I know what you are thinking, another self care post?!? *insert eyeroll*. I know every lifestyle blogger has been pushing the idea of "self care" for a while now. Why is it such a hot topic? Well for one people, ya'll honestly aren't doing it. How many times have you seen someone so stressed they get sick, or overworking themselves to the point of exhaustion? Or even more common, focusing on everyone else's needs that they become a poor imitation of their former fun loving, interesting, life of the party selves?

Well I can say that I see it (and experience it) often enough that I thought I would share my own unconventional self care list with y'all to make sure you put yourself in the best position to not only thrive personally but also be strong and secure enough to help the people around you.

Here is a list of some of my unconventional self care tips that are surprisingly relaxing and beneficial to my well being.

Bake bread- Now I know you are thinking, Elle, how is making bread a form of self care? I know, it sounds crazy but I did say this would be an unconventional list right? Honestly though, just the thought of kneading and folding bread can be so relaxing and soothing. Even if you just decide to go the no-knead method, the act of making homemade bread is a pretty great energy booster. Besides it comes with a nice side bennie: fresh baked bread! Who doesn't walk into a bakery and take a nice deep breath? Fresh baked bread smells and tastes delicious and you can brag to all your friends about the new artisan bread you made over the weekend.

https://kitchenjoyblog.com/homemade-dutch-oven-bread-kneaded-knead-methods/

Schedule Boudoir Shoot- Sometimes when I feel like I need a little boost, I put on my sexiest outfits and admire myself in the mirror. Nothing like feeling sexy to feel good about yourself. Kick the basic mirror love fest up a notch by scheduling a full boudoir shoot with a professional photographer. Pick some great outfits, your favorite set of pearls and those new shoes and have fun in front of the camera. Strutting your stuff in front of the camera is very empowering and you can look at the pictures whenever you are feeling down to remind yourself that you are strong, sexy and capable of anything you set your mind too.

Be selfish/ Say No- In today's society we teach children from the time they are babies to share and be generous with their toys and time. As adults, I feel that while we have been conditioned to share, sometimes a healthy dose of selfishness is healthy. If you are tired and over committed, its perfectly fine to take the time for yourself. Saying no to another social function to stay at home with your fuzzy socks, eating ice cream while re-reading your favorite book will do much more for your state of mind sometimes then draining the last of your energy interacting at a large group function.

Impromptu Concert- Have you ever tried to be sad when singing Beyonce at the top of your lungs? It's virtually impossible to not feel empowered belting out Love on Top. On your drive to work, stream your favorite album and sing along at the top of your lungs. Sure you may amuse a few of your fellow commuters, but I promise you will walk into the office with a smile on your face and a renewed spirit.

Play Dress Up- Did you ever sneak into your mother or older sister's closet and play in all the fun dresses, shoes and jewelry? Nothing like feeling glamorous to recharge your batteries. Why lose that sense of fun now that you have to adult each day? Go in your closet, try on that new dress you haven't had a chance to wear yet and see how amazing you look. Try some unexpected combinations of your clothes or try on some old favorites. Whatever your fancy, playing in your closet could help you rediscover some oldies but goodies and boost your mood just from the pure fun factor. Bonus points if you take yourself out in your new fly outfit and enjoy the day in an outfit that makes you feel both confident and secure.

Have you tried any of these options in your self care routines? If not try to add them in to break up the monotony of your days. Adulting is inevitable but lets not forget that just having some good old fashioned fun can do wonders to boosting your energy.

Comment below some of your favorite self care tips. Like, share and subscribe to Just Elle's for more ideas on how to maintain your sanity in this crazy world one day at a time.