We’ve all seen the classic rom-com where a single woman decides to indulge and buy herself flowers. Although this trope comes across as cheesy on screen, that leading lady may have been onto something. It turns out, having flowers around is very good for us; tons of studies show that florals play an impressive role in boosting our mood, reducing symptoms of depression and even elevating self-esteem. Luckily, there are tons of ways to use them in our self care practice.
When it comes to sourcing blooms for your crafts, I recommend ordering flowers online. Self care time is all about treating yourself, and that doesn’t include schlepping it to the grocery store to buy an overpriced bouquet!
So once you’ve got some florals in hand, here are our favorite ways to use them:
Display a Vase Full of Blooms on Your Nightstand
The most obvious (and one of the easiest) ways to incorporate flowers into your self-care routine is simply to display a beautiful bouquet somewhere you see it often. I’m making the case for putting them on your bedside table because that makes them feel a little more special-and just for you. Plus, their sweet smell will make for a lovely experience while you’re drifting off to sleep.
Use Flowers for Aromatherapy
Some studies suggest that aromatherapy can be good for your health, and there’s tons of anecdotal evidence to support this claim too. You’ll need essential oils to practice aromatherapy, so why not make some from your favorite florals? There are tons of recipes online for creating essential oils from flowers, and most involve just petals, water and a cooking apparatus (like a crockpot).
Add Petals to a Bath
When’s the last time you took a long, hot bath? I can almost guarantee that the answer is: too long ago. Next time you do take one (and I suggest you do that sooner rather than later), add some fragrant petals — roses work well — to the water. You’ll feel like you’re having a luxurious spa day, without the luxurious price tag.
Create a Craft with Dried Flowers
I personally think a fun craft is one of the best ways to practice self care, and dried flowers are one of the best ways to get creative. There are a million different things you can do with blooms you’ve dried out, like make a collage or use them in a scrapbook. Whatever makes you happy is the perfect thing for a self care day.
Make a Flower Crown
Self-care takes many forms, and one of them is bedecking your head in a flower crown fit for a queen (or at least a great selfie). You can make this as silly or artful as you want. The point is just to get crafty with some of your favorite blooms.
Snack on Some Edible Flowers
One of the best things about flowers is their versatility; you can craft with them, decorate with them, and even cook with them. There are a ton of edible flowers out there that taste great and have a bevy of health benefits too. See if you can locate some next time you’re at the health food store or farmers market (or source them online) and add them to a salad or sprinkle them on top of a smoothie for a self-care practice your body will love.
Especially with everything going on in the world right now, you deserve a regular self care practice — and all the better if it includes flowers! I can’t wait to see the ways you incorporate blooms into treating yourself.
