50 Self-Care Ideas

Self-care seems to be all the rage especially among Gen-X and millennial. NPR even did a story called “The Millennial Obsession with Self-care”. From information overload to uncertain political times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the current state of affairs.

I really appreciate, and the NPR article points this out, that mental health and psychological well-being are more commonly discussed now. Mental health are not dirty words. Even “Will & Kate” are working on bringing awareness to this. Mental health is just as important as physical health. You deserve to be whole in body and mind. So it’s important to incorporate self-care and give yourself permission to take care of yourself. That’s probably the most important. You are worthy and deserving of care.

There are a million self-care strategies. Just be sure to pick one that makes you feel good, doesn’t create more problems, and fits the amount of time you have. Let me know in the comments what you like to do!

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50 Ideas for Self-care

1. Bubble or epsom salt bath (great for sore muscles)
2. Go to movies or take a fun day trip (even by yourself)
3. Take a walk
4. Call an old friend
5. Call a new friend
6. Try a new recipe
7. Clean the kitchen counter (This makes me feel so accomplished!)
8. Write a hand-written letter or postcard
9. Search for new vacation ideas
10. Have a small piece of chocolate
11. Go on a hike
12. Sign up for that new workout class you’ve been eyeing
13. Go hard on cardio
14. Get focused with some restorative yoga
15. Feel strong with some strength moves
16. Try a coloring book with new markers ( I use this adult coloring book with these great markers.)
17. Binge on a new series (I love Jane the Virgin)
18. Volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, soup kitchen, or nursing home
19. Buy that moisturizer you love
20. Drink a cup of coffee or tea outside without your phone
21. Attend a religious service
22. Take an art class
23. Put together a family photo collage
24. Learn a new language
25. Practice a musical instrument
26. Get a massage
27. Have a picnic
28. Go for a swim
29. Start a gratitude journal
30. Delete Negative Nancy’s and Neils from your social media
31. Spend at least 15 minutes outside
32. Prepare your favorite lunches for the week ahead of time
33. Cuddle with your pet
34. Give someone else a compliment
35. Plan a date-night
36. Plant some flowers or veggies
37. Attend a lecture or panel or play
38. Go to the library
39. Read an inspirational book (likeBrene Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone“)
40. Bake some muffins and share them with your neighbors
41. Give yourself a pedicure (or better yet get one)
42. Donate the clothes you no longer love or “spark joy”
43. Send a thank you note to one of your teachers
44. Take a nap
45. Dress up in a costume or your favorite dress (I get a lot of compliments on this one!)
46. Start a tradition with your kids (Talk like a Pirate Day, Hot Chocolate on Saturday mornings)
47. Drink more water, even try it fancy with some lemon or cucumber
48. Change your bed sheets
49. Change your toothbrush
50. Say thank you to your body and your mind for everything they can do for you

These are just a few simple ideas. If you have some excellent coping strategies already, feel free to tap into those. The key thing is for you to see when you need a break, identify what will help you, and take the time for yourself.

Let me know in the comments what strategies work for you!