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Find some zen with your friends.
Self-care is when someone uses the resources available to them to take care of their health and well-being. This is often cited in reference to taking time to relax- which is understandable given so many of us work long hours in front of screens- but it can be a variety of other things as well.
Are you looking for a way to take care of yourself and unwind, but perhaps you don't have the luxury of alone time. Or maybe you want to share a self-care experience with your friends, or maybe a daughter or mother. Whatever the case, these activities are sure to get your mind in a quiet state of calm while making your body feel and function at it's best.
Best Self-Care Activities for Groups
Group Spa Day
If your looking for a traditional self-care idea, look no further than having a spa day with your best friends, children, or husband. This can be in a professional facility, or it could be something you do at home.
Consider getting a couple's massage, making an at home face mask with your friends, or painting your daughter's nails. All of these are great ways to connect with others while taking care of yourself.
You can dress in a comfy robe, put cucumbers on your eyes and listen to zen music if you want, or watch a youtube video and see if you can do a DIY facial routine with a friend. Whatever it is that makes you feel the most relaxed.
Plan a No Phone Outing for a Day
But if staying in one place isn't your vibe, you can plan an outing with your companions. However, the catch here is that it is a NO PHONE day. Preferably leave your phone at home, but we get it, oftentimes that's not possible because we need to make sure we stay safe. So if you do decide to bring your phone, set it on do not disturb or turn it completely off.
What you do with the rest of the day is totally up to you. Consider walking around city shops, going to your favorite coffee shop with a friend, taking a hike, or even meditating in the park. Wherever your group's heart wants to go, follow it (but be safe).
In group scenarios, however, it can be better to have an idea of what you want to do beforehand as to avoid any arguments or confusion. This can cause stress- which is definitely not self-care.
Selecting this activity will help you be more present in the moment as it removes you from the distractions of your phone. Should you go outside, you will also be exposed to the healing and calming aspects of nature. Furthermore, you will have a break from all of life's normal stressors, replacing it instead with shared human interaction and experience, which can help make relationships closer.
Build a Terrarium
This is a cute activity groups can try. There is probably a place to do this near you. A terrarium is essentially a small vase-like garden. It can be either open or closed. Creating one can be an extremely relaxing process as you select each type of plant, decoration, and soils you'd like. Arranging them can be meticulous and can center your mind, allowing you to reach a flow state.
What's more is that spending time gardening or working with plants has been shown to calm the mind, so you'll also get mental and health benefits should you select this activity.
At the end of the activity you get to take home your creation. Terrariums are great and easy to care for, and you'll have the long term experience of watching something you made with your companions grow year after year.
I did this activity recently and found it very enjoyable. Make sure you locate a studio near you and call ahead to get an idea of pricing and if they offer group sessions.
Cook Together
Eating and preparing food has been a bonding experience among many cultures for most of written history. Food brings people together, and can allow them to mindfully connect and put behind the worries of the day.
Food is what fuels the body. Name something more pertinent to caring for yourself than thoughtfully preparing a healthy meal with your companions. This can be an incredibly nourishing experience for all involves. From selecting the dish, shopping for ingredients, to working together to bring it to life and enjoying the meal while laughing and talking about each other's lives, food can truly create positivity and connection.
You can take a night to take care of yourself and the people around you by planning an experience such as this. It can be cooking a traditional dish with your grandmother or just cooking pasta with your girlfriends and drinking it with some wine. Whatever makes your soul feel most seen and cared for is what you need.
Try an Adult Dance Class
This was an interesting idea I recently came across. Growing up, most of us either did dance or had friends who did dance. However, outside of clubs and professional companies, I saw little opportunities to dance in my adult life. Fortunately, there are actually studios specializing in adult classes. From introductory and upwards, you and your group can find somewhere you fit in.
This activity can help get the blood flowing and can challenge your mind to take on something new or remember an old skill. Also, if you like it enough, it has the ability to develop into a weekly session, and you will better your practice as you go.
Take a Group Yoga Class
Another type of fitness class that can be a bit more accessible to different levels of activity is a group yoga class. With numerous modifications available for many of the poses, this could be a good way to get everyone involved in the class.
In fact, many instructors are willing to hold private classes at workplaces or another designated location. That way, you can speak with them beforehand about what you want to include in the class. Should it be Vinyasa? Fast-paced? Meditation based? Is there any injuries they should be aware of?
Yoga is a great way to get moving with a group, as well as calm the mind and center the spirit. If your looking for a versatile and holistic self-care option, this is the one for you.
Beach/Pool Day
Taking a day to get out of town or go to a local pool can be a great way to de-stress. Bring your favorite book and go get some sun. Sunshine can often make you feel better, as most of us are Vitamin D deficient in the US. However, make sure to wear sunscreen and take care of yourself. Furthermore, looking at large bodies of water has been shown to lower stress levels in humans.
Reading at the beach or just socializing with friends and family can be a good way to leave your life behind for a moment and take care of yourself. Swim in the water, take a walk in the sand, or just relax. It can be anything you make of it!
Paint Day/Night
Having a paint night or day is a great way to connect with others while also getting into a flow state of creation. Not only do you get a great takeaway at the end, but there are so many options to tailor the experience to your needs.
For example, you can choose to go out to a paint bar, a pottery studio, or even set up an easel at a scenic location. You can also decide if you want to follow an instructional video or just freestyle. Do you want the group to convene in person, or set up a video call for distant members to join?
You can take the time to select the type of paints, brushes, and canvas you'd like as well as take artistic liberties in expressing yourself.
This is something you can easily do with others, there are so many places which offer this and it is also relatively easy to set up at home. If painting is something you enjoy and you don't mind the cleanup, this could be a great self care option for groups.
Conclusion
Whether its resting by the pool, or having some friends over to paint, there are so many ways you can enjoy the benefits of self care with others. We hope you have found some potential options for planning your next self care group outing. If you liked our best self-care activities for groups, be sure to check out our other articles here. As always, if you try any of our suggestions, please let us know in the comments. Have a restful and relaxing day!
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