This Is What You Need To Add To Your Self Care Routine In 2018, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

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Aries (March 21st – April 19th)

Aries tends to be physically healthy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice self care. You’ve got a lot of energy (not to mention aggression) and it’s good to channel that in positive ways. For instance, taking long runs or participating in non-aggressive sports like tennis or cycling are constructive ways of expending some of the excess energy. Plan on running a half marathon in 2018 and start using your free time to train. Set plenty of goals for yourself along the way. But don’t forget to take some time at the end of the day to chill and self-reflect — you’re not always good at sitting still, but you could learn a thing or two from meditation. If anyone just needs to breathe, Aries, it’s you.

Taurus (April 20th – May 20th)

You’re all about the senses, Taurus, which means your self care has a lot to do with things you can touch, taste, and see. You know what they say: treat yo’self. Fill your apartment with soft pillows and keep your fridge stocked with your favorite wine. Splurge on a spa day. Don’t overindulge, but definitely indulge. And don’t forget to give your emotions a little TLC, too. You have a whole well of complicated feelings you haven’t found a way to express, and suppressing them has definitely been more than a little stressful in the past. Open up to someone you trust and tell them how you’ve been feeling. Your emotions are valid. Treat them like they are.

Gemini (May 21st – June 20th)

You have so much going on in your head that a diary can’t even begin to hold. Besides, what’s the fun of telling your feelings to something that can’t even talk back? You don’t love getting deep with just anybody, but you’ve got your small group of tight-knit people that you’d trust with anything. Confide in close friends and let them help you sift through your thoughts and emotions. You don’t always have the most unbiased judgment, so hopefully others will help you find firm footing. And definitely don’t neglect your creative side in 2018 — you have so many things you want to create, so take some time out of every week and work on things that are just for you.

Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd)

You’re a homebody at heart, Cancer, and you need to be around people you love to be at ease. In 2018, spend time with family and old friends that you’ve been neglecting recently. Bake lots of goodies (enough to feed a small army), cook with your loved ones, and light candles all around your room. Read a book. You find comfort in the simple things, and that’s where you should focus your energy in 2018. Don’t feel bad if that means turning people away — you expend too much energy trying to deal with other people’s emotions and problems. You love to feel needed, but right now, you need you. Don’t feel guilty for being selfish.

Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd)

2018 is the year to pamper yourself, Leo. Don’t blow all your money on frivolous things, but don’t feel guilty spending a little extra cash on the things that make you feel good. Find clothes that make you feel comfortable in your own skin and makeup that makes you feel empowered. You were made for the spotlight, but just make sure you feel good about yourself while you’re there. Practice radical self-love. If you’ve had any big insecurities within the past year, don’t be afraid to confront them. You’re strong enough to overcome them, but sometimes you just need to learn to acknowledge them and come to terms with the fact that you’re not perfect — but damn, you’re still pretty amazing.

Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd)

You thrive on organization — sorry if you hate to hear it, but you know it’s true — so let 2018 be the year where you deep clean your entire life. Declutter your house. Clean the areas of your home you forgot existed. And don’t forget to take a critical look at the people in your life. Evaluate where they stand in your life and what they have to offer. It may sound cold, but there’s plenty of people in life who would love to take advantage of your helpful nature, Virgo — and being who you are, you’re too loyal to cut them out. Give yourself goals for the year and do your best to stick to them — getting that promotion, learning a new skill, participating in a race. You work best when you know what you’re working toward.

Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd)

The world has been hard on a truth-seeker like you, Libra. Sometimes it feels like there’s no justice in the world at all, a thought that goes against everything you believe in. Sometimes you just need to get away from all the bad news to find your equilibrium again. Do something interesting and elegant, like attending an art museum or an opera. Or use some of your excess energy to redecorate your space and replenish your wardrobe. Instead of worrying about what’s wrong with the world, focus on your own needs and do your best to meet them. Have you ever tried Pilates before? It could help you find some of that balance you’ve been missing recently.

Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st)

You’re a complicated creature, little scorpion — even you can’t seem to figure yourself out. Take a journey of self-discovery this year. Buy a journal if you don’t already have one and start writing down everything — your thoughts and feelings, your hopes and aspirations, your dreams and nightmares. Take up meditation and try to find the balance in your life. It’s also important to indulge in physical pleasures such as sex — after all, you’re one of the most sensual signs of all. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a new partner or a new sex toy. It’s a good way to decompress and forget all the dark, confusing emotions you experience on a day-to-day basis.

Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st )

Give into your wanderlust this year, Sagittarius — or, at least, find a new environment to spend your time in. You’re quick to grow tired of routine and the same-old same-old. You need new experiences to keep your mind stimulated. Go on that Eurotrip you’ve been thinking about for years or take a road trip to places you haven’t been yet. But if you don’t have the money to blow on travel this year, explore your own city. Find new coffee shops to work in or fun new areas to spend time with friends. Change doesn’t scare you, so shake things up — redecorate your home or move somewhere new altogether. The world is yours.

Capricorn: (December 22nd – January 19th)

You’re all about your career this year, Capricorn. You have goals in mind and you’re intent on climbing the corporate ladder to wherever it’ll take you. But your attitude toward work can be your biggest detriment, too — yep, even you get stressed out sometimes. Don’t feel bad walking away from the office on time and taking some well-deserved you time. Start going to the gym on a regular basis or take up other physical activities like hiking or yoga. Set goals for yourself outside of your job — you love working toward something, and personal aspirations are healthy.

Aquarius: (January 20th – February 18th)

You’re quite the intellectual, Aquarius, but sometimes you think too much. You’re probably stressing yourself out more than you even realize, which is why it’s important that you find a way to distract yourself from, well, yourself. Take up meditation or yoga if you haven’t already. Go on a social media detox. In fact, dedicate certain times of the day to turn off your phone and disconnect completely. Instead of scrolling through the news or Twitter, focus on one of your hobbies (or, if you don’t already have one, pick up one). Sometimes the best thing for you is to just turn off your head for a little bit.

Pisces (February 19th – March 20th)

If you don’t already have a creative outlet, 2018 is the year to find one. This is the year to focus on self-expression and finding new ways to release all those tumultuous emotions you can’t seem to rid yourself of. Lose yourself in your favorite music or in a good book. Take time away from people and learn to be on your own for a bit. Once you feel properly disconnected from the drama in your life, evaluate how they affect you emotionally. You attract plenty of toxic people, and your biggest goal this year should be learning to cut out the people who aren’t healthy for you anymore. You soak up more emotion than you even realize, and you’ll be surprised to learn how much of your negative emotions come from those around you. Thought Catalog Logo Mark

Callie is a writer, editor, and publisher at Thought Catalog. Her debut book, ‘The Words We Left Behind,’ was released in January 2024.

Keep up with Callie on Instagram, Twitter and calliebyrnes.com

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