5 Science-Backed Ways to Practice Self Care

September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and we want to take some time to remind you that taking care of yourself is an essential part of life.  

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish! So pour yourself a cold glass of your fav sips and keep on scrolling, cuz below we’re sharing 5 science-backed ways to practice self-care TODAY! 

Get Your Body Moving

When all else fails, do the cha-cha. No, really. Shaking your booty doesn’t just burn calories, it may also lead to an improved mood! Talk about #selfcare. 

Consider this your cue for a silly impromptu dance party (even if you think you can’t dance) (you can). Plus, studies show that JaMming out to your fav tunes can help improve heart health and mood. 

Hit PLAY on our “I Workout for Butter” playlist on Spotify and get your cute butt movin’!

Soothe Your Inner Child with a Snack

Sometimes, the best form of self-care can be simply treating yourself to a snack. Throw it back to simpler times, when your younger self would have looooved a midday treat. Everyone has an inner child–sometimes it needs a little healing, sometimes it just needs a snack. 

Here are some of our favorite “adult” snacks that will thrill your inner child + your adult self at the same time:

• Creamy Peach and Basil Rice Cake (which would go *perfectly* with a cold ButterCan)
• An Elevated Toast Snack (obviously a glass of Toast would be perfff)
• Studies show that eating berries boosts brain health–try this creamy Berry Smoothie! 

Get Out(side)

Similar to meditation and exercise, spending time outdoors makes your brain happy. Even if the sun is hiding behind the clouds, take some time today and go outside and get some fresh air. This simple act of self-care can’t be stressed enough. 

• Grab a bestie, a few ButterCans, and go on a walk 
• Sign up for an outdoor yoga class at a nearby park
• Bring a bottle of Butter to the pool and sunbathe

Spend Some Time Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude journaling is hardly a new concept, but there’s a reason Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and every mental health professional under the sun continue to sing its praises. Numerous research studies have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. 

Gratitude  journaling helps you achieve a happier, better, more fulfilled life and it can take as little as 15-seconds a day to master. In fact, studies have consistently found that gratitude journaling is highly correlated with (subjective) well-being—how’s that for self care?

Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Write about five individual things that made you smile today
• Name three good deeds you’ve done for someone recently
• List 3 qualities in yourself that you admire
• List 3 qualities in other people that you admire
• Write about something positive that happened to you recently that made you feel lucky
• List 10 items you own that make your life easier (technology, appliances, etc.)

For more prompts, check this out. 

Unplug (and Un-WINE-d!)

These days, it feels like we’re all glued to our phones, laptops, or both at the same time. (Le sigh.) But research shows that deliberately taking a break from social media, e-mails and doom-scrolling can really help you recharge and relaaaaxxxx.

Not sure how to chill without scrolling for hours on TikTok? It just takes a lil practice. Consider grabbing your fav bottle of Butter and a new book (maybe the newest Colleen Hoover page-turner?) or a newly-released album on Spotify. (psst, check out our JaM Cellars Spotify here.) Sip back and enjoy a little time away from technology as the ultimate act of self care this Self Care Awareness Month…you can thank us later. 💋

*The Scoop is intended to be informational and educational, and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or professional healthcare. JaM Cellars is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information contained on this site. Please drink responsibly!