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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Leave a Reply