Are you feeling overwhelmed with life lately?
Life, in general, can be hard.
And it can feel stressful, it can be overwhelming, and at times it can sometimes feel sad and uninspiring — especially if you are creatively blocked.
On the flip side, we all know that our physical health is super important in order to feel great.
That working out, eating healthy, taking good care of our bodies and mental health is essential and really important in order to lead a happy life.
These good health habits can reflect in our own mental health’s stability but only if we inspire ourselves to do them every day.
But oftentimes we can overlook our own mental and emotional well-being and needs and this is where self-care comes into play.
Let’s face it, bad days can happen to all of us.
It is completely normal to feel down and it’s equally important that we talk about these kinds of things so that we can implement little creative ways to start feeling a little bit better throughout our days.
So to improve your mental health and reduce some much-needed stress (that life seems to throw at us) check out these 50 unique self-care ideas.
These self-care ideas are super quick and easy and are meant to help you feel better, especially when you need a mental break or if your soul needs to be nursed back to health.
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50 Self-Care Tips for the Body & Soul
1. Start with Patience.
The first self-care tip is to start being patient with yourself. We owe it to ourselves to give us a break when life is starting to feel like a struggle. And sometimes we are our own worst self-critics — a little too often than needed!
So don’t be hard on yourself. It’s really important to just take a step back and remember that you are a work in progress and you will get to where you want to be in your own time. Repeat to yourself today… “I am enough!”, and “time is on my side”.
2. Let free and Dance.
If you would really like to turn self-care into an action today? Then now is a great time to turn on your favorite album and just dance around.
Close your windows and close your door if you don’t want anyone to see you, and just dance. This is actually so weirdly therapeutic and will really liven up your spirits when the time comes that you want a really fast self-care idea.
3. Be very productive for one hour and tackle the things that are bothering you the most.
No matter how small the task, whether it’s preparing your meals for the rest of the week or making a phone call that you’ve been putting off… That small task that you can do right now is going to set a positive tone for the rest of the day and week.
It’s going to make you feel really good once it’s crossed off your list, plus, feeling good is what self-care is all about!
4. Declutter your living environment.
If you’re sitting in a messy room or sitting at a messy desk all day long and all you see is clutter around you? Take a few minutes right now to clean it up and put everything away. Making sure your space is nice and clean is a self-care act that’ll make you feel really in control of your space and life. Your mind is going to feel the same way, clutter-free, and ready to tackle the world head-on!
5. Bake your favorite treat.
If you can create the time today to bake that sweet treat you’ve been craving? Your self-care for actually accomplishing it will really make you feel good. Plus, there’s something about baking, it’s just really calming to the mind.
Try to make something really easy to start with. Afterward, you’ll have a tasty treat that will fill you up with lots of good vibes!
6. Watch a feel-good TV show.
Self-care is all about feeling good. And every time you’re feeling stressed or you’re feeling overwhelmed and you just need to calm down your racing mind, but don’t feel like doing anything at all?
Now is the time to put on an episode of your most favorite TV show! It’ll make you feel good for that hour and the key here is that it must be a feel-good show, to get you feeling better in the moment!
7. Get all of your thoughts out onto paper.
Whether it’s a to-do list or just something that is bothering you… Writing things down is just so much better than having it stuck in your mind.
Besides getting it out on paper you can also refer to it later or just throw it out. None the less, it’ll allow your brain for more space to think logically about whatever you have to do or whatever is bothering you. And that is a key ingredient to gifting yourself self-care.
8. Call a loved one.
Talking can sometimes filter out what’s bothering you and it’s good to be reminded that you’re surrounded by people who care about you. Because if we are being honest here, life can feel really lonely and there are many things you can do at home if you are feeling lonely and isolated. Hey, that’s what loved ones are for anyway right?!
9. Step away from your usual environment.
A great form of self-care is doing something different that usually involves getting out of your comfort zone.
Whether that’s taking a walk in a different neighborhood or going to a different grocery store? This is so good for your creativity and your thinking. It’ll make you feel refreshed because your senses are literally taking in new sights and sounds!
10. Go to a coffee shop.
There’s something therapeutic about being surrounded by strangers in a coffee shop. Everyone is relaxed and the energy from others could be just what your mental health needs if you are craving more self-care. Plus, you can people watch and enjoy just sitting there drinking your most favorite barista treat.
Similar: Beginner’s Guide to Adaptogens If You Want to Kick Coffee
11. Go for a walk.
Even walking around is good for self-care. Anything that will get you up and producing more endorphins is what the body and mind both need, especially if you are feeling low.
12. Take a very hot shower.
There’s something about feeling clean that will make you feel fresh and ready for a new start. Plus the extra heat will bring all your blood to the surface and rejuvenate your skin if your body isn’t used to it.
13. Glam up your face for no reason but for yourself.
Self-care can even be for the days when you are feeling uninspired or are off work and you feel low. And usually when we are off work or choose to go without makeup. But for the days when you need to pick yourself back up or feel spruced up a little, a mini sit down session with you and your make up can be exactly what you need. You’ll look great, solely for you! And you’ll feel like you are ready to take on the world when you look the part.
14. Dress to impress.
The same goes for getting dressed up for no reason but for yourself. It’s not even about how it makes you look it’s all about how it makes you feel. To feel confident and beautiful even if you are just grabbing some groceries or just filling up your car with gas at the gas station. Wear something that makes you feel great. You know what it is!
15. Cuddle a pet.
Cuddle with your puppy or with your favorite human if you don’t have a pet. This sort of contact is so good for your mental health and well-being like no other.
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16. Turn your phone off for an hour today.
Disconnecting from anything (say your phone apps) or something that always takes you down a rabbit hole is a really great form of self-care. This means all social media to phone calls or email communication must be kept at bay for at least an hour. You’re going to feel so revived after the hour is done, and your mind is going to feel really conscious of the disconnect. Plus, this little form of self-care will really help you find other and more inspiring things for you to do with your time.
17. Give yourself a 5 min massage.
Sounds silly right?! But a lot of people do it and they do it as a form of self-care because it helps them relieve just a little bit more stress. So grab your favorite moisturizer today and put it all over your body. You can massage your hands, your own feet, and your legs. Try to be mindful while you’re doing this and focus on what you’re doing. Your body will thank you for it!
18. Make a nice hot cup of tea — a tea that you’re not used to having.
Even just holding a warm drink can be such a soothing self-care remedy. Peppermint tea or chamomile tea, are great for naturally destressing the mind and body but any hot tea will do. You can also try adaptogens in this guide here with your tea. Whatever you choose, it’s nice to know that you really can practice self-care by choosing something delicious and warm to drink.
19. Play your “act as if” role.
Who knew that self-care could come in the form of acting? That acting the way you want to live can be fun and a little inspiring experiment in and of itself. This is actually proven by science too!
Even if you fake a smile, your body is actually still going to respond the same way and release endorphins and serotonin (which is good for you) even though you are trying to trick it.
So what can you do today that’ll set you in the role of becoming the person you wish to behave?!
20. Sit outside for 10 mins and take deep breathes.
Sit outside and just breathe in the fresh air for a solid self-care session today. There’s something really great about just being surrounded by nature and if you have a wonderfully serene setting right outside your front door? Then why not take advantage of it today for your very own form of self-care in nature!
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21. If you can where you live — Sunbathe.
If it’s the right time of year for this act of self-care, then there is nothing that should stop you from heading to the beach if it’s your disposal or if you are free from work. There’s something about the Sun (maybe it’s vitamin D?) but it just makes us humans really really — happy! Absorb its positive energies and rays and just recharge if you live somewhere sunny or the suns shining bright with you today.
22. Go to your favorite store. You know the one you love!
Okay, it doesn’t have to be Target, but it is really fun there, just go to your favorite store. It’s not even about shopping at all, it’s about being there and walking the aisles to window shop and just have some me-time. Plus, if it’s a creative space that makes you feel really good? Then it will help your brain think more creatively on the day you decide to head out and do something spontaneous.
23. Play some classical music to calm the mind.
There’s a reason there is such a thing called Baby Einstein. Listening to soothing music such as classical will bring you warmth and relaxation because it’s been around for so long and it’s already so ingrained in us to enjoy it. You will naturally feel relaxed when you hear it and if you double this with another form of self-care on this list? There is no stopping you today!
24. Rest your eyes and look within.
You can do this form of self-care anywhere but hopefully, you do this at home when no one is around. Close your eyes, breathe and don’t focus on anything else for that moment. Give yourself peace and calmness for just a quick moment with your eyes closed. This will help lower your blood pressure and looking within and being mindful that you are doing this activity as a good self-care act? Your body will take it differently and really enjoy it!
25. Journal a short paragraph today.
A great form of self-care is to write about how you’re feeling every single day. But if you haven’t started that habit quite yet? Then a short mini session with only a paragraph is a great start. It will be a good reminder that all things can and will change. Plus, when you’re feeling uninspired, you can go back and pick a day that you were feeling super inspired and remind yourself that time heals everything and you are not stuck anywhere.
26. Decorate.
Although this kind of self-care act sounds like a chore… It really can make you feel so much better once you transform your space that you’re living in. If you don’t know where to start? You should check out this article and this article for more inspiration!
27. Organize and clean one area in your home that is really really annoying you!
Did you know that just the act of cleaning can make you feel better? So if there’s anything that you can clean today, try cleaning it in record time and you’ll feel great afterward.
28. Let it out and cry.
A lot of people try to hold back on crying but crying can make you feel a whole lot better and truly is in and of itself one of the best forms of self-love and self-care. Aside from feeling your feelings, sometimes it’s really necessary, so just let yourself cry if you need to today.
29. Look at old pictures and memories that make you feel the best.
Look at some of your old photo albums or old pictures that you have and see what kind of memories you used to have that brought you a lot of joy. This can make you feel nostalgic which is a really great form of self-care, and remembering the good times is really a great reminder that there are people in this world that care about you and love you.
30. Skip the dishes tonight and order in.
If you don’t feel like cooking today, you can always order food in. Why not if it’s something you don’t normally do?! Especially if it’s from your favorite place it’ll surely make you feel great!
31. Go to bed extra early and get a goods night’s rest.
Make sure you are getting a proper night’s sleep. A proper night’s sleep is the very best way to ensure that you are self-loving and self-caring towards yourself. And since the average person needs between 6 to 9 hours a night? A great self-care act is to figure out which time is most optimal for you and make it habitual.
It could very well be the full 9. You never know! Experimentation and a sleep journal will better help you figure that out.
Similar: How To Wake Up At 5 am And NOT Feel Tired
32. Take a nap.
Speaking of sleep. Some people swear by naps. I’m not one of them but sometimes the only thing you can do is take a nap if you really feel drained. And if you do, no one is judging you! Know that it’s a totally okay and perfect form of self-care to rest when your body needs it.
33. Visit with an old friend.
The last thing you want to do when you’re feeling bad is to isolate yourself. Try to surround yourself with people that care about you and love you and if that means getting out of your comfort zone to do it? So be it! Self-care is great when others are involved. Especially since you’ll be building more connections all while showing yourself that you are worth it at the same time!
34. Try a new hairstyle.
Lookup a new hairstyle today. One that you’ve been meaning to learn to wear but have never gotten around to it. This form of self-care is all about trying something new! And a new hairstyle that you wouldn’t normally wear, will do the trick! See how it makes you feel after. Learning something new is always a plus.
35. Exfoliate your skin to make your face and body feel fresh.
Simply washing your face and exfoliating your skin can make you feel clean, new, and beautifully refreshed. After all, who doesn’t feel great when they are paying close attention to the details of their body? Plus an exfoliated face will keep your skin complexion even clearer.
36. Buy fresh flowers for your home and living space.
Here’s is one truth that a lot of people don’t know! You don’t need anyone else to buy you flowers when you’ve got yourself!
Even if it’s a single flower, spoil yourself. Make sure you smell it daily before it’s time to let it go. The smell alone will produce the extra endorphins in your brain and your spirits will be lifted because you lovingly thought about yourself today and treated yourself!
Similar: How to Stop Being Messy- 10 Habits For A Cleaner Abode
37. Paint something that brings out your inner child.
Paint a picture even if you don’t know how to paint or try painting furniture. You can follow a tutorial or just paint anything random. It can be very fun, no one else has to see it, and it’s great for your mental health to bring you back to the present moment.
38. Indulge in a tasty treat today — one you’ve been craving for months.
This self-care tip shouldn’t be every day but treating yourself with chocolate or a tasty dessert once in a while is definitely okay and a valid form of self-care.
39. Do some yoga and or some simple stretches.
There are so many different styles of yoga so try a new type of yoga or do something that you already know how to do. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube, so you don’t even have to go to a studio if you don’t want to.
40. Count your breaths right now.
Breathe in for 5, hold for 4, and breathe out for 7. Repeat!
41. Buy a plant and bring some much-needed greenery to your living space — it needs it!
Backed by science, being around plants is calming to the brain. Watering them is even better. Get plants!!
42. Explore your city and discover something new you’ve never seen before.
Explore new places, go to surrounding areas or nearby cities or somewhere far away or really anywhere, and just get out and explore! Be a tourist in your own city. It’s great for your mental health and for thinking creatively.
43. Go for a hike and take in mother nature.
Hiking is great because you’re being active and exercising plus the clarity of walking in nature is also a double win.
44. Visit your local farmers’ market when it’s open this week.
Farmers’ markets are great for getting fruits and vegetables that are organic and fresh and tastes a lot better than the ones that have chemicals added to them. And you can also meet new people whilst you’re there.
45. Smell your favorite scents as often as you can.
A good scent can transport you to happy memories. It can come in the form of good soaps, incense, or your perfect essential oil. So grab your favorite candles or essential oils and relax!
46. Call your mom.
This one never fails. If you are close to your mom or not too close to your mom, you’ll feel relaxed if you do have a wonderful conversation. The next best thing is someone who makes you feel at home.
47. Make a healthy smoothie or healthy green juice today.
Something as nourishing as a smoothie or freshly pressed juice can really give your body the energy and boost that its craving to have.
48. Donate to goodwill and feel the power of giving.
Owning whatever you don’t need and donating it to the Goodwill will make you feel so much better! Giving is also receiving in many ways.
49. Find a nearby event and meet up with other like-minded people.
Download the app Meetup and get out there. There are so many meetups and things you can do to connect with other people especially if you’re feeling isolated and lonely.
50. Remember the good times — savor the good moments of your past to create a positive tomorrow.
Think about the times when you were really really happy and the memories that you have with certain people that make you feel really really good. Remembering the good times of your past will make you feel so much better than remembering the bad.
Plus, you have to be your own best friend in this world in order to feel your best, so start recalling what you did in your life that you really liked doing or that brought you joy, to create more positivity in your life with self-care.
There you have it! Always remember to keep yourself your first priority, and know that it is totally normal to have off days. Just get back up and try again.
Hopefully, these 50 self-care ideas can lead you in the right direction to feeling that you deserve the best this life has to offer!
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Author: Everything Abode
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