• Home
  • About
  • Pain Management
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Self Care
  • Personal Development
  • Gift Guides
  • FREEBIE LIBRARY

The Chronic Diary

Chronic Pain & Lifestyle Blog

50 Self Care Ideas For A Bad Day

March 13, 2020

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase any products or services provided in these links, I may earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you are not obliged to purchase, use or recommend anything provided in these links. For more, please read my disclosure page.


glass mug on top of stacked books on chair

Self care is something that a lot of us neglect and many associate self care with being selfish and self-indulgent, which is a load of rubbish! Having self care ideas to incorporate into your daily routine will help you look after mind, body and emotional health.

Are you always tired and running around like a headless chicken? Constantly trying to do everything for everyone but yourself?

If you answered yes, there’s only so long you can do that before ending up being totally burnt out, unhealthy and even a little depressed.

Having some self care ideas to turn to will keep you on the right track.

Some links in my posts are affiliate links to products or services that I have used myself or believe will be useful. If you purchase any products or services provided in these links, I may earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you are not obliged to purchase, use or recommend anything provided in these links.

PUT YOURSELF FIRST!

It makes me happy when those around me are doing well. At the drop of a hat, I was the one to come running to make sure everyone else was ok.

I pushed myself with work, friends, and family, but whilst doing that, I pushed my needs to the bottom of the list. Causing me to feel more and more tired, sad and frankly lost.

I became so wrapped up in everyone else I forgot who I was and what I needed.

In order for you to find yourself and smash it in all areas of your life, add some self care into the mix.

Losing myself was an enormous sign that I needed to take more time for myself. Now self care is the major part of how I can navigate life with chronic pain, anxiety and all the other stuff that life throws.

Take a little time out every day and try a few of the self care ideas below.

THE BENEFITS OF SELF CARE

By doing at least 10 activities from this list of self care ideas, you will realise how much loving and taking care of yourself can positively affect your life.

Find the ones that work for you and include them in your routine.

Making self care a part of my daily routine has made me feel so much better and has made an enormous difference in my life!

By using these self-care ideas, it will allow you to:

  • Understand who you are as a person and what you need to thrive and enjoy life.
  • Start feeling healthier
  • Make more time for yourself
  • Feel happier and less stressed
  • Feel more confident
  • Have a healthy routine and good habits

Those are just a few things having a self care routine can do for you. As you do more of these activities, you’ll come across even more benefits.

I know we all lead busy lives and have a ton of stuff to do, so you’re probably thinking you have no time. But try to find time, even if it’s 30 minutes out of your day.

I have a night routine and Sunday routine that allows me to have a bit of ME time. Which I always stick to unless there’s an emergency!

Taking even a few minutes out of your day for self care makes the world of difference.

If you are feeling a little selfish for focusing on yourself, DON’T!

We all deserve a bit of time to show ourselves some love!

50 SELF CARE IDEAS

50 Self Care Ideas For A Bad Day

1. TAKE A NAP

Taking a nice quick nap can make such a difference, especially if you’ve been on the go a lot. It’s a chance to refresh your mind and body.

Put your phone on silent and get your nap on.

2. CREATE A VISION BOARD

mood board with grey and white t-shirt hanging

3. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is a way to stop living in the past or future and focus on the present. Pay attention to the present moment, your surroundings, your current thoughts and feelings.

A quick mindfulness exercise I do every day is mindful breathing for one minute. Focus on your breath, the movement of your chest, and if your mind drifts off, refocus your attention to your breathing.

This helps me, especially after having a stressful day or when I am feeling anxious, it’s a good way to take my mind of everything else and focus my attention elsewhere.

Check out this article for more mindfulness exercises that you can do in one minute.

4.  LISTEN TO MUSIC – DANCE YOUR ASS OFF

Put on a playlist of your favourite songs and dance your butt off. Music is a brilliant way to get your mind off the stresses of life and can boost your mood.

Not to mention dancing around in your towel counts as exercise.

5.  HAVE A FACIAL

Here are a few I use and love:

6.  MEDITATE IN A QUIET PLACE

Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and recenter yourself. You can either do that by being still and taking deep breaths or using guided meditation.

I prefer guided meditation because I am such an over thinker and find it hard to empty my mind.

If you haven’t tried meditation, give it a go. There are tons of apps and YouTube videos that can guide you through.

7. GO FOR A WALK

Get out and get some fresh air, even if it’s just a short 10-minute stroll in your neighbourhood.

8. WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW OR MOVIE

woman wearing black dressshirt eating popcorn

9. DO YOUR MAKEUP

Sometimes feeling good on the outside can really boost your confidence. Even if you have nowhere to go, get your makeup bag out and get sexy.

It’s also a fun way to test out a fresh look or product that you may have been wanting to try.

10.  MAKE A HEALTHY MEAL

Eating healthy is key to looking after your body and mind. A nutritious meal can make you feel so much better.

If you feel exhausted and fatigued all the time, it might be your body telling you need to eat better.

There are some great recipes that you find on Pinterest or a quick Google search.

11.  LIGHT A CANDLE OR SOME INCENSE

12.  PAINT YOUR NAILS OR GO TO THE NAIL SALON

Paint your nails in your favourite colour or treat yourself to a mani/ pedi at the nail salon.

A bit of pampering is something everyone deserves from time to time.

13. CALL SOMEONE YOU LOVE

14.  READ A BOOK

I love a good book, especially ones that are motivational and take me away from reality for a while.

If you feel a little down or stressed, reading a positive, motivational book can energise you whilst you put your feet up.

15.  CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE

tea cup with saucer besides macaroons and good morning card

16.  TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING YUMMY

If you’ve been dreaming of chocolate or a carby pasta dish, have it!

Enjoy every bite!

I am such a foodie, so having one of my favorite treats or meals can literally make my day!

17.  MEET UP WITH FRIENDS

people drinking wine and talking at a dinner table

18.  BUY YOURSELF SOMETHING NICE

It could be a new dress, a book, or something you’ve had your eye on for a while.

I know material things aren’t the key to happiness, but giving yourself a treat is a way to show a little love and appreciation to yourself.

19.  GO TO BED EARLY

20.  YOGA

Yoga is great for the mind and body, it’s a mix of meditation, breathing, and exercise. It can really relax the mind, relieve stress, increase flexibility, and improve energy levels.

21.  DRINK WATER

22. JOURNAL

Writing in a journal is a healthy way to do a brain dump and address your worries in a more structured way. I use my journal to document my chronic pain and to relieve anxiety.

If you don’t know where to start when writing in a journal, here are some journal prompts to help get you started.

23. PLAN YOUR WEEK

Get organised and plan your tasks for your upcoming week. Having things planned helps to narrow down important tasks and also gives you the opportunity to schedule in time for some self care.

Download my free to-do list planner to plan your week.

GET THE FREE TO-DO LIST PLANNER!

Stop putting things off. Plan your day to stop procrastinating and get more done! Get more organised with this FREE to-do list planner.

We won’t send you any spam. You can unsubscribe anytime. 

Thank you!

You will receive your planner shortly!

.

24.  DO NOTHING

If you have no energy to do anything, well, that’s the answer – do nothing.

Allowing yourself to just be is a form of self care. Especially if you’ve been on the go non-stop and have had no time to just sit down for a few minutes.

25. TIDY UP YOUR HOME OR ROOM

black and white chairs besides desk and water painting on wall

26.  UNPLUG FROM ELECTRONICS

Turn off your phone, laptop, T. V and take a break from social media and technology.

27.  ADULT COLOURING BOOK

28.  CREATE A NIGHT ROUTINE

Having a night routine is so handy, especially when you’ve had a busy day. It’s also a way to prioritise taking care of yourself.

You can have a skincare routine, plan for the day ahead, or set a time to unplug from all devices.

29.  MAKE A SCRAPBOOK

30.  PLAN A TRIP

flat lay image of camera, map and camera

Plan a trip either solo or with friends or family.

31. ORGANISE YOUR CLOSET

There is something relaxing about getting organised. Clear out your closet and reorganise it so it functions better.

Having an organised closet takes away the stress of choosing an outfit in the morning.

32.  DONATE OLD CLOTHES AND SHOES TO CHARITY

person placing folded clothes on a bed

33.  GET A MASSAGE

Make an appointment with a masseuse or ask a loved one to give you a nice back, shoulder, or foot massage.

34. TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW

35.  TAKE YOURSELF ON A DATE

Go to the movies, for breakfast, or to a coffee shop and enjoy some time with yourself.

36. CREATE A SUNDAY ROUTINE

body brush, body scrub and candle

37.  REDECORATE OR UPDATE DÉCOR IN YOUR HOME

I love home décor, so from time to time I love to redecorate or update my décor. You can add in new throws, pillows or buy some new wall art.

Refreshing your surroundings can affect your mood and productivity.

38.  DRAW OR PAINT

Even if you can’t draw, putting pen or paint to paper can be relaxing and fun.

39.  DO LAUNDRY

40. GET CRAFTY

Paint, make something, crochet—whatever tickles your fancy, get your creative juices flowing.

41. TAKE YOUR PET FOR A WALK

woman in blue and white floral dress walking small dog

42.  DELETE OLD EMAILS

Delete all of those emails that have been cluttering your inbox for months and action any you need to.

43.  WATCH YOUTUBE

I love watching YouTube because there are a variety of things to choose from, and it’s a great way to have some downtime.

44. WRITE WHAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR

There are days when I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and let minor things irritate me.

On those days, I take a moment to list at least 5 things I am grateful for in that moment. It’s a way to stop focussing on the negative and think about positive things in your life.

Give it a go, even if you’re having a stressful day at work or school, take a moment and make a list, even if it’s on your phone or a post-it note.

45.   WRITE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF

Today I am grateful notebook besides leaves and gold pen

46.  PLAN YOUR GOALS

Planning your goals is a chance to work out what you want to achieve and what steps you need to take to get there.

Having a plan in place allows you to feel more in control of your life and lets your mind relax. It’s a way to hold yourself accountable and stop procrastinating.

47.  DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

48.  SAY NO

If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t feel guilty about turning down invitations. Listen to your mind and body and say no instead of pushing yourself and feeling burnt out.

49.  BREATHE

and breathe puple neon sign on leaf background

50.  TAKE A BUBBLE BATH

Add your favourite bath bomb, essential oils, Epsom salt or bubble bath to a warm relaxing bath and chill out.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Life is stressful, especially when you add in work, family, friends and all the other sh*t it throws at us.

But if you’re always worrying and trying to look after others, when do you look after yourself?

That’s why self care is crucial, not just for your exterior but for your mind too. If you’re constantly tired and stressed out, how can you put your best foot forward?

You can’t!

I hope you found some of these self care ideas useful and maybe found some you never thought of trying before.

Self care is important, remember to put yourself first so you can be the best version of yourself.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Do you have a self care routine? What do you do for self care particularly after having an awful day?

-Journaling for Anxiety and Depression – 35 Journal Prompts

Self Care Ideas After A Stressful Day
Self Care Ideas To Help You De-Stress

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAILING LIST!

Subscribe for weekly pain management, self care, and personal development tips!

By signing up you agree to receive emails from the Chronic Diary and declare you have read the Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.


.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAILING LIST!

Subscribe for weekly pain management, self care, and personal development tips!

By signing up you agree to receive emails from the Chronic Diary and declare you have read the Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.


.

Filed in: Self Care • by thechronicdiary • Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT ME

Author Photo

Hi, I'm Keisha and I'm here to give you an honest insight into what it's like living with chronic pain. I share my personal diary of experiences along with pain management, self care and personal development tips.

READ MORE

contact me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Get Your Free Chronic Pain Tracker

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Search The Blog

Categories

  • Chronic Illness
  • Gift Guides
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Pain Management
  • Personal Development
  • Self Care

Unlock the freebie library

Sign up to access the Freebie Library filled with resources you can make use of today!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Your password for the freebie library is on it's way :).

.

Follow me on Instagram

Happy Valentine’s Day Gorgeous People !🌹💜 Happy Valentine’s Day Gorgeous People !🌹💜

#valentinesday #chronicpain #chronicpainsucks #spoonie #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #chronicallyill
Happy Galentine's Day! 💜🤗 "Uteruses before Happy Galentine's Day! 💜🤗

"Uteruses before duderuses… Ovaries before brovaries." — Leslie Knope

#galentines #galentinesday #girlpower #chronicpain #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicpelvicpain #chronicillness #spoonielove #leslieknopequotes
Chronic illness can really suck the romance out of Chronic illness can really suck the romance out of Valentine’s Day... A sexy night out isn’t always possible when you're fatigued or in a hella' pain. 

Unfortunately, we can't turn down our symptoms and turn up the sexy. 

Whether it's Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a Tuesday... Flare-ups and fatigue can hit us hard at any time. 

So, what the hell can we do? 

We want to show our partners some tender lovin’ and affection. But, our energy levels are depleted or pain is kicking our ass…

Don’t worry, I’ve got you! 😉

In this week's blog post, I’ve put together some low-key, chronic illness-friendly, date ideas that’ll help you show your bae how much you love them! 💜💜💜

Link in bio! 

#valentinesdateideas #chronicillnesscouple #chronicallyillbae #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Chronic illness, a full-time job, with no pay, ben Chronic illness, a full-time job, with no pay, benefits, health insurance, free lunches or vacations. 

Do NOT apply. I would NOT recommend! 

#chronicpain #chronicpainsucks #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvichealth #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #endo #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Chronic illness is a full-time job, with no off da Chronic illness is a full-time job, with no off days or vacations. Everything revolves around our health. 😓Over time, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even depressed. 

That’s what led me to take such a long break from the blog and socials! 

It took me a long time to shake that feeling. But one thing I know for certain is, I never want to feel like that again and I don’t want you to either. 

But things get tricky when you have a chronic illness. It’s here to stay. We can’t hit the kill switch on our illness. So how on earth are we supposed to ‘recharge’? 

It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out for the longest…

In this week’s blog post, I’ve put together some helpful strategies that have helped me, and will hopefully help you, deal with burnout. 

I break down what chronic illness burnout is, some signs to look out for, as well as some simple things you can do to combat it. 

I hope you find it helpful! Link in Bio.

#chronicpainblog #pelvicpain #chronicpainawareness #chronicpaintips #chronicillnesstips #chronicillnesslife #chronicillnesswarrior #flareup #spooniesupport #spooniecommunity #chronicillnessawareness #mentalhealthmatters #burnout #burnoutawareness
Saying 'NO' or setting boundaries when you have a Saying 'NO' or setting boundaries when you have a long term illness can be hard. It can make you feel like a bitch or even a little guilty.But sometimes it's necessary in order for you to prioritise your health.

Here are few kind ways you can say no without feeling guilty.

What other ways do you say no? Drop it in the comments 👇🏾 

#settingboundaries #nomeansno #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvichealth #pelvicpainsyndrome #boundaries #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #endo #pelvis #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Monday. I don’t really believe in it but I get the idea. 

I do know that things can feel a little ‘blah’ and dreary around this time of year. 

The holidays are over, and with them can come a wave of sadness. The decorations have been taken down; the presents have been opened, and all that's left is to face the reality of January and the cold winter months ahead.

You might feel a little down, anxious or disorientated. You’re not alone, so many of us are feeling the same right now!

So after a long break,I’ve finally gotten my writing juices flowing again, and put together some tips to help shake off the post-Christmas blues, and start feeling happy again!

I’d love for you to check it out. Link in bio. 

#bluemonday #bluemonday💙 #postchristmasblues #holidayblues #mentalhealthmatters #selfcare #januaryblues #newyearnewgoals #chronicpainsucks #mentalhealthmatters#chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainblogger #blog # #illness #chronicillnesslife #spoonielife #chronicallyill
Bad days come and go, but they don’t last foreve Bad days come and go, but they don’t last forever. 

If you’re having a shit day, just remember better days are on their way! 💜🤗💜

#reminders#selflove #mentalhealthmatters #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #wellness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainquotes #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Rest,Rest,Rest...😴 If you live with chronic pa Rest,Rest,Rest...😴

If you live with chronic pain or illness, you come to realise how important rest actually is❗️

It's the one thing we need to keep going.

However, in a world where 'maximising your time' and productivity hacks are shoved down our throats, particularly at this time of year (New year, new me and all that shit). It's easy to feel you're wasting time or not doing enough by prioritising rest. 

But I'm here to say fuck that! 🖕🏾

Rest when we need it can NEVER be a waste of time!

It's an investment...! Particularly if you have pain or any health condition!

Rest is our time to destress, detach and escape from all things thrown our way, health or life-related.

Let's stop punishing ourselves, or feeling guilty about resting. Instead, let's consider it the best investment we'll ever make... into ourselves!😉

 #chronicpain #chronicpainsucks #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill

follow me on pinterest

Download Your Free Chronic Pain Tracker

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Quick Links

ABOUT

CONTACT

PRIVACY POLICY

DISCLOSURE

Copyright © 2023 · The Chronic Diary | Theme by Blog Pixie

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By clicking "Accept", you are agreeing to our use of cookies. AcceptReject Cookie Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • Home
  • About
  • Pain Management
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Self Care
  • Personal Development
  • Gift Guides
  • FREEBIE LIBRARY