20 Self Care Ideas For A Healthy Happy You

A Note from the Author

Let me start by saying that there is no one-size-fits-all method of practicing self-care. It is different for each person and can vary from day to day.What are the first things that come to your mind when thinking about self-care? Eating right and exercising? Good girl – but even though these are indeed important pillars of self-love, there are many more (and fun) ways to practice self-care. Self-care can be as simple as setting aside some time to put yourself first. Let go of those worries, and do things not because they need to be done but just because they make you feel fabulous.While the mainstream perception of self-care often involves spending big bucks at your local spa, trust me when I tell you that you can pull this self-care thing off without spending any money at all!

20 Self-Care Ideas you can include in your daily routine

2. Go for a walk

Not only is taking a walk a simple and effective way of coping with stress, but it also combines the benefits of exercise and spending time in nature. Walk mindfully. Stay in the present, focus on your surroundings, maybe listen to some music that makes you feel relaxed. Listen to your body as you walk, and breathe deeply.

4. Yoga

Yoga is hands down one of the best self-care tools out there. No need for sweaty and expensive classes! There are so many wonderful yoga poses that you can practice at home, and even in your bed. Start with a little 10 minute session and if you like it, increase sessions and duration.Read about our 5 favorite yoga poses for holiday stress plus our 8 favorite yoga poses to help you detox naturally.

5. Keep a Journal

Free your mind from the noise in your head by writing it all down! Write down bucket lists, favorite sayings, inspirational quotes – whatever floats around in your head.

6. Get more (and Better!) sleep

Make getting those 8 hours of sleep a priority. If your schedule is erratic, work on going to bed within a specific 1-hour window every night. Couple that with getting up within a consistent window every morning. Avoid blue light for at least 2 hours before bed if possible, and try to avoid caffeine in the afternoons.If you typically get in bed and spend a lot of time scrolling before actually closing your eyes, charge your phone in a different room. Try white, brown, or pink noise if you can’t sleep in silence. Use a sleeping mask or black-out curtains if you’re sensitive to light.Do you wake up with aches and pains in the morning, or have a hard time falling asleep at night? Consider investing in a super supportive, high-quality mattress, or at least a topper for your current mattress. After all, you spend a third of your life in bed!Splurge on cozy, comfy bedding, too. Weighted blankets and cooling blankets are marvelous, magnificent tools that can really make a difference for some people. If you sleep hot, consider bamboo or satin sheets rather than flannel, cotton, or polyester.

8. Remember books?

For an easy way to take care of your mind, body, and soul, you don’t need to look further than your bookshelf. Empty shelves? Go to the public library or a book cafe. Sit in a comfy chair and read.

10. Learn to say “no”

Stop saying yes to things you really don’t want to do. As social beings, it is hard not to struggle with people-pleasing. We all want to fit in and be liked. Trust me, a simple “no” once in a while can be a huge part of maintaining healthy boundaries and should become an integral part of your self-care routine.It is not always easy, but with practice, it might just become your secret self-care weapon.

12. Hygge up

Dim those lights, burn a few candles, turn on some relaxing music, and enjoy the presence of people you love. For more ideas, head over to my blog post on Hygge Ideas.

13. Do something creative & crafty

Draw, paint, or tackle one of those fun DIY projects on your Pinterest board. Get creative in the kitchen and develop a new recipe that will make you excited about dinner again.

15. Cuddle

It is scientifically proven that cuddling relieves anxiety and depression while boosting your immune system! Snuggling pets also counts!

16. Cook yourself a nice meal

No need for company to justify a nice meal. Go shopping for some high-quality ingredients, cook your favorite comfort food and really savor your meal. No sharing needed!

18. Celebrate achievements with a “well done!” list

Celebrate your achievements, however big or small they may be, by writing them down. Pick up the list whenever you feel down and read it. You’ll feel better instantly.

Edit who you follow on social media. If they don’t make you feel good and bring you joy, they gotta go. No matter how hard-working, inspiring, or cool they are.

20. Listen to podcasts & audiobooks

Choose a topic which really interests you (NOT something you feel you should know more about!) and find a new podcast to listen to for a while. Alternatively, listen to an audiobook version of those paper or eReader books you’ve been wanting to read.