30 Ways to Practice Self-Care
These days, it’s rare to go a week or even a few days without hearing about another tragedy on the news. I feel the need to talk about an important subject that I strongly feel is connected to many of these cases: mental health. It’s time that we start working to better ourselves and taking care of our loved ones. Taking small steps can make a big difference in your own life or someone else’s.
If you notice someone is acting a little off, it’s important that you let them know that you care about them. Take the time to talk to them and let them know that you are there to listen. Be patient with them, and encourage them to get help from a professional. Take baby steps and try to find something that you both enjoy doing together.
Self-care has also been a popular topic lately because of how closely it relates to mental health, and is just as important. Many people get so caught up in their everyday lives and spend so much time trying to make others happy that they often neglect their own needs. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of doing this all the time. It’s easy to get so caught up in work or school and forget to get a good night’s rest or even eat three meals a day.
As an introvert, I need to spend time alone to feel recharged, or I easily start feeling worn out and overwhelmed. It’s easy for this to happen so often as a person who is a full-time student, works part-time on the weekends, and spends a significant amount of time during the week doing other various jobs on campus. It’s important to sit back and think about the things that you need in your own life. Do you need time alone? Do you need something to keep you busy? Whatever it may be, be sure to make time for yourself at least once a week. The more often you can do the things that make you happy, the better.
Here’s a list of things that you can do to practice self-care:
1. Listen to your favorite bands or artists.
2. Take a nap.
3. Read a good book.
4. Start keeping a journal.
5. Go for a walk or exercise.
6. Watch a movie or a new show.
7. Go explore a new place.
8. Cross something off your bucket-list.
9. Call up an old friend.
10. Write a letter to someone.
11. Make a list of things that make you happy.
12. Create a playlist for every one of your moods.
13. Make a list of things you love about yourself.
14. Get rid of toxic people in your life.
15. Create a list of things you are thankful for.
16. Meditate or practice breathing techniques.
17. Write down your monthly or yearly goals.
18. Clean up your room or workspace.
19. Find a new hobby.
20. Sit a few moments in silence.
21. Disconnect from technology for a few hours.
22. Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting.
23. Cook your favorite meal or try a new recipe.
24. Take a bath and use a bath bomb.
25. Try a new face mask.
26. Try a new hair style.
27. Go to bed early and wake up early.
28. Light a candle.
29. Cuddle an animal friend.
30. Be present, pay attention to the little things.
Incorporating positive things into your life that you enjoy doing can make all the difference. If you know a friend who’s been feeling down, share this list with them, or do some of these things together. Make it a habit to do these things, and you never know, you could change your own life or someone else’s.
In what ways do you practice self-care?
In this post, I review my progress of my February goals and set new goals for March.