Finding the time for self-care can be difficult in today’s world. Even when we do have some time, we can feel lost as to what we might need to fill our cups. Here are some ideas to try if you’re feeling stuck or drained in certain areas of your life.
Physical Self-Care Ideas
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise
- Take care of personal hygiene
- Wear clothes that help me feel good about myself
- Participate in fun activities (e.g., walking, dancing, swimming)
- Get enough sleep
- Take some time to rest
- Schedule a preventative medical appointment (e.g., check-up, teeth cleaning)
- Schedule an aesthetic appointment (e.g., hair, nails, massage)
Psychological / Emotional Self-Care Ideas
- Take time off work, school, and other obligations
- Spend time engaging in hobbies
- Get away from distractions (e.g., phone, email)
- Express my feelings in a healthy way (e.g. talking, creating art, listening to music, journaling)
- Learn new things unrelated to work or school
- Recognize my own strengths and achievements
- Do something comforting (e.g. re-watch a favorite movie, take a bath, light some candles, go for a drive, buy your favorite warm drink)
- Have some alone time to re-connect with myself (it might help to go to a certain place such as the beach or a coffee shop).
- Find reasons to laugh
- Go on vacations / day trips, or explore a new place
Social Self-Care Ideas
- Spend time with people who make me feel good
- Call or write to family or friends who feel distant
- Intentionally have stimulating conversations
- Meet new people
- Spend time alone with your romantic partner
- Ask others for help if needed
- Do enjoyable activities with other people
- Have intimate time with romantic partner
- Share something vulnerable with a friend
- Do something nice for a friend
Spiritual Self-Care Ideas
- Spend time in nature
- Meditate
- Pray
- Recognize things that give meaning to my life
- Reflect on my morals and values
- Set aside time for thought and reflection
- Participate in a cause that’s important to me
- Appreciate art that is impactful to me (e.g. music, film, literature)
Professional Self-Care Ideas
- Work on a professional skill
- Say no to excessive new responsibilities
- Take on projects that are interesting or rewarding
- Make a small schedule change
- Learn new things related to my profession
- Make time to talk and build relationships with colleagues
- Assess my work / life balance
- Keep a comfortable work space / environment
- Advocate for fair pay, benefits, and other needs
- Take more breaks