Many people assume that self-care is something you practice alone.
While you can definitely do it on your own, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. After all, a lot of activities are more fun when practiced with friends, and self-care activities are no exception. In fact, spending quality time with friends is an essential part of self-care.
However, friendship is not only about having a good time. Spending time with friends also contributes to your mental and emotional health. After a year in isolation, it might be time to catch up with others.
Therefore, call your best friend and check out the following ideas for practicing self-care together.
Make a List of Things You Like about Each Other
Let’s start with a nice activity that will definitely make you feel better about yourself.
You probably have a deep connection with your best friend and you admire a lot of things about each other. Still, how often do you talk about your qualities?
My guess is that it does not happen very often, but that’s what this exercise is for.
Take a piece of paper and write down all the things you admire about each other. Go into as many details as possible. You can even write about certain situations from the past that made you appreciate your friendship even more.
Then, exchange lists and read about all the wonderful things that the other appreciates about you.
This exercise will not only strengthen your bond but will also boost your self-esteem, as you will be reminded of your worth.
Create a Vision Board
Where do you see yourself in six months? How about in 5 years from now? What are your biggest dreams?
We all have certain goals. However, many of our dreams get lost along the way, mostly because we get discouraged. But what if we had someone to give us a confidence boost when we feel stuck?
Create a vision board with your friend and discuss your future plans. Whether you have different aspirations or not doesn’t really matter, as long as you support each other.
Get creative with this activity. Use pictures and quotes and anything else that inspires you.
This activity will help you visualize your future and it will also encourage you to exchange ideas about the steps to achieving your goals. This can be quite an eye-opening experience, as you might receive valuable advice from your friend that you never thought of before.
Hit the Gym
It’s much easier to commit to going to the gym regularly if your friend joins you. Not only is it more fun, but you also get to encourage each other and turn this activity into a habit.
At times, we all feel at least a bit unmotivated when it comes to going to the gym. The good news is that we’re more likely to skip the debate in our heads about whether we should go or not when we have an exercise buddy.
Plus, you’ll probably encourage each other to exercise more than you would if you were alone. Having a friend with a similar fitness level around you might be just the motivation you need to push a little harder.
Therefore, call your friend and get that gym subscription which, by the way, might be cheaper if you join together.
Sign up for a Class
Whether it’s dance, cooking, a foreign language, or meditation, learning a new skill is always a great idea. And, if you’re doing this with a friend, it’s even better.
You might have always wanted to try a certain activity, but you were too intimidated by the thought of going to a class alone or you were afraid that you will be clumsy in the beginning. This is your chance to get over that fear, as your friend will be there to support you.
Find something that you are both interested in and sign up for a class. Depending on what you choose to learn, this might be a life-changing experience, as you might discover a new passion.
Start a New Hobby
It’s important to try new things from time to time or to reconnect with old hobbies. Doing it with a friend will make it more fun, as you will have someone to share opinions with along the way.
This activity can be anything you both enjoy. For example, you might want to start reading more. Choose a book you both find interesting and read it. Once you are done, you can discuss it and share ideas.
Alternatively, you might want to start a creative hobby, like painting or playing an instrument. Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to do this together and commit to making time for this activity.
Final Thoughts
I hope the activities I suggested have inspired you to invest in your well-being and spend some quality time with your friends. Practicing activities together is a great way to strengthen your relationship and support each other’s goals. Plus, doing things that make you happy is not only important for your mental health, but also for your physical health.
What are your favorite activities for reconnecting with your friends and practicing self-care together? Let me know in the comments below.
