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Self-care is something that everyone should be doing. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, if it makes you feel better, then it is self-care. My husband loves to golf, and that is his self-care. I love to read, that is mine, while I also love doing other things as well.
Why is Self-Care Important
Self-care allows your body to relax and become focused again. It is very important for mental, emotional, and physical health. Self-care will help reduce stress and prevent burnout, and anxiety. It will also help improve your mood, like self-esteem, and will aid in being emotionally available for all the relationships in your life. Physical activity like exercise, focusing on your physical being, like sleep, or focusing on nutrition, are all acts of self-care. If you don’t take the time to do self-care, then there could be burnout and overwhelm.
I have listed below 20 self-care ideas that I love. While I don’t do them all the time, I like to do them throughout the year when certain options are available, weather permitting.
Take a Bath
You can make this as relaxing and luxurious as you want. Get some candles, some great-smelling bubble bath, a good book, or even just music. There are many simple or elaborate ways to have a rejuvenating bath and just relax. I love to add some Epsom salts, lavender bath soak, this playlist on Spotify, and a good book. Even if it is only for 30 minutes, it’s plenty of time to recharge.
Paint your Nails
Now, whether you do this at home yourself or go and get them done, it is a wonderful feeling to have your nails done. It is a little self-care that I love. I’ll do them at home or go get them done. I prefer doing my nails at home, but I love to get a pedicure.
Indulge in a Face Mask
You can get a packet of a face mask at the grocery store or indulge in a luxury one at a spa. This is a great way to get a little self care even if you only have 15 minutes at home.
Do some yoga
This is a great way to get some physical activity and focus on relaxing and breathing as well. You can go on YouTube and pick a video that will focus on stretching, breathing, or get a workout in.
Go for a walk
Pick a podcast, a great music playlist, or just enjoy the sounds of nature. This is a simple and easy way to get some exercise. Enjoy a walk in the park or go in your neighborhood.
Read a Book
Whether you are reading for pleasure or to gain knowledge, reading is a great way for self-care. I love to read, and while I do read nonfiction on topics I want to learn more about, I love to read for pleasure. I have Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle app on my phone, so I am able to have a book with me at all times if I can sneak in some reading time. Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the bookstore to pick out physical copies of books as well.
Meditate
There are a lot of playlists that you can listen to for free that will talk you through a guided meditation. It can be as little as 5 minutes. It just helps you to relax and become focused on yourself.
Sit Outside
Get some fresh air. Now, I will say that this is also weather permitting for me. I love the hear the rain if I can, we don’t have a great option to sit outside and listen to the rain, but when we can, we will open the windows to enjoy it. The fresh air will do you good. Even if it is only 10 minutes to enjoy the outside.
Craft Something
Create something new or just pick a craft that is soothing. I love to paint, so when I can think of something to do, I’ll grab my paint stuff go to town. Growing up, we painted rocks and my mom would spray them and keep them out in the garden.
Cook
I enjoy cooking, so doing some cooking is relaxing. I love trying out new recipes, even if they don’t all turn out well.
Self Massage
You can give yourself a foot or hand massage that will help relieve tension and relax the muscles. There are also tools you can get that will help with trigger points in the neck and shoulders, like this.
Listen to Nature
Whether you are sitting outside or inside, if you can enjoy the music of nature, then that is a beautiful thing to do. I love listening to the wind blowing, the birds singing, and the occasional lawn mower.
Dance to Music
Play whatever kind of music you want, as long as it gets you moving. Dance can help free tension and help rid you of any stress you have. If dancing with a partner, the touch will help connect you with one another.
Listen to a Podcast
Think of something you would really like to know more about, then find a playlist that talks about it. I will listen to one while showering, driving, doing busy work, or even doing housework.
Watch your Favorite Show or Movie
Binge your favorite show or movie. The comfort of watching it again may help you alleviate some stress and give you a pause to calm down and relax for a little bit.
Color
Adult coloring books are so much fun. I love it when I can listen to something or have something on TV that I have seen before and can just enjoy coloring in a coloring page. It is very relaxing and soothing watching the colors some together.
Take a Nap
Who doesn’t love an afternoon siesta? Take a nap, if you can. I love to take a nap if I can. My husband, though, can’t nap unless he’s sick. I love the feeling of being able to get comfy under a blanket and take a nap on a Sunday afternoon.
Make a Smoothie
A delicious fruity smoothie is a real treat. Whether you make it at home or get it from a restaurant, a smoothie is a healthy treat to feed your body.
Journal
Journaling is a great way to help you mentally and emotionally. When you write down you thoughts and feeling, it helps you acknowledge them. It will help alleviate stress and anxiety to work through them as well.
Cuddle
If you have your partner nearby, then grab them and cuddle. Even if it is only for 5-10 minutes. Cuddling can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and help stabilize emotions.
Garden
Get out and get your hands in the dirt. It can be therapeutic to dig in the soil. Whether you are planting or rearranging your yard, it helps to calm you when you can be outside and create something.
These are all ideas for self-care that you can try. There are ideas that would only take 10 minutes or some that would take more planning, but they can all help bring you back to yourself and be centered. If you have any other ideas, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below. Check out other posts here.