Life

The Kind Of Self-Care You Should Try This Weekend, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

by Megan Grant

Do you make time for self-care? Most of us fall short in this department. Hectic schedules, responsibilities, work, family, relationships — all important, all demanding of our time. If you want to be kinder to yourself but don't know where to begin, we've got the kind of self-care you should try this weekend based on your zodiac sign.

We don't really intend to put our own wellness on the back burner; it just happens. I can't be the only one who vows to go to bed earlier on a nightly basis but never does so. When you're burning the candle at both ends, it takes a little while for it to catch up to you. You're so busy, you don't realize your emotional and physical well-being have taken a hit until a kitty litter commercial makes you burst into tears and start questioning the purpose of life. Who am I? Why am I here? Why do cats get to go to the bathroom in the house but dogs don't?

Self-care isn't some fluffy, flowery term that holds no merit. In fact, science has found that it can help you feel more satisfaction in life, achieve your goals, battle mental health issues, and bounce back from adversity.

The verdict is in: Make time for self-care this weekend. Here's what you should try, based on your sign:

1

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

You love physical challenges and individual sports, Aries. This weekend, grab your yoga mat and practice your asanas. Science agrees that yoga is good for the mind, body, and soul, improving heart health, breathing, and metabolism. You'll feel totally rejuvenated after a couple downward-facing dogs. Namaste.

2

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Taurus loves listening to music — which, coincidentally, is a wonderful form of self-care. Music can improve your sleep, relieve anxiety, and reduce the risk of heart disease (and this doesn't even cover it!). Go ahead, turn the tunes up.

3

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Gemini loves getting lost in a good book, and reading just so happens to be a very therapeutic kind of self-care. It reduces stress, helps you be a more empathetic person, increases intelligence, and improves memory.

4

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

If you're a Cancer, you probably love art and doing DIY projects at home. Adult coloring books are all the rage these days — but did you know that psychiatrists have been telling their patients to color for around 100 years? It can reduce anxiety and stress, and requires both sides of your brain to work together.

5

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Leo has a thing for drama, so it's no wonder they love the theater. This weekend, indulge in a little self-care by attending live theater. Research has found that it enhances knowledge, tolerance, and empathy.

6

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

We know you have a major soft spot for animals, Virgo. Who can blame you? But did you know that when you need some self-care, spending time around dogs can benefit your physical and mental health? Even science says so! They're good for your blood pressure and cholesterol, they decrease stress and depression, and they make your heart stronger.

7

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Libra has always felt a special connection to nature, which is a type of self-care that's free and always available. In fact, there's something called forest therapy, and it can boost your white blood cells (those things that fight infection), calm your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Get outside this weekend, Libra.

8

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

Friendship is of great importance to Scorpio, and spending time with your squad this weekend is sure to help you in more ways than one. Quality time with friends has even been found to help fight depression. Time to plan a girls' night!

9

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

You are forever bitten by the travel bug, Sagittarius, so you might as well put it to good use. Traveling can boost your immune system, lower your stress levels, make your brain tougher, decrease your risk of heart disease, and could even give you a longer life expectancy. You don't have to plan a big trip abroad to reap the benefits, either; a quick getaway this weekend will still help. The point is to simply get away.

10

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

Do you enjoy working with your hands, Capricorn? This is a common form of enjoyment for your sign. This weekend, get outside for some light yard work. Roll up your sleeves, and don't be afraid to get dirty. Research has found that a kind of bacteria naturally found in soil, called mycobacterim vaccae, helps your brain produce more serotonin, which can put you in a better mood, help emotional stability, reduce anxiety, and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.

11

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

Aquarius is a real foodie, and we already know how much pleasure food can bring us. Engage in a little comfort eating this weekend — science has found that eating fatty foods physiologically makes us happier (even if we don't know what we're eating!). Do it — have another piece of avocado toast.

12

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

You value your alone time, Pisces, but you don't get nearly enough of it. This weekend, make self-care a priority, unplug, and spend some quality time with yourself. Alone time can create stronger memories, improve your relationships, make you more empathetic, reduce depression, and encourage creativity. (And remember: Being alone and being lonely are two very different things.)