25 Self-care Tips

Self-care is everything. It’s not only how we take care of ourselves, but it’s what enables us to take care of others. Because we are no good to others until we are good to ourselves. 

So here are 25 self-care tips to help you through your day. Pick a number below and try one, repeat what works, try something new, etc. I hope you find the best self-care for you!

1. Breathe. Conscious breath helps us be present. You only need a few deep breaths at a time. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, breathe through your nose if you can, focus on pushing your breath from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and breathe. 
2. Focus on being in the moments you’re in. Being present goes a long way. If you find yourself going into the past or into the future, do something to bring you to the present moment. You could breathe, do some push-ups, run your hands under cold water, etc.
3. Have a routine. Routine helps us not only know what’s next (for the most part), but it assists in boosting endorphins when we consistently engage in endorphin-boosting activities. 
4. Take a shower/bath. Showering releases negative ions that can have a positive effect on your mood, and bathing can help you relax your tired muscles and get into your body.
5. Drink water. While drinking water is always good, it helps you be mindful and stay in the moment. Drinking water helps me reset during times of stress to take a moment to myself. 
6. Eat protein. Protein helps with many things, but it is especially good for the nervous system, so when you notice you need some grounding, eat some protein. 
7. Walk/move your body. Walking also rests your nervous system, and moving in general helps improve your mental health.  
8. Be in nature. There’s something about being in nature that renews my soul, so when you’re feeling down, no matter the weather, step outside and breathe fresh air. Taking a walk outside is even better if you have the time. 
9. Engage with others. This one is tough for me sometimes, especially when I’m rundown, but eventually, I know it’s wise to reach out. To connect. And to communicate with others. 
10. Talk to a therapist. Everyone deserves a good therapist. Someone who will listen without an agenda. Someone who can guide you toward your best self and remind you of who you are when you forget. 
11. Listen to music. Engaging your senses is always good self-care, and you can listen to music while doing other things. When you’re relaxing, brainwave activation music can be helpful. 
12. Play with fidget toys/sensory-engaging toys. It’s always good to engage our senses to help us be present, and sensory-engaging toys can even be used while doing other things. Like working, walking, watching TV, etc. 
13. Look at images that bring you joy. Plain and simple, looking at something that makes you smile can be a useful self-care activity. So can smiling. I usually scroll through pictures of my daughter. 
14. Smell the roses, literally. Again, engaging your senses is great for self-care.
15. Journal. Journaling engages your interoceptive sense by helping you assess how you feel. You can journal on your phone, on a scrap sheet of paper or in a notebook. The idea is to write what comes up without judgement and leave it on the page. 
16. Read. Reading strengthens brain connectivity and reduces stress. 
17. Practice a hobby. Having a hobby that helps you relax is what self-care is all about. So take the yoga class, garden, play basketball, etc. and be sure to practice whatever hobby brings you joy. 
18. Set goals. Setting goals and accomplishing them, even small ones, helps build your self-esteem. Believing in ourselves is such an important part of self-care. 
19. Use a calendar/planner. Knowing what’s coming next helps alleviate anxiety. Obviously, we can’t plan everything, but knowing what comes next will boost your mood. 
20. Allow yourself enough time to accomplish tasks. This helps prevent you from feeling anxiety and from feeling overwhelmed. 
21. Reflect at the end of your day. Journal or think about your day. Determine what went well and what didn’t. And let it all go. 
22. Find something (a plant, a pet) to care for in addition to yourself. If you are ready for the responsibility, caring for something besides yourself can be very rewarding. 
23. Choose joy. We all have things we don’t like doing, but we can find the joy in even the smallest task if we are open to receiving it.
24. Say no to what you don’t want. Plain and simple. Be kind, but say no. And hold your boundary. 
25. Articulate what you do want. This is perhaps the biggest one. Let people know what you need. Let the Universe know what you want. For you deserve to have everything you desire. 

Whatever types of self-care work for you, make them a part of every day. Take care of yourself. You are so worth it.

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Photo by Madison Inouye