70+ Self care ideas that will improve your life

Self-care is often misunderstood as an expensive activity, and therefore usually neglected by many people. It is not a luxury but a primary right. Self-care is all about taking care of your body, mind and soul. Today I will share with you 70+ self-care ideas that will improve your life.

If you are going through stressful days or working too much, then you need to take out some time exclusively for yourself.

Do not feel guilty about taking care of yourself. You deserve every bit of it.

Every day take a break from your busy schedule and indulge in some self-care activity. Self-care fuels you and allows you to be more productive and efficient.

I hope, with the help of this post, you will find a perfect self-care activity that suits your routine and need.

WHAT IS SELFCARE AND WHO NEEDS IT?

Self-care is an umbrella term for any purposeful activity that you do to improve your life. It means taking care of your needs and improving your physical, mental and spiritual health. Self-care is about being kind and considerate towards your demands and necessitates. Things you do that make you happy, and strengthens your relationship with your true self, is nothing but self-care.

Self-care is simple, and I believe that every person should practise it, irrespective of their age, gender or job profile.

Any person who wants to live a happy and healthy life should practice self-care.

HOW TO PRACTISE SELFCARE?

Self-care shouldn’t be limited, to some confined days of the year, rather it should be practised every day. Self-care is simplistic, it is about giving yourself time and doing something that makes you happy. Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Choose your idea of self-care. You can pick your favourite self-care ideas from below.
• Assign a few minutes of the day to self-care only.
• Always plan your day ahead of time and schedule self-care time.
• Stick to your me-time religiously.
• Make self-care a part of your daily routine.
• Take pride in practising self-care.

Save this on Pinterest to read it later

HEALTHY SELF CARE IDEAS

1. Stretch your body

Stretching is a great way to relieve a stressed body. You can do simple stretching exercises at home to uplift your mood and improve your flexibility.

2. Do yoga

Watch a yoga video on YouTube and try to follow. If you are new to yoga, I suggest you start with some basic postures.

3. Take a nap

Do not hesitate to put your exhausted brain to rest. Forget about your work and take a power nap. Wake up energized and resume your work.

4. Cook a healthy meal

Home cook a healthy meal with fresh ingredients. You can also cook a little extra to save for later.

5. Make a detox water

Make detox water at home and store it in a bottle. Keep sipping the water throughout the day.

6. Go on a hike

Put on your hiking shoes and go on a hike.

7. Ride your bike

8. Make a fruit salad

Go to the farmers market and buy fresh and local fruits. Treat yourself with a garden-fresh fruit salad, full of seasonal fruits.

9. Drink at least 8 glasses of water

Keep a count of the number of glasses of water you drink in a day, in order to meet your body’s daily requirement. Keeping well hydrated is one of the easiest ways to show love to your body.

10. Go for a walk in nature

Ditch your treadmill and go for a walk in nature. Smell the scent of the fresh breeze and appreciate the scenery around you.

EMOTIONAL SELF CARE IDEAS

11. Write down your feelings and thoughts

On a piece of paper, write down everything that you feel at the moment. Writing allows your brain to detangle your thoughts. You can understand your feelings better once they are unravelled.

12. Talk to a loved one

Do not keep your feelings to yourself. Talk to a family member or a friend and tell them how you feel. There is no shame in asking for help when you are struggling with your emotions.

13. Look at your old pictures

Refresh old memories and a good time by looking at your old pictures. Relive good old days.

14. Cry if you want to

It’s normal and OK to cry. Contrary to common belief, crying makes you strong. Cry your heart out and trust me you’ll feel better.

15. Write a letter to your older self

Imagine yourself living your dream life and write a letter to your older self.

16. Make a list of things you like about yourself

Make a list, and surprise yourself.

17. Send Postcards

Buy a few nice-looking postcards, write a beautiful message on them and send it to your grandparents or your friends in a different city. Posting postcards is an excellent and classic way to connect with our loved ones.

18. Start a gratitude journal

Stress and anxiety stem from the negativity around you. Acknowledge all the fabulous things you are surrounded with. Start a gratitude journal and focus on all the unique things you have.

19. Smile to yourself

Stand in front of the mirror, smile to yourself and say a few kind words about yourself.

20. Confide in someone

Sometimes all you need is to share the load with someone you trust. Confide in someone. Get rid of the emotional baggage you are carrying.

SOCIAL SELF CARE IDEAS

21. Visit your friends

Spend some leisure time with your friends. Visit your friends or call them over your place.

22. Join a club

Joining a club not only gives you an opportunity to learn something new or practice a hobby, but it also allows you to meet new people.

23. Host a game night

Invite friends over your place and host a game night.

24. Go out for lunch or dinner

Go to a restaurant of your choice and eat your favourite food with your friends. Do not wait for a weekend to spend time with your friends.

25. Host a movie night at your place

Binge-watch your favourite television shows or movies with your friends. Time to put Netflix at work and don’t forget to buy popcorn.

26. Go on a day trip

Choose a destination close enough to make a day trip from your location. Visit a new place with friends and family.

27. Go on a long drive

Play some soothing music and go on a long drive on a scenic route. Trust me, it works wonders.

PAMPERING SELF CARE IDEAS

28. Paint your nails

File your nails and paint them in your favourite shade. Try some nail art and make them all pretty.

29. Apply a face pack

Make a homemade face pack and nourish your skin.

30. Take a long bath

Enjoy a long hot shower. You deserve it. Take a bubble bath, play your favourite song and drink a glass of wine.

31. Light scented candles

Make your house smell like spring. Light scented candles and eat a romantic dinner at home.

32. Eat dark chocolate

Chocolate is known to uplift your mood. Eat dark chocolate guilt-free.  Remember, moderation is the key. Excess of everything and anything is damaging.

33. Bask in the sun

Lather up on sunscreen generously and enjoy the sun. Lie down under the clear blue sky, listen to the sounds of nature and watch the clouds. It is so relaxing. Try it!

34. Moisturise your body

Time to put on some sweet-scented body cream.

35. Buy yourself flowers

Go to a florist and buy yourself a bouquet. Do not wait for someone else to buy you those red roses.

36. Buy yourself a gift

No one knows better than you what you need. Buy yourself a gift. It doesn’t matter if it’s your birthday or not. You don’t need an excuse or a special day to gift yourself something.

37. Drink a warm beverage

Make yourself a freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. Drink your beverage while sitting on a reclining chair.

38. Wear your favourite dress and make-up

Whenever you feel low, dress up! Wear elegant clothes and show up. Dress up, even when you are home.

MENTAL SELF CARE IDEAS

39. Watch a light-hearted movie

I prefer to watch a light comedy over some action-packed crime thriller. Watch whatever makes you feel good.

40. Read a motivational book

41. Meditate

Meditation is about focus. Play some calming music, if it helps you concentrate. You can also use an app such as Headspace to meditate.

42. Listen to music

Music affects your mood, and cheerful music can uplift your mood within seconds.

43. Unplug from social media

Its sounds daunting but believe me it is so important to do a social media detox from time to time. Social media is addictive and toxic but also the need of the hour. Stay away from all of your social media accounts, at least for a day, if not more.

44. Watch a sunrise or a sunset

Sunrises are beautiful but difficult to observe if you are not an early bird. Never mind, watch a sunset, it is equally beautiful but so underrated.

45. Play with your pet

Playing with your pet is such a great way to relieve stress, and above all, your pet will be happy too.

46. Find inspiration on Pinterest

Read some inspirational blog posts and articles on Pinterest.

47. Watch funny videos

48. Read inspirational quotes

Inspirational quotes can instantly fill you with enthusiasm and energy. Whenever you feel low in life, look for words of wisdom.

49. Listen to a motivational podcast

If you are not into reading, listen to a podcast. Listen to inspirational stories and find your motivation.

50. Unfollow negative people on social media

Unfollow all the people on social media, that do not add value to your life or that makes you feel bad about your life.

CREATIVE SELF CARE IDEAS

51.Shake a leg

Dance your heart out. Dance like there is no tomorrow.

52. Bake a cake

Bake healthy alternates to store-bought cakes and muffin. Try to decorate it for fun. If you have kids, decorate your cake with them. Do not try to be a perfectionist and just enjoy the process.

53. Colour an adult colouring book

I used to find the idea of adult colouring books very weird, but only until I started it. Do not hesitate to buy a colouring book, the next time you hit the bookstore.

54. Make a photo collage

Because of the digital nature of photos, we usually end up clicking an unnecessary number of pictures. Make a collage of a few selected pictures and get them printed.

55. Try a DIY project

Watch YouTube or explore Pinterest to find some inspiration for a DIY project at home.

56. Cook a new recipe

Try out new recipes from different countries. This way, you can treat yourself with delicious food and also learn about other cultures.

57. Create a new playlist

Create a couple of playlists according to the mood. Like, create a party playlist and a romantic playlist. Keep a playlist handy for when you need it.

58. Do gardening

If you do not have a garden, don’t worry. Buy potted plants and water them every day. Take care of them and nurture them.

59. Decorate your room

Decorate your little nest. Make your room cosy and comfortable.

PRODUCTIVE SELF CARE IDEAS

60. Plan your week

Plan the upcoming week and make better use of time. Do not forget to schedule your “me-time”!

61. Declutter your house.

A decluttered house means a decluttered mind.

62. Change sheets

Change your sheets and pillow covers. Wouldn’t it be great to sleep on crisp and sweet-scented sheets?

63. Clean your house

Make your house all clean and comfy. Keep things at their designated places and repair any broken item. Take care of your house, and you will feel so proud.

64. Make a budget plan

Make a monthly budget plan. Being able to manage your budget is one of the best things to do to yourself. Before spending, always save a certain amount in your bank account.

65. Organise your wardrobe

66. Plan a vacation

Choose a destination from your bucket list and plan the ultimate vacation.

67. Create an evening routine

Follow an evening routine to get better sleep and a more productive day.

68. Create a morning routine

Develop healthy morning habits to live a productive and healthy lifestyle.

69. Donate clothes that don’t fit you

If you have not worn a piece of cloth in the past six to eight months, chances are you will not wear it any more. Instead of piling up those clothes on the upper shelf, give it to someone who needs it more than you do.

70. Unsubscribe from E-mails

Clean your inbox. Delete all the old and unnecessary emails. Unsubscribe from any newsletters, you do not wish to receive any longer.

71. Learn something new

Never stop learning. Learn a new skill, a new language or enrol yourself in a course. The only person you should compete with is yourself. Always try to do better than you did yesterday.

Related reads: 

100 simple ways to improve your health

9 healthy food alternatives to unhealthy food

Evening routine : 10 things to do every night before bed

Pin for later