57 Ways to Self-Care

Self-care can be defined as “The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Over the past several years, “self-care” has become quite the buzzword, and rightfully so! However, I have found that people often seem to overcomplicate self-care, which makes it seem like an unachievable task. I frequently talk with my client’s about the beauty of adding “small” acts of self-care into their everyday routine, and challenge them to set aside a few minutes a day to do these things intentionally. I have seen decreased stress levels in my personal life and in the lives of those I work with when we are able to invest in things that fuel us. 

57 Types of Self-Care

  1. Make routine physical/mental health appointments

  2. Spend time in nature

  3. Take time off when needed

  4. Drink water

  5. Check in with yourself and monitor for burnout 

  6. Meditate

  7. Gratitude Journal

  8. Get a manicure or pedicure

  9. Get your hair done 

  10.  Have a meal or coffee with a friend 

  11. Take your medication/vitamins

  12.  Pray

  13.  Meal prep

  14.  Do healthy movement

  15.  Take a bubble bath

  16.  Eat nourishing meals

  17.  Go for a walk

  18.  Keep your living space clean

  19.  Listen to a podcast

  20.  Read a book

  21.  Talk to a friend/family member

  22.  Listen to your favorite music

  23.  Do breathwork

  24.  Do your skincare routine

  25.  Get a few minutes of sunshine

  26.  Visit coffee shops

  27.  Take a day to schedule nothing

  28.  Surround yourself with people that you feel safe/happy with

  29.  Cook a home-cooked meal

  30.  Put on make-up

  31.  Write a letter

  32.  Journal

  33.  Learn something new

  34.  Have a stay-cation

  35.  Have a few moments of silence

  36.  Join a community of like-minded people

  37.  Play with your pet

  38.  Play a game

  39.  Paint

  40.  Build or create something

  41.  Keep a “sunshine folder” to reflect on positive memories or “wins”

  42. Yoga

  43. Take a nap

  44. Go on a vacation 

  45. Change out of work clothes when you get home

  46.  Use positive affirmations

  47. Take breaks throughout the day

  48.  Coloring

  49.  Take the dog for a walk

  50.  Bake

  51.  Have a treat

  52.  Have a cup of warm tea

  53.  Jiu Jitsu

  54.  Get a tattoo

  55.  Go for a drive

  56.  Guided journaling

  57.  Brush your hair

These are just a few examples of what self-care looks like. I encourage you to take a personal inventory of what fuels you and drains you. Then consider how you can add more opportunities to fuel your soul into your everyday life. Sometimes it may be standing in the sunshine, baking sourdough bread, talking to an old friend, or spending a few moments in silence. Do not be so quick to dismiss the small things, because several small things can grow into a beautiful garden of self-care practices. 

Consider partnering with myself or one of our other qualified clinicians to discover what a life of less stress and more self-care could look like for you!

If you are ready to schedule an appointment please click the button below.

Victoria Shirkey, LCPC, ALMFT

Hi, I’m Tori! I’m warm, dedicated, and open-minded, and I love making my clients feel safe and welcome. I started as a community counselor, then worked as an inpatient therapist. Since 2021, I’ve been at The Mental Wellness Center, focusing on trauma and ADHD. I have an LCPC and ALMFT, a master’s in human development counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and training in EMDR, theraplay, and trust-based relationship interventions.

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