63 Self Care Ideas to Get You Started

If you read my previous article, Beginners Guide To Self Care, you’ll know that while yes, taking a long hot bubble bath can be immensely relaxing (as long as you have a lock on the door, sleeping children or an empty house!) there is a lot more to self care than just chilling out. But sometimes it can be hard to come up with self care ideas on the spot.

Disclaimer: This Post Contains Affiliate links. What that means for you is that when you follow my link and purchase from the website, I’ll be paid a small commission, at no cost to you.

We more often than not neglect ourselves while tentatively caring for those around us. What we need can wait. Until later. Until tomorrow. Until… god knows when! This more often ends in the same result; a feeling of dull monotony of life swallowing us up. Chores, children, errands, organisation. Round and round it goes until we either break down or give up.

Its time to stop the cycle. And if you’re not sure how, thats where I come in. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite Self Care Ideas, rituals, habits – whatever you want to call them! Some might not be for you. Some you can use as a guide. Some may be just what you need. Use them as a guide and as inspiration to start your very own self care journey.

Sit back and have a browse with a cuppa. Everything else can wait til later!

---

1. Go for a hike, or just a slow, mindful walk in nature.
   
2. Play with a pet. If you don’t have a pet, why not go to a local animal sanctuary and play with the animals.
   
3. Try a new sport or exercise class
   
4. Reorganise your space & add some greenery
   
5. Go dancing
   
6. Try yoga
   
7. Make a list; organise your thoughts and declutter your mind
   
8. Have an early night & get plenty of sleep
   
9. Drink more water
   
10. Try out that recipe thats in your pin list
    
11. Get some fresh air
    
12. Have an ultimate pamper night; bubble bath, candles, music, face mask – The works!
    
13. Try aromatherapy
    
14. Breath; take 60 seconds a few times a day to sit and just breath mindfully
    
15. Find a quiet, comfy place and meditate
    
16. Say ‘No’ without an excuse; just because you don’t want to
    
17. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself
    
18. Start a Gratitude Diary
    
19. Get Creative; write, paint, sew, knit, sing – whatever you love to do, do it
    
20. Work on your goals – read My Guide To Successful Goal Setting
    
21. Instead of Criticising yourself, notice those thoughts and turn them into a positive
    
22. Journal your feelings
    
23. Read a book
    
24. Switch off the TV and listen to some music
    
25. Turn off your phone
    
26. Take a Nap
    
27. Help someone out
    
28. Donate some old clothes to charity
    
29. Avoid the toxic people in your life
    
30. Schedule ‘Me Time’. Put it in your diary, or your phone calendar and treat it as importantly as any other appointment
    
31. Go to therapy. Yes it can be scary. No its not as bad as you think, so I’ve been told (more to come soon!)
    
32. Enjoy lunch out by yourself and people watch
    
33. Have a digital detox day
    
34. Create your own ZEN space to escape to
    
35. Call a friend, no matter how long its been
    
36. Spend time with someone you love
    
37. Plan a night out – and get a babysitter!
    
38. Reach out to someone you miss
    
39. Host a game night
    
40. Go window shopping with a friend
    
41. Watch a film at the cinema
    
42. Go for coffee at a cute cafe
    
43. Meditate for 5 minutes
    
44. Cuddle your kids
    
45. Make popcorn at home and watch your favourite movie
    
46. Sleep in
    
47. Have breakfast in bed
    
48. Sing and dance in your kitchen
    
49. Listen to podcasts – Here’s 4 of My Favourites
    
50. Have a picnic
    
51. Go swimming
    
52. Build a sandcastle
    
53. Collect pieces of nature, press them & dry them, then hang them in a clear frame
    
54. Go for a drive somewhere new and stop for lunch
    
55. Feed the ducks
    
56. Sit by the sea in your car on a stormy day and watch the waves
    
57. Be spontaneous and say yes to that thing your really want to do
    
58. Go to the library
    
59. Get a haircut or have a blow-dry
    
60. Have a massage
    
61. Play your favourite game whether its on console, your phone , outside or a board game
    
62. Pray or go to church if you haven’t been in a while. If you’re not religious, why not try going to someone different – a synagogue, mosque or other religious place and just experience the ambiance.
    
63. Visit a museum or gallery

Remember self care can be anything and everything you need it to be. There’s no wrong way. There’s no ‘right way’. What might specifically work for you might bore someone else to tears. The key thing is that you are taking the time to treat yourself kindly. To do more and be more than just a dishwasher and errand runner. You deserve time to yourself. You deserve to do the things you love.

I hope you’ve been inspired by this article. What will you be trying from the list? Let me know in the comments.