Here's How to Turn Girls’ Night into a Self-Care Session

Here’s the deal: we get that life can get busy. Between work, your social life, and keeping up with a solid skin care routine, you probably don’t have much time to spare before you plop into bed and do it all again the next morning. One thing you may be slacking on in your daily routine? Self-care! Seriously—a little self-care can go a long way, and it isn’t something you should skimp out on. And what better way to indulge in yourself than with your gal pals? Everything is more fun with friends! A little clueless when it comes to self-care activities for groups? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’re sharing 10 ways to practice self-care with friends on your next girl’s night in.

10 WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE WITH FRIENDS

Grab your BFFs and take part in a few of the following self-care activities for groups. It’s time to show yourself, and your friends, some love!

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #1: DO SOME YOGA

According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. Don’t be intimidated—there are different levels of yoga, so anyone can do it! Pop on some Zen music and try a few of the poses in our article, 10 Yoga Poses to De-Stress with This Weekend.

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #2: GRAB SOME FACE MASKS

We’ll be the first to say that a good face mask can fix just about anything—or at the very least give you a few solid minutes of relaxation and self-indulgence. For some true de-stressing, use the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear and Comfort Face Mask. Have you and your girls apply it onto clean skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water. Say goodbye to stressed, uncomfortable skin!

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #3: TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE

If you don’t already incorporate meditation into your daily routine, we highly recommend you start now. The Mayo Clinic states that spending even a few minutes meditating can restore your calm and inner peace, making it a perfect way to practice self-care with your friends. There are many different forms of mediation, but if you’re a newbie, we recommend guided meditation. Pull up YouTube and find a video that fits your needs, then lie flat on your back. Meditation is known to have many benefits, which according to the Mayo Clinic include gaining a new perspective on stressful situations, increasing self-awareness, and reducing negative emotions.

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #4: PAINT YOUR NAILS

Taking time to pamper yourself—and your hands and nails—is another way to practice self-care in a group setting. Have each of your friends bring a few of their favorite nail polish shades, nail files, clippers, and the lot for an at-home manicure and pedicure session.

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #5: DO A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX

While we’re all about keeping up-to-date with the latest on Instagram and Pinterest, social media actually can take a toll on your mental health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, social media can sometimes have a negative impact on people’s mental health by causing feelings of diminished self-worth, anxiety, and jealousy. For the night, put your phones away and simply focus on having a fun time with your closest friends!

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #6: EAT HEALTHY SNACKS

You know what they say—you are what you eat! While it’s totally OK to splurge now and then, try treating yourself to some yummy, healthy snacks. Your body will thank you!

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #7: INDULGE IN SOME AROMATHERAPY

The Mayo Clinic states that aromatherapy—the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from plants—can have health benefits, including improved sleep. One of our favorite essential oils to use? Eucalyptus! Use an essential oil diffuser during your girl’s night (bonus points if it’s while mediating) to indulge in your senses and relax.

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #8: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Just dance! Throw on some of your favorite tunes and dance the night away. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise and physical activity is a great way to feel better, boost your health, and have fun—so be sure to pop, lock, and drop it as part of your girl’s night self-care session!

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #9: PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is one of the easiest ways to practice self-care. And while it’s definitely worth adding to your girl’s night self-care session, it’s also a great way to incorporate a little solo self-care into your daily routine. The Mayo Clinic states that mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. It’s all about living in the now and focusing on the present. We often spend so much time overthinking scenarios, stressing over the future, and reminiscing about the past that we cause ourselves unnecessary stress. Practice mindfulness by trying to keep your focus on the present—the night with your girls—and not dwell on any of life’s what ifs.

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY #10: SAY YOUR THANKS

A compliment goes a long way—seriously! When was the last time you told your BFF how totally awesome they are? Sit in a circle and go around sharing what you love and are thankful for about your friends. As corny as it may seem, we all need a little reassurance from the people we care most about now and then.

Looking to turn girls’ night into not just a self-care session but a beauty-filled occasion? We’ve given you a few ideas already, but here are 6 Beauty Rituals to Do with Friends!