These are the best self-care ideas.
Let’s be honest…life is busy, it can be stressful, and a wild ride at times. With endless responsibilities, growing to-do lists, and deadlines, self-care can often take a backseat.
I used to think that I didn’t have time for self care. That it was a luxury that I couldn’t fit into my already busy routine.
Little did I know that a simple self care routine could help me to be more productive, less stressed, and happier throughout the process.
So if you find yourself short on time, wanting to prioritize self care but not totally sure how to fit it in with everything else you have going on, I’m here to help.
In this post, I’m sharing my best self care ideas, self care tips, how to make a self care routine, and I’ve included a free printable self care checklist.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is the practice of nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s essential for maintaining balance and overall happiness in life.
What self-care looks like is different for everyone. The things that may help one person to feel a sense of ease and relaxation may cause stress for another. That’s why it’s important to focus on self-care activities that work best for you.
Self care activities or practices are things that should add to your well-being and not take away from it.
You should feel less stressed and more energized after doing self-care. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or depleted after doing an activity, it’s best to look for a different self care idea that is a better fit for you.
I find it very helpful to pay close attention to how you feel after doing self-care activities so that you know if they are a good match for you.
Why Is Self Care Important?
Life gets busy and we can put our own needs on the back burner, causing us to feel run down, stressed, and depleted.
Self care can help with managing stress, it can improve your physical and mental well-being and overall quality of life.
From personal experience, I know that by incorporating self care into my day-to-day routine I feel better, I think more clearly, and I have more energy. All of which are important in creating a healthy lifestyle.
To be clear, I don’t have less on my to-do list, I just feel better and less stressed so I’m more equipped to handle my busy schedule.
I used to think that self care was a bit selfish, that it was a luxury. That I had other people and responsibilities that were more important than the self-care activity I had planned.
I’ve discovered that by having a self-care plan in place for myself, I’m better able to show up for those people, and responsibilities, and accomplish more in my life.
How To Create A Self Care Routine
First of all, adding a self-care routine to your busy schedule shouldn’t add extra stress. It should be something you look forward to that you feel good after doing.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a self care routine. That’s why creating a routine that resonates with you and your needs is so important.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a personalized self-care routine that works for you:
Identify Your Needs
Think about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Consider what practices or activities make you feel relaxed and energized. Make a list of self care ideas that are a good match for you. I’ve included 100 self care ideas towards the bottom of this post to help.
#1 – Assess Your Schedule
It’s important to look at your schedule to identify where you can fit self-care activities into your routine.
Look for smaller openings in your schedule that are 10 to 15 minutes as well as longer periods of time like 30 minutes to an hour or more.
#2 – Prioritize Self Care
Make a commitment to prioritize self care by setting aside time for it each day or week. Self-care doesn’t need to take a lot of time. You can start your self care routine by committing to 10 minutes once a week.
#3 – Set Realistic Goals
It’s super important to set self-care goals that are realistic. Self care is supposed to help in eliminating stress and not adding to it. Choose goals that you know you can achieve. If 10 minutes a week is all you know you can do, that is okay.
#4 – Choose Self Care Activities
Select self care activities from the list you created that match up with your needs. Choose activities that encompass your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
#5 – Create Your Self Care Schedule
Make a schedule for your self care routine. Decide how often you will do what and block it off in your calendar.
I like using my phone calendar for this…I have a special color-coded block I use for my self care activities.
#6 – Be Flexible
It’s so important to be flexible with your self care routine. Life happens, and unexpected things show up. Be gentle with yourself and make changes to your schedule as needed.
#7 – Start Small
I’m a big fan of starting small…in any new activity. Starting small makes tasks seem easier and less daunting to commit to. Set small achievable self care goals and add to them as time goes on.
#8 – Experiment and Adapt
Try different self care activities. There is no one-size-fits-all for self-care. Meditating may work for some but for others, a walk around the block may be a better option, or organizing your closet.
Whatever it is, self care is for you. To refuel and to gain energy, you shouldn’t feel depleted after your self care activity. If something isn’t working, try a different self care idea.
#9 – Be Consistent
Consistency is key to making self care a habit. Whether you choose to do self-care daily or weekly, prioritize it and be consistent.
#10 – Practice Self Compassion
Practicing self care and implementing a self care routine is new. Remember self-care is about nurturing your well being…physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Prioritizing self-care is a new routine that may feel uncomfortable at first. Be kind with yourself as you establish your self care habits.
Types of Self-Care
Self care encompasses a wide range of practices and activities, all of them intending to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. What one person finds as a good self-care activity may not be helpful to another. That’s why it’s important to choose activities that resonate with you.
Body – Physical Self Care
This type of self-care involves taking care of your body’s physical needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, personal hygiene, and exercising regularly.
Mind – Mental Self Care
Mental self care involves nurturing your cognitive well being and helping with mental clarity. This type of self-care can be activities like reading, writing, learning something new, brain teasers, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises.
Emotional Self Care
This type of self care focuses on managing and expressing emotions in a healthy way. Emotional self care activities involve things like practicing mindfulness, journaling, or setting boundaries.
Soul- Spiritual Self Care
Spiritual self care involves practices that nurture your spiritual well being. This can include activities like meditation, prayer, practicing gratitude, or spending time in nature.
100 Self Care Ideas
Here are a variety of ideas that you can use for your self-care routine. I’ve separated these by physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self care ideas.
Physical Self Care Ideas
1. Get 7 to 9 Hours of Sleep
2. Exercise
3. Eat Nutritious Foods
4. Stay Hydrated
5. Stretch
6. Take Regular Breaks
7. Practice Good Posture
8. Go for a Walk
9. Take a Relaxing Bath
10. Get a Massage
11. Limit Screen Time
12. Go Dancing
13. Try a New Physical Activity
14. Wear Sunscreen
15. Practice Good Hygiene
16. Listen to Music
17. Do a Spa Day
18. Take a Relaxing Shower
19. Have a Facial
20. Take a Nap
21. Admire Yourself in the Mirror
22. Lower Your Processed Food Intake
23. Play with a Pet
24. Deep Clean or Organize Something
25. Get Your Hair Done
Mental Self Care Ideas
26. Read a Book
27. Write a Letter
28. Journal
29. Learn a New Skill
30. Do a Puzzle
31. Draw a Picture
32. Make a Playlist
33. Paint
34. Spend Time Alone
35. Limit News Consumption
36. Set Realistic Goals
37. Start a Blog
38. Do a DIY Project
39. Watch Something Funny
40. Focus on the Positive
41. Turn Off Your Phone
42. Take Pictures
43. Listen to a Podcast
44. Color
45. Go Out in the Sunshine
46. Plan a Getaway
47. Diffuse Essential Oils
48. Call or Text Someone You Love
49. Listen to a Motivational Talk
50. Follow Inspirational Social Media Accounts
Emotional Self Care Ideas
51. Practice Gratitude
52. Practice Visualization
53. Light a Candle
54. Celebrate Your Wins
55. Express Your Feelings
56. Practice Yoga
57. Seek Out a Therapist
58. Say No
59. Practice Being Present
60. Respect Yourself
61. Set Healthy Boundaries
62. Practice Self Acceptance
63. Acknowledge Your Feelings
64. Spend Time With Loved Ones
65. Practice Self-Compassion
66. Create a Comforting Environment
67. Read Affirmations
68. Engage in Self Reflection
69. Practice Deep Breathing
70. Be Kind to Yourself
71. Organize Something
72. Stress Management
73. Laugh
74. Work On Self Discovery
75. Sing Your Favorite Song
Spiritual Self Care Ideas
76. Meditation
77. Prayer
78. Get Outside in Nature
79. Visit a Place of Worship
80. Practice Forgiveness
81. Connect With Community
82. Volunteer
83. Contemplate Life
84. Gratitude Walk
85. Clear Clutter
86. Energy Healing
87. Practice Mindfulness
88. Spiritual Dance
89. Dream Interpretation
90. Help Others
91. Read Inspirational Books
92. Crystal Healing
93. Create Mandalas
94. Art Therapy
95. Mindfulness Walk
96. Practice Energy Clearing
97. Reflect on Your Values
98. Make a Gratitude Journal
99. Dream Journaling
100. Smile
Free Printable Self Care Checklist
Using a self care checklist is one of my favorite ways to stay on track with my self care routine. Simply enter your name and email to download your free printable self-care checklist.
Additional Posts You May Enjoy:
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50 Powerful & Inspiring Inner Strength Quotes
71 Short Positive Daily Reminders For Happiness In Life
Final Thoughts | 100 Self Care Ideas for Every Part of Your Life
Self care is essential for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Starting a self care routine can be a bit daunting at first. That’s why it’s important to start small and see what self care ideas work the best for you.
There are endless self care ideas to choose from. I hope that this list of ideas has been helpful and has given you a good starting point.
What is nurturing for one person can be stressful for another, so be sure to choose a self-care activity that results in you experiencing more ease after completing it.
I hope the free printable checklist and these self care ideas help you to create a routine that brings you as much success as it has brought to me.
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