What are self care activities?
According to the National Library of Medicine, self care activities are those which aim to “achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being.”
- Physical self care: Staying hydrated, moving your body or getting enough sleep.
- Emotional self-care: Catching up with a friend, doing something you love, or learning a new skill.
- Psychological/spiritual self care: Meditating, journaling, or praying.
How do I create a self care routine?
You don’t need to spend hours on self care activities to reap the benefits. Not only can this be hard to maintain, but it’s simply not realistic for those with a busy schedule.
According to Utah State University, “The reality is you may only have a 10-15 minute slot open in your day. Filling that time with something small and simple is more helpful and meaningful to your self care routine than something that takes several hours.”
So, when it comes to creating a self care routine, aim to start small. You might find you naturally develop a routine from activities you enjoy the most and that don’t require too much of a sacrifice when it comes to your time or money.
13 Ideas for Self Care Activities
Great for when your mind feels noisy. Journaling has been known to reduce feelings of overwhelm, prevent burnout, and boost mood. All you need is a journal, a pen, and a spare 5 minutes.
From helping manage stress and increasing focus and self-awareness, to lowering your heart rate, improving mental clarity, and more, meditation is one of the best, free self-care activities out there.
Pamper night ideas like using essential oils, putting on a sheet mask, or having a bubble bath are all fantastic self care activities for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
From true crime stories and parenting advice to book reviews, daily doses of mindfulness, and unfiltered celebrity interviews, podcasts are fab. It's also a great way to reduce your screen time.
There are so many benefits to walking - not only is it a low-impact workout, but it can improve sleep, help you discover new places, and even reduce the risk of some health issues making it a great self care activity for your physical well-being.
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Nourish your body with food that is good for the gut. Doing this can help boost your immune system, give you more energy, and even help prevent serious health conditions later on in life - what better way to look after yourself.
Whether you’ve got friends you’ve not seen in a while, or you’re due a catch-up with a family member, get in touch. Chatting with loved ones can be good for the soul, making it the perfect self-care idea.
Have you ever heard the saying ‘tidy space, tidy mind’? Well, it’s true, so if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or burnt out, try organising your space. You’d be surprised how much decluttering can improve your mental well-being.
Whether you prefer to do workouts at home or head to the gym to move your body, it can do wonders for both your physical and emotional well-being, meaning it’s a fantastic idea for self-care.
What's more fun than learning a new hobby or skill? Be it embroidery, painting, gaming, or a new language, it's fantastic if you’re feeling bored or looking for ways to boost your confidence and overall happiness.
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A good night’s sleep is an important part of any self-care routine, which can be easily forgotten. A poor night’s sleep can wreak havoc on your mental and physical well-being. Try switching your phone off early, reading a book, or taking part in sleep meditation.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be all have to be about winding down - sometimes when you’re feeling low, there’s nothing quite like having a sing-along to your favourite music. Make a playlist of all the songs that lift your mood, and dance like nobody’s watching.
Light some candles, get comfy, and quiet the mind with a good book. Whatever your preferred genre, it’s important to make time for self-care activities that bring you joy. If you’ve got a busy schedule, try swapping out your screen time for reading every so often.
Self Care Ideas FAQs
How do I know which self care activities are right for me?
The best way to work out which self care activities work best for you, your budget, and your lifestyle is to try them out. You’ll soon figure out which ones work well, and which ones do not.
Can I implement these self care ideas into my busy schedule?
Yes. As mentioned above, you only need a spare 5 - 10 minutes from your day to dedicate time for a self care activity. Try waking up slightly earlier or utilising your lunch break to spend some time on yourself.
How can I incorporate these self care ideas into my daily routine?
Be realistic about what self care activities will fit easily into your current daily routine as well as to what extent you do them, to set yourself up for success. You’re unlikely to maintain writing five pages in your journal every single day, but just a sentence or two a day is easily done each morning or before bed.
How can I adapt these self care activities to fit my specific budget?
If you’re on a tight budget, opt for self care activities that do not require any purchases. Some examples include going for a walk, meditating, talking to a friend, and getting a good night’s sleep.
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