Every year, in the weeks leading up to my birthday I plan like crazy. Not in the way you think, because I am so not the type of person who stresses over what to do on their birthday. I typically just go with the flow. But, it is really important for me to plan birthday rituals and incorporate fun birthday ideas that nurture my self-care, growth and happiness.
I’ve created a little tradition around my birthday self-care activities and I thought I would share some of my favorite birthday ideas so you can always feel good on your birthday too.
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Since starting my birthday self-care bucket list (as I call it) I have noticed that I feel more positive after my birthday. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety in the past, this is especially important to me. Because birthdays can sometimes bring up some pretty heavy feelings.
With this post, my goal is to help you feel happy and excited about your birthday.
If you’re currently feeling pressured to celebrate socially or throw a big party when really all you want to do is sleep all day. I’m here to tell you that’s okay.
Or, maybe you feel like you’re one year older and you haven’t accomplished anything, so you’re just not excited about it.
That’s fine too.
The purpose of this blog post is to simply inspire and encourage anyone who is feeling down or empowered to do something that will make them happy. Because, in all honesty, isn’t that the whole point of celebrating a birthday?
I hope these birthday ideas motivate you to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically regardless of how you may be feeling.
I promise if you try just one of these birthday ideas you will feel 10x better.
Jump ahead to:
9 self-care birthday ideas that will get you excited about getting older
Here’s some birthday ideas to get you into a good mood and positive mindset before your birthday. These activities will help you let loose, have fun and live your best life regardless of what you’re into.
Self care birthday ideas to treat yourself
Buy yourself flowers
Flowers are a great reminder that life is precious. Flowers are so pretty and literally breathe new life into a space. Lately, I’ve been spending time in my family’s garden and have been learning about plants and all of the ways they can heal you. They are so fascinating! The beauty of flowers is just a plus!
Pamper yourself
I always take time to pamper myself leading up to my birthday, because on my special day I want to look and feel my best. And, frankly speaking if I don’t take care of myself who else will?
Part of self-care and feeling good is looking good. Treat yourself to a facial, spa treatment, get your hair and nails done or do whatever makes you feel beautiful.
Related: How to practice self-care on a tight budget
Go on a shopping spree
If you need an excuse to go shopping there’s no better time than your birthday! Go get that bag you’ve been eyeing all year. Or, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes for work. There’s no better feeling than buying something for yourself with your hard-earned money.
Buy cake/sweet treat
It’s always good to have something sweet on your birthday. But if you don’t have anyone to buy you a cake that shouldn’t stop you from treating yourself. Eating a dessert like cake or chocolate is known to boost mood and make you feel happier.
Ways to ease your mind around your birthday
Take a bath
In Haitian culture (where my family is from) it is common practice to take a spiritual bath to bring in the new year.
This is meant to not only cleanse your body but to cleanse your spirit and clear away any negative energy that may be surrounding you. This ritual is one that I love to do for my birthday because it keeps me grounded and I always feel refreshed afterward.
This practice of taking a “goddess bath” has risen in popularity in recent years. Youtuber Anaya Ivy has a great video on the purpose of taking spiritual baths and how she preps her goddess baths.
Relax
It may not occur to you to to relax on your birthday, but for me a so-called “lazy Libra” this is a biggie. There’s usually some pressure to turn up for your birthday, but sometimes all you need (or want to do) is chill tf out.
Make a vision board
Your birthday is a wonderful time to reflect, evaluate, and create a vision for your new life. Making a vision board is an easy and fun way to dream up that vision. Make a traditional vision board with a poster board and magazine cut-outs or printed pictures.
Or, you can create a digital vision board by collecting pictures online. I do this using a secret board on Pinterest.
Psst. Follow this blog on Pinterest for more self-care, travel and inspirational content!
Another idea is to start an image file by collecting images of things you love, want to buy, or that inspire you. You can save these images all year round and reference them whenever you are practicing visualization or need inspiration.
In her bestselling book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron urges readers to start an image file to help live the life they dream of. Cameron says she herself now lives in a home that emerged from her personal image file.
Related: The best books on creativity aspiring artists need to read
Birthday ideas to practice gratitude
Gratitude list
One of the easiest ways to be happy is to be grateful. When you appreciate all of the things you have and the people in your life you will vibrate higher and attract good things into your life faster.
Express gratitude by writing a list of all the things you can think of that you are appreciative of. This really helps put things into perspective.
Reflect on your last year and celebrate your wins
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to reflect on all that you have done. It’s normal to get down on yourself every once in a while and feel like you are not exactly where you wanted to be at this stage of life. But, if you take note of what you have done you may find that you are where you need to be. Then celebrate, because you deserve it.
Conclusion
Getting older can be tough sometimes. But, by taking care of yourself leading up to your birthday, you can pick yourself back up and even get excited about it! Remember to do whatever makes you feel happy, it is your day after all. Following just one of these tips is guaranteed to put you in a good mood for your birthday.
Which of the self care ideas are you excited to add to your birthday ritual?
What do you like to do for yourself on your birthday? Tell me about it in the comments section below!
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Wishing you the best of birthdays,
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