Self-care isn’t just about occasional pampering; it’s a daily habit. It’s not just about luxurious bubble baths, but about asking yourself each day, “What do I need right now?” and then acting on it. Here are some ideas to help you manage stress while staying at home.
Understanding Your Needs
Self-care means honoring your needs. Sometimes, it takes practice to know what they are. Ask yourself:
- What does my body need right now?
- Sometimes, your body needs movement, like yoga or a run.
- Other times, it needs rest, like more sleep.
- Is my mental health needing something?
- Your mind might need stimulation, like learning a new skill.
- Or it might need a break, like watching mindless TV.
- How can I support my emotions right now?
- You might need to sit quietly with your feelings.
- Or release them by cleaning or talking to a friend.
- Is my spirit or soul craving something?
- Your spirit might need some peace, like meditation.
- Or it might need joy, like engaging in a hobby.
Self-Care at Home
One way to practice self-care at home is by caring for your space and belongings. A clean, decluttered home can boost your energy and mood.
- Keep your home clean:
- Even small tasks like making your bed can give a sense of accomplishment.
- Take care of your physical appearance:
- Dress nicely, even if you’re home all day.
- Do it for yourself, not out of obligation.
- Practice visualization:
- While showering, imagine the water washing away your stress.
60 Self-Care Ideas
These ideas can help you fulfill your needs. Choose what resonates with you.
Relaxing Activities
- Cook a new meal:
- Try a recipe you’ve never made before.
- Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious results.
- Watch a childhood favorite movie:
- Relive happy memories and enjoy some nostalgia.
- Create a Pinterest vision board:
- Visualize your goals and dreams.
- Spend time finding images that inspire you.
- Do a guided meditation:
- Follow along with a video or app.
- Find a quiet place to sit and focus.
- Watch a Netflix series:
- Pick a series you’ve been wanting to watch.
- Allow yourself to relax and enjoy it.
- Call a loved one:
- Have a meaningful conversation.
- Catch up and share stories.
- Write a letter to your future self:
- Reflect on your current feelings and goals.
- Seal it and open it in a year.
- Play a video game:
- Choose a game that you find fun and engaging.
- Enjoy some light-hearted entertainment.
- Do a DIY face mask:
- Find a recipe online and pamper yourself.
- Enjoy the relaxation and skin benefits.
- Learn a new skill on YouTube:
- Pick something you’ve always wanted to try.
- Follow tutorials and practice.
- Lay in bed all morning:
- Give yourself permission to rest.
- Enjoy the comfort of your bed.
- Write down affirmations:
- Create positive statements about yourself.
- Read them daily to boost your confidence.
- Make a fancy drink or cocktail:
- Try out a new drink recipe.
- Enjoy the process and the taste.
- Do an at-home workout:
- Follow an online workout video.
- Get your body moving and energized.
- Try a breathing exercise:
- Practice deep breathing techniques.
- Use them to reduce stress and calm your mind.
- Watch a webinar or virtual workshop:
- Learn something new from experts.
- Engage with the content and take notes.
- Practice a walking meditation:
- Walk slowly and mindfully.
- Focus on your breath and surroundings.
- Draw or color something:
- Use coloring books or draw freehand.
- Enjoy the creative process.
- Watch silly videos on YouTube:
- Find funny clips to make you laugh.
- Enjoy the light-hearted entertainment.
- Connect in a Facebook group:
- Join a group that interests you.
- Participate in discussions and share your thoughts.
- Spend 10 minutes giving compliments on Instagram:
- Spread positivity by complimenting others.
- Enjoy making someone’s day brighter.
- Give yourself a foot massage:
- Use lotion or oil and massage your feet.
- Relax and enjoy the sensation.
- Call an older relative:
- Ask them about their life stories.
- Enjoy the connection and learn from their experiences.
- Read a book:
- Choose a book you’ve been wanting to read.
- Get lost in the story and enjoy some quiet time.
- Practice creative writing:
- Write poetry, short stories, or journal entries.
- Express your thoughts and feelings creatively.
- Explore exotic massage techniques:
- Research and try out different self-massage methods.
- Enjoy the relaxation and relief they provide.
- Clean out your wardrobe:
- Sort through your clothes and declutter.
- Donate items you no longer need.
- Write in your journal:
- Reflect on your day and your thoughts.
- Use journaling as a way to process emotions.
- Take a long nap:
- Allow yourself to rest and recharge.
- Enjoy the benefits of a good nap.
- Unfollow accounts you don’t vibe with:
- Clean up your social media feed.
- Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you.
- Sing and dance to your favorite songs:
- Grab a hairbrush and have fun.
- Enjoy the music and let loose.
- Write and send a thank you card:
- Show appreciation to someone special.
- Enjoy the act of gratitude.
- Make lists:
- List things that make you happy or your favorite activities.
- Reflect on these lists and feel positive.
- Play games with friends on Zoom:
- Use apps like HeadsUp to play virtually.
- Have fun and stay connected.
- Listen to a new podcast:
- Find a podcast on a topic that interests you.
- Learn something new while you relax.
- Clear out your email inbox:
- Organize and delete unnecessary emails.
- Enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
- Get dressed up for no reason:
- Put on an outfit you love.
- Feel confident and happy.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset:
- Take a moment to appreciate nature.
- Enjoy the beauty of the moment.
- Spend a few minutes in mindfulness:
- Practice being present and aware.
- Use mindfulness to reduce stress.
- Make a dessert and enjoy it:
- Bake or prepare a sweet treat.
- Savor the process and the taste.
- Make a list of things you’re grateful for:
- Reflect on the positive aspects of your life.
- Use this list to boost your mood.
- Order in food and do nothing all evening:
- Treat yourself to a night off from cooking.
- Relax and enjoy your meal.
- Sit in the sun:
- Spend time outside and soak up some vitamin D.
- Enjoy the warmth and light.
- Write yourself a nice message on the mirror:
- Use a dry-erase marker to leave positive notes.
- Read them daily to boost your confidence.
- Try a new craft:
- Explore a new hobby like knitting or painting.
- Enjoy the process of creating something new.
- Explore who you are:
- Reflect on your interests and passions.
- Use this self-discovery to guide your activities.
- Do a gentle yoga class:
- Follow an online class for relaxation.
- Stretch and calm your body.
- Say “no” to something:
- Practice setting boundaries.
- Feel empowered by prioritizing your needs.
- Practice forgiveness:
- Let go of past grievances.
- Experience the relief that comes with forgiveness.
- Pull together a compliment stash:
- Collect compliments you receive.
- Look at them when you need a confidence boost.
- Re-arrange something in your home:
- Change the layout of a room.
- Enjoy the fresh, new feel.
- Take some fun selfies:
- Play with different angles and expressions.
- Enjoy capturing your happy moments.
- Write a love letter to yourself:
- Express self-love and appreciation.
- Read it whenever you need a reminder.
- Pull tarot or oracle cards:
- Use the cards for guidance and reflection.
- Enjoy the insights they provide.
- Do something you enjoyed as a kid:
- Rediscover a childhood hobby.
- Enjoy the nostalgia and fun.
- Do an online museum tour:
- Explore famous museums virtually.
- Learn and enjoy the art and history.
- Add scent to your space:
- Use candles, incense, or essential oils.
- Create a calming and pleasant atmosphere.
- Create a texting support group:
- Connect with friends for regular check-ins.
- Support and encourage each other.
- Do whatever the hell you want:
- Listen to your needs and desires.
- Enjoy the freedom to choose your activities.
Remember, self-care is about listening to
