As the most single person that I know it’s hard to feel like the main character in a shoujo, therefore I’ve been implementing self-care days to boost my self-esteem and overall lifestyle- and of course, a great many of them are anime themed. I’m going to give a rundown on what I do to hopefully guide you on your self-care journey!

The first word in self-care is self, so make sure you look and feel like yourself.

If you’re stuck wearing stuffy clothes for your 9-5, shake it up and do a themed fit. My go-to is a strawberry theme inspired by Nana or a jersey look inspired by Chainsaw Man. Have fun, be creative, and dress how you dare. What you wear can be an expression of who you are internally, so let it out!

Before or after I get ready for the day, I make breakfast, for a self-care Saturday, we make a sweet breakfast and read the paper (the newest chapter on One Piece). After a long week, this is a great way to do something at your own pace and catch up on what you miss.    

Now, you can stay home and enjoy the peace however, I always crave an adventure-- so with windows down and Departure! blasting we head to the nearest anime shop. I’m lucky enough to have plenty to choose from, but check around for Box Lunch, FYE, Video Game World, or even Gamestop. I’m usually a window shopper, but for the ultimate care, BUY SOMETHING. It’s automatic serotonin. Plus this is a great way to meet people that like something you're into.

If you didn’t get anything at the shops don’t worry because the big bucks are spent at BAM- or Barnes and Noble if you get down like that. Both booksellers have been stepping up their manga game and there’s always one or the other nearby.

Around this time I get the liquid serotonin that is boba, a large for self-care purposes, and head to my car or a park to reflect. 

While self-care can come in the form of purchasing things, it is sooooo important for me to take the time by myself to reflect on the weeks I just faced and how I want to proceed with the next ones. Doing so in a calming environment like my car or in the park alleviates my mind, plus I usually throw on some anime lofi beats for background sound. At this time, I think about my relationships, my goals with content creation, things I want to write about, and anything else that comes to mind, though I try not to think about work too heavily. 

After this moment of reflection, I head home to take a shower and watch my comfort movie, usually Kiki’s Delivery Service. A slice of life or a comedy like Saiki K is another go-to as it sets the pace for a winding night. It’s so important to end the night on a calming note, especially if you’ve been running around all day, take a rest from the rush of dopamine and let the subtle serotonin bring you comfort. 

I cannot recommend a self-care day enough, going on one once or twice a month has made such a positive impact on my mental health as a whole. Feel free to modify my routine to make it fit you, a half day of care works as well! We’re all going through a lot, so take a moment entirely for yourself and make it fun!