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Let’s face it, you know that self-care is important, but somehow, the will to take care of yourself stays in the corner of the room collecting dust. It’s not always easy to make time for it within your insanely busy schedule. Quick PSA: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health! A stress-free lifestyle is impossible but these are 25 ways to practice self-care that are actually doable, and they’ll help you feel better both mentally and physically.
First of all, what is self-care? It is the act of taking care of oneself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s important to practice self care because it can help reduce stress, improve our mood, and promote overall well-being.
Set Personal Boundaries – Learn to Say No
One of the most important things you can do for your mental and emotional well-being is to set personal boundaries and learn to say no. This is different for everyone but it may involve eliminating toxic people from your life. Toxic people are negative presence, often judgmental, and may drain your energy. They add nothing positive to your life and can actually be harmful to your mental and emotional health.
If you have toxic people in your life, setting limits on how much contact you have with them, what you will and won’t tolerate from them, and sticking to those limits is an important step in your self-care journey.
Set Boundaries at Work
In today’s 24/7 work culture, it’s more important than ever to set boundaries between work and life. That means learning to leave work on time, even when there’s still more to do. Why is this important? Because when we don’t set boundaries, our work can start to take over our lives. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
So how can you start setting boundaries at work? First, make a commitment to yourself to leave work on time. That means no working late, no checking email after hours, and no working on weekends. Second, start communicating your new boundaries to your boss and colleagues. Let them know that you will no longer be available after work hours. Finally, stick to your new boundaries. It won’t be easy at first, but it will be worth it. Your mental health will thank you!
Start a Journal
A journal can be a great way to release our thoughts and feelings, and it can also be a tool for discovering more about ourselves. When we take the time to write down our thoughts, we can better understand our emotions and our needs. Additionally, journaling can be a way to practice gratitude. By writing down the things we are thankful for, we can shift our focus from negative to positive thoughts.
Not only that, but it can be a way to celebrate our accomplishments. When we take the time to reflect on our successes, we can feel proud of ourselves and motivated to keep going. Read more about journaling for self-care.
Take this a step further by using the Erin Condren Self-care Journal which is a guided journal for your self-care progress.
Read an Enjoyable Book
There’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or for learning, immersing yourself in a story is a great way to practice self-care. Not only does reading provide a much-needed break from the stressors of daily life, but it can also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your brainpower and keep your mind sharp.
Stretch, Drink Water, and Take Care of Your Body (Oh yeah, and don’t forget to get good sleep…)
One of the most important things to focus on is to take care of your body. That means eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise.
It can be challenging to make time for yourself, but it’s so important. When you take care of yourself, you’re able to be your best self for others. Just like when you are taking a flight and the safety demonstration says that you have to put your mask on first before others. You need to prioritize your health in order to take care of your family and loved ones.
If you are anything like me and struggle to drink water, this Motivational Water Bottle will help you keep track of your water intake and make sure that you drink water at certain times of the day.
Take Up a Hobby
Hobbies can be a great way to unwind, relax, and find a creative outlet. It doesn’t have to be anything complex, you can take an interesting online course, learn to knit or crochet, or even start learning a language. Just find something that you enjoy and make time for it in your week.
My favorite app to learn languages is Memrise.com. It is very simple to use and rather than going through all the grammar information, it simply creates memorization patterns.
Listen To a Guided Meditation
Let’s be real, all the self-care lists tell you that meditation is a great way to practice self-care and connect with yourself but honestly, if you are anything like me, you will get bored very easily. Guided meditations are a fun and interactive way to practice meditation. There are some free apps or Youtube videos that have guided meditations. Try it out!
Great Meditation is one of my favorite meditation channels on Youtube.
When you do decide to meditate, make sure that you set time for it and keep your electronics or other distractions away from you. Make space for yourself and be alone with your thoughts even if it is just 5 to 10 minutes.
Listen To Podcasts and Audiobooks
Podcasts and audiobooks are great ways to learn new things and keep your mind active. You can listen to them while you’re doing other things, like driving or working out. They are a great way to transform menial tasks into fun activities or just lay down and listen to something you like.
These are the Top 3 Podcasts I listen to on a daily basis:
- All The Hacks Podcast which is a podcast that talks about upgrading your life and learning hacks for every aspect of it including finance, daily life, travel, and more.
- Office Ladies Podcast is a podcast for “The Office” fans. I myself am a die-hard fan so this is a treat for me and it may be for you too, if you really like this show.
- Erika Taught Me in my opinion is very similar to the All The Hacks Podcast because there is a focus on finance and even hacks to upgrade your life but I love hearing Erika’s spin on things.
Talk With A Friend
No, really, pick up the phone and call up a friend or someone you care about. A friend or family member can be a great source of comfort and support. But sometimes, it’s hard to reach out and pick up the phone. Maybe you’re feeling shy, or you don’t want to bother them. But trust me, your friends and family want to hear from you. They care about you and want to help you. It’s easy to text someone but actually talking is a great way to unwind. Even better if you can meet and chat in person.
Go For a Long Walk
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to go for a long walk. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, just a leisurely stroll that allows you to clear your head and unwind.
There’s something very calming and therapeutic about being alone with your thoughts, and the fresh air will do wonders for your overall well-being. But if you don’t have access to nature, go to a park close to your house or even walk around your neighborhood. If you can, make it a regular habit to go for a walk in the park or in the woods – you’ll be amazed at how much it can help your mental health.
Spruce Up Your Wardrobe (and Undergarments too)
Caring for yourself doesn’t just mean eating healthy and exercising. It also means feeling good about yourself – and that includes your wardrobe. If you’re not feeling confident in what you’re wearing, it’s time to do something about it.
Sprucing up your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean going out and buying all new clothes. Sometimes, simply reorganizing your closet and getting rid of clothes you don’t wear anymore can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s a great way to make some extra cash by selling clothes you no longer want.
And don’t forget about your undergarments! Feeling sexy starts from the inside out, so make sure you’re wearing lingerie that makes you feel good. Wearing something that’s just for you (and not for anyone else’s benefit) can be a real confidence booster.
So go ahead and take some time to care for yourself – inside and out. It’ll do you a world of good.
Give Yourself a Manicure and or Pedicure (or go to the nail salon)
Carving out some time for a manicure or pedicure can do wonders for your mood and sense of well-being. Not only is it a chance to unwind and relax, but it’s also a chance to take care of yourself. And who doesn’t feel good when their nails are looking polished and fabulous.
If you want to give your own manicure a try, I love using the Dip Powder System and I provide a helpful beginner’s guide on getting started!
Talk to A Therapist
It’s perfectly normal to feel like you need someone to talk to, even if you’re not going through a tough time. In fact, talking to a therapist can be beneficial for everyone – not just people who are struggling. Therapists can help you understand and process your feelings, which can lead to improved mental health. They can also offer guidance and support on how to manage difficult situations.
Disconnect From Your Cell Phone For At Least One Hour
It’s no secret that we’re all pretty much glued to our cell phones these days. Whether we’re scrolling through social media, checking our email, or just killing time, our phones are always within reach. But what if we took a break from our screens and disconnected from our phones for at least one hour?
Think about it – how often do you really need to be on your phone? Chances are, you can probably go without it for at least an hour. And during that hour, you can focus on other things, like spending time with family and friends, being productive, or just relaxing. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break from your phone and disconnect from the digital world for a while. It might just be the refresher you need.
Volunteer For A Cause You Believe In
Why not volunteer for a cause you believe in? It’s a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the world. And, it can be a great way to take care of yourself, too.
When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others—you’re also helping yourself. Giving your time and energy to a cause you believe in can be a great way to boost your mental health and well-being.
Volunteering can help you:
- Reduce stress
- Feel better about yourself
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Make a difference in your community
Take a Weekend Trip
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or luxurious, just a quick weekend trip to disconnect from daily stressors. Travel can be such a great way to unwind and reset. Even if it’s just a short drive to a nearby town or camping in your own backyard, getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can do wonders for your mental health. So, take some time for yourself this weekend and go on an adventure!
You can also take the stress out of trip planning with this Erin Condren Travel Journal. I use this journal mainly for big trips and journal about them along the way.
Have a Date With Yourself
We all have those days when we feel like we’re just going through the motions. We wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat. But what if we took a break from our busy lives and spent some time with ourselves? Treat yourself to a date! Buy yourself a new outfit, go see a movie, or just spend some time alone with your thoughts. It’s important to remember that we are just as important as everyone else in our lives.
Do A Digital Declutter
When it comes to taking care of our mental health, one of the most important things we can do is to declutter our digital space. Just like we declutter our homes, it’s important to declutter our minds by getting rid of anything that no longer serves us.
By decluttering your digital space, you’re creating more space for self-care and for the things that matter to you. This can help to improve your mental health and overall well-being. Read more about how to do a digital declutter.
Spend Time in Nature
It is widely known that spending time in nature can have a plethora of mental health benefits. Even if it’s just a woody area close to your home or a lake closeby, spending time in nature can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Being in nature can also help you to feel more connected to the world around you and can give you a sense of peace and tranquility.
Get Your Wellness Check-Up
It’s important to stay on top of your health and get regular check-ups, especially as you get older. Unfortunately, many people put off their wellness checks, thinking they don’t have time or that they’re healthy enough. Health problems can develop quickly, and if you’re not getting regular check-ups, you may not catch them until it’s too late. Remember that self-care is about taking care of your physical health as well. Take care!
I love staying on top of my wellness goals with this Erin Condren Wellness Journal.
Re-enjoy An Activity You Used to Enjoy As A Kid
Think about what you liked to do for fun when you were younger. Maybe you used to love to play outside, ride your bike, or build forts. Whatever it was, try to do it again and see how it feels. You might be surprised at how much fun you have and how good it feels to get back to your roots. Not only will you be giving yourself a break from the mundane, but you’ll also be tapping into your childhood creativity. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just find yourself feeling more inspired than ever before.
As an example, something I used to do a lot as a child was scrapbooking. As time went by I didn’t do it as often but I took it up again and I feel so inspired!
Get Crafty – Find a Creative Outlet
There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a creative project. Whether it’s crafting, painting, or simply doodling, letting your imagination run wild can be a great way to relax and de-stress. Find your own creative outlet and practice set some time aside to do it.
This can be as simple as using a Coloring Book. I enjoy this Mindfulness Coloring Book for adults which can help you unwind for a bit and just focus your mind on coloring. It is one of my favorite de-stressors.
Give Yourself a Makeover
A makeover is a great way to refresh your look, boost your confidence and feel good about yourself. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Buy a new outfit, do your makeup and go to the hair salon. Don’t forget about your nails! A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Incorporate a Self-Care Routine At Least Once a Month (take a bath, put on a face mask)
I’m a huge advocate for taking some time out of our busy lives at least once a month to do something that makes us feel good. For me, that means taking a long bath and putting on a face mask.
My favorite sheet face masks are the Tony Moly I’m Real Face Masks. I use these on a weekly basis.
Why not try it yourself? Draw yourself a bath, pour in some bubbles, and relax. Or if you’re not a bath person, put on a face mask and take a break from the world. It’s important to remember that we can’t pour from an empty cup. So make sure to take care of yourself so you can keep on going.
Wine Down… (Nuff said…)
Remember, you deserve to be happy and healthy. Self-care doesn’t mean you are being selfish…
How do you practice self care? Let me know in the comments!
