15 Self-Care Ideas

Self-care is getting a lot of stick at the moment, but it really is an essential tool to help us get through both the good and the bad days. Self-care isn't just about looking after ourselves when we're feeling down, or worried, anxious or low. It's also about taking a little time out everyday just for us. We spend the majority of our day doing things for other people - working, cleaning, cooking etc - that we can easily forget about ourselves. Don't! Set aside 10-30 minutes a day, depending on how much free time you have, and indulge in one, or a few, of these self-care ideas...

1. Take a bath. Simple, relatively quick, and extremely powerful. Just a 20 minute soak in the tub can boost your mood immeasurably. 

2. Read a book. If you can't find the time for this throughout the day, why not try for 10 minutes before bed? Getting lost in a good book is a very powerful tool in getting through the bad days. 

3. Pet a furry friend. Have a cat, dog, hamster or rabbit at home? Grab them and give them a cuddle. Furry friends always put a smile on my face!

4. Work on a jigsaw puzzle. Putting your mind to work on a puzzle can take you out of the moment, and is especially effective if you're experiencing racing thoughts. 

5. Cry. Sometimes all you need is a good cry. Let it all out. You'll feel better for it. 

6. Colour something in. I have a ton of adult colouring books, so I like to pick up one of these and set to work on one page when I need to practice some self-care. 

7. Get dressed up. Even if you're not going out anywhere, put on your best 'out, out' outfit, slap on a face of make-up and spritz on your favourite perfume. An instant mood-booster.

8. Call a friend, or family member. It can be hard to reach out when your'e feeling low, but remember, you can practice self-care even when you're not feeling low. So give a friend or family member a call today, share your news with them, and listen to theirs.

9. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is such a powerful tool. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided mindfulness on your phone. There are also loads of videos on YouTube. Get into the habit of practising mindfulness daily and you'll always have a slice of the day just for you!

10. Watch a feel-good movie. Not a weepy romance, or a gory horror. Find a feel-good movie, preferably a comedy, and sit down to watch for an hour or two. Popcorn optional.

11. Pay it forward. This is something you can practice daily, and it'll always boost your mood, even if you think it can't be boosted. Whether it's offering a smile or a compliment to someone on the street, or buying a coffee for the person in the queue after you. Making someone else feel good will make you feel good. Fact. 

12. Write out your thoughts. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write down everything going on inside your head. Then rip it up, or burn it. This is incredibly cathartic.

13. Get some sleep. Daytime naps are essential, imo. Don't feel bad for taking some time out to grab a quick nap, or for going to bed earlier. Sleep is vital to your well-being. 

14. Go for a walk. Getting fresh air into your lungs is an incredible mood booster, and increasing your steps will aid your physical health. Even just a 20 minute walk daily can do wonders.

15. Sip hot tea. I so rarely sit and enjoy a cup of tea these days. It's usually lukewarm by the time I get to drink it. But those moments when I get to sip at a steaming hot cup of tea? Those are the best moments. 

How do you practice self-care?