Horrible. Bad. No good day. We all get them. No one is immune to them. You know, those days when you would rather crawl back into bed than face your problems and responsibilities. Bad days get especially hard especially if you put yourself on the back burner.
While unfortunate to note, most people are programmed to take care of everyone else first and themselves last. However, as cliché as it may sound, you need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others. You need to also relax and recharge on a consistent basis so you can be your best self most of the time.
Self-Care: What It Is and Why You Need It
Simply put, self-care is the intentional act of caring for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ideally, this comes naturally and is an effortless part of daily living.
Sadly, in today’s fast-paced society, many people put self-care last. Eventually, they end up getting stressed, depressed, and burnt out.
100 Self-Care Ideas You Can Try
Regardless if you just need a quick pick me up or would like a fast reboot, below are fantastic 100 self-care tips you can easily implement:
- Drink a smoothing cup of your favorite tea.
- Say a few positive affirmations.
- Get your gratitude journal out and write 10 things you are grateful for.
- Take a relaxing detox bath (consider using essential oils and epsom salts)
- Create and follow a skin care routine.
- Meditate and breathe deeply.
- Get 7 to 8 hours of sound and uninterrupted sleep.
- Start your day with your favorite yoga poses.
- Make time for a good exercise routine.
- Take a walk in nature.
- Buy yourself your favorite flowers.
- Write 5 (or more!) things you love about yourself.
- Write in your favorite journal.
- Create a vision board or a bucket list.
- Start decluttering your room and giving out items you no longer need.
- Read an inspirational personal growth book.
- Go for a long walk on your own (or with friends and loved ones).
- Get a relaxing massage.
- Do (or watch) something that makes you laugh.
- Plan a relaxing, exciting, and fabulous getaway.
- Stretch to relieve muscle tensions.
- Watch your favorite TV show.
- Have a few friends for a sleepover.
- Do a brain dump.
- Plan and prepare for a romantic date night.
- Do something for the first time (like a new skill or a new restaurant).
- Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.
- Call, text, or send someone you love an email.
- Light your favorite candle.
- Listen to your favorite podcast.
- Spend time with someone who inspires you.
- Cook a delicious and nutritious meal for yourself.
- Plan an elaborate spa day.
- Do a digital detox for a few hours (or a few days, if you are feeling adventurous!)
- Eat your favorite salad or prepare your favorite smoothie.
- Take some pretty photos.
- Visit a favorite place and stay there for a few hours.
- Get out and bask in the sunshine (or have your coffee outside, whichever works for you!).
- Listen to some of your favorite music.
- Hug someone you love (friends, significant other, family, pets!)
- Drink a full glass of water (try to aim for 8 glasses for a whole day).
- Read uplifting, inspirational, and motivational quotes.
- Put on fabulous clothes and put on some lovely makeup (basically, anything that will make you feel your most attractive!).
- Watch an inspirational TedTalk.
- Watch the sunrise.
- Create a relaxing morning routine.
- Change your bedroom sheets.
- Diffuse your favorite essential oils.
- Do a random act of kindness for someone.
- Go out for a nice coffee (on your own or with someone you love).
- Take a relaxing nap.
- Plan a self-care day.
- Work on a puzzle.
- Have fun with an adult coloring book.
- Think of an activity you enjoy (and makes you happy) and go do it!
- Put photos of yourself or your loved ones on a scrapbook.
- Unfollow negative and toxic people on social media.
- Go an entire day without checking your emails.
- Spread positivity and kindness to a random stranger.
- Donate to a worthwhile cause.
- Read (or better yet write) your favorite poetry.
- Listen to an inspirational audiobook.
- Dye your hair your favorite color.
- Do something creative like draw, paint, or write.
- Tidy up your workspace.
- Do something fun with kids.
- Rearrange the furniture at home.
- Get a hot and soothing shower.
- Purchase something you like.
- Go on a fun bike ride with friends or loved ones.
- Try a foam roller to increase blood flow.
- Do something physical for 30 minutes.
- Bake your favorite treat.
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market.
- Sing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs.
- Visit your favorite cafe and just watch people.
- Ask someone for help with something you would like to learn.
- Try a different way of styling your hair or doing your makeup.
- Create a relaxing and productive night routine.
- Make yourself a cup of your favorite coffee or a fancy cocktail.
- Watch the clouds and the stars.
- Plan a fun family night.
- Talk to someone you love.
- Pray.
- Smell the flowers.
- Send a surprise card (or package!) to someone.
- Volunteer for a cause you believe in.
- Go on a lunch day with a friend and pay for it.
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes.
- Enjoy a delicious take out dinner.
- Talk to someone about something you are having a difficulty with (friend, therapist, significant other).
- Watch the sunset.
- Visit a museum.
- Read your favorite magazine.
- Plan and go on a picnic.
- Learn a new skill or board game.
- Write down things that worry you and get them out of your head.
- Enjoy a healthy snack.
- Cuddle with a loved one or your pet.
- Be kind to yourself.
Over to You
Keep this 100 self-care ideas list on your fridge or on your phone or you can write them on a notecard. The bottom line is to have them ready, in case you can use a quick reboot. Remember: self-care is a necessity and not a luxury.
So don’t wait until you are too burnt out to do them. Treat self-care activities as non-negotiable appointments you have with yourself. Give yourself the respect you deserve by honouring them.