. If you have leftovers, this will save you time for your weekday meals, or think about freezing them for later.

Do something you’ve never dared to do on your own

Have you ever dared to go to a restaurant or cinema alone? Have you ever taken the time to visit your city or neighborhood alone? Have you ever packed your backpack and set off to the other side of the world on your own?

Does that scare you? Don’t be fooled, doing an activity on your own is much more rewarding than you might think: you feel like you’re growing wings and capable of anything! An unbeatable confidence boost. Go for it!

Start that activity you’ve always secretly dreamed of doing

Why don’t you simply take up that activity you’ve been secretly dreaming of for a long time? DIY, knitting, painting, writing, pétanque, whatever you feel like doing, don’t wait any longer! You’re sure to feel a mixture of satisfaction and happiness.

Healing the ills that gnaw at us

Our body reveals our well-being. The aches and pains that plague us are not necessarily harmless and can sometimes be the sign of an inner malaise. Learn to listen to your body and heal these wounds so you can move forward and feel great.

Writing a diary to let off steam

Writing down the little joys and woes of everyday life in a diary can help you take a step back from certain situations. It allows you to unburden yourself and list the moments that have made you happy during the day, so you can put everyday worries into perspective.

Writing positive attitude messages to each other

“You can do it”, “Today’s a beautiful day”, “You’re beautiful”…. Grab your best pen and fill lots of post it notes with positive phrases. Around the bathroom mirror, on the fridge door or even the front door, these little touches are sure to put a smile on your face and help you start the day on the right foot!

Bonus: one last smile in front of the mirror before leaving home

Giving others a smile is priceless, so why not give one to ourselves?