Making time for self care can have a positive impact on your mindset, body, and energy. If you are a highly sensitive and empathetic person, it might be natural to think and act on the needs of others first above your own. But if you continue to do this time after time, it might lead you to feeling depleted. For this reason, focusing on self care with intention is even more critical! Sometimes, self care can be as simple as cancelling plans, ordering takeout, and watching mindless TV. Other times, it might involve creativity, exploration, physical activity, or even mental stimulation. Keep reading for 30 unique and fun ways to practice self care, for yourself, and by yourself.
- Clean out your bedroom of old clutter while jamming out to your favorite songs.
- Try a new recipe and spend the night cooking yourself a tasty and nutritious meal.
- Create a vision board filled with your dreams, goals, and aspirations.
- Write yourself a love letter, with all the things you admire and appreciate about yourself.
- Start a gratitude jar and write down one thing you’re thankful for every day.
- Go on an adventure, like exploring a new hiking trail or visiting a museum.
- Practice affirmations by repeating positive statements to yourself in the mirror.
- Treat yourself to a DIY spa day at home, whether you use face masks, body scrubs, nail polish, or more.
- Take yourself on a date to a restaurant or café you’ve been wanting to try.
- Volunteer for a cause or organization that’s meaningful to you.
- Attend a workshop or class on a topic that interests you, whether it’s pottery, photography, or gardening.
- Have a picnic in the park with your favorite snacks and a good book.
- Practice a guided meditation to re-ground yourself.
- Have a beauty day, whether it’s trying out a new hairstyle or following a makeup tutorial.
- Have a technology-free day and spend time doing things like reading, writing, or walking outdoors.
- Start a new hobby or learn a new skill, like painting, knitting, or playing an instrument.
- Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for.
- Create a happy playlist with songs that uplift and inspire you.
- Practice a random act of kindness by doing something nice for a stranger.
- Go for a massage to release tension in your body.
- Visit a nearby beach during the offseason to disconnect.
- Check-in with yourself and reflect by journaling about your thoughts and feelings.
- Get tickets for a local comedian to laugh and let go of seriousness for a night.
- Cook a favorite, nostalgic childhood meal.
- Take a day trip to a nearby town and explore the shops.
- Curl up with a blanket, a candle, and a good book.
- Take a fitness class and enjoy a healthy meal after.
- Create a physical photo book filled with some of your favorite memories.
- Go on a social media cleanse for a week.
- Have a movie marathon with some of your favorite feel-good films and healthy snacks.
While these are only a few of the many ways that you can practice self care, I hope you found at least one idea from this list that resonates with you. Self care is a personal journey, and it can mean something different for everyone. For me, I plan to spend the remainder of today spending time with my family which is one of my favorite ways to feel grounded with others. What will you do for yourself today?