Self care has become a buzzword of sorts in recent years… but that doesn’t mean that self care activities aren’t a crucial piece of behavioral and mental health care! Why is self-care important? Self care activities and practices can help you maintain your holistic health and wellness – from spiritual to emotional to mental and even physical health, self care takes many different forms.
Looking for some self care tips to kickstart your season of wellness? Check out these top self care ideas to put your health and wellbeing first this spring…
Self Care Tips and Activities for Overall Wellness
Here are our top 75 (plus a bonus!) self care ideas and self care activities that you can try out this spring!
Enjoy a relaxing bath.
Light a candle in your favorite scent.
Take a walk outside and soak up some Vitamin D from the sun. (Tip: Vitamin D can help lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression.)
Cook a tasty meal.
FaceTime an old friend.
Engage in volunteer work to give back to your community.
Play with a pet, if you have one. If you don’t, try volunteering at an animal shelter or taking a friend’s pet out to play.
Start a miniature herb garden that can thrive indoors.
Read a good book.
Watch a movie you’ve always loved.
Try out gratitude journaling.
Listen to calming music.
Seek help from a behavioral health professional.
Listen to an uplifting and engaging podcast.
Break a sweat with some exercise. (Tip: Exercise has been shown to improve mental health by improving mood, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing self-image.)
Connect with your spirituality through prayer or quiet reflection.
Explore a new hobby.
Make art… even if you’re not an artist!
Meditate for ten minutes.
Treat yourself to a tasty dessert, and enjoy it mindfully.
Buy yourself a small gift.
Take a break from social media.
Dance to your favorite song.
Follow along with a yoga routine video on YouTube.
Plan ahead by setting some SMART goals… and following through on them!
Boost your mood by trying out some positive affirmations.
Plan a social game night with friends or family.
Make a scrapbook that showcases a fun time in your life.
Go to bed early! (Tip: Sleep is crucial for mental wellness, and sleep disturbances can have a major effect on your overall well being, mood, and productivity.)
Cut back on your caffeine consumption.
Enjoy an at-home spa day with a face mask, manicure, and even a self-massage.
Schedule a healthcare appointment that you have been procrastinating.
Put your mind on autopilot and start a jigsaw puzzle.
Browse new reading material at your local library or bookstore.
Organize a closet, drawer, or room in your home.
Hand-write a letter to a friend or family member… and then send it via “snail mail”!
Visit a local museum and soak in some art and culture.
Smile… and then smile again.
Do something that you used to enjoy as a child.
Buy yourself flowers to brighten up your space, or make a flower arrangement by clipping wildflowers outside.
Make a vision board by cutting up magazines and pasting your clippings on a poster.
Enjoy a relaxing baking project, and then share the fruits of your labor with someone you love.
Put on a fancy outfit, even if you’re just staying home.
Go outside at night and look at the constellations – or check out the clouds and try to find shapes and pictures in them.
Write down five things you love about yourself.
Experiment with breathing exercises.
Sign up for an educational class at your local community college.
Curl up under a blanket and watch an episode of your favorite show.
Take a drive – blast some music, roll down the windows, and enjoy life!
Sip on a mug full of flavorful herbal tea.
Sing out loud… in the shower, in the car, while you’re vacuuming, anywhere!
Create a new outfit from clothes in your closet.
Try out an adult coloring book.
Sleep in and treat yourself to a slow, relaxing morning. Bonus points if you go get a donut or coffee!
Explore your town or city by riding a bike.
Research your family history.
Go to the movies.
Look at old pictures and reflect on happy times both past and present.
Remind yourself that you are loved and valued.
Relax underneath a weighted blanket.
Try aroma-therapy by diffusing essential oils.
Drink lots of water! (Tip: The Mayo Clinic recommends about eight cups of water per day, or about 3.7 liters, to be more specific.)
Ask for what you need.
Spend time recharging by yourself.
Don’t be afraid to say no and set boundaries about activities you cannot or do not want to participate in.
Watch a motivational Ted Talk or listen to a podcast that inspires you.
Go out for a date night – whether it is by yourself or with a friend or partner!
Change your sheets.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise – or if you’re not a morning person, opt to observe the sun set instead.
Shake up your morning routine.
Unsubscribe from spam emails and clear out your inbox.
Pick up a cheap plant to add some green to your environment.
Cross an item off your to-do list.
Unfollow negative social media accounts.
Write down five things you are grateful for.
BONUS: Schedule a therapy appointment.
Get the Help You Need at Triumph
Trying out some of these self care ideas is a great start – but remember, self care is an ongoing process that demands effort and consistency. Find the self care activities that work for you, and try to incorporate them into your everyday life on a regular basis.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it is never too early to seek help. If you are looking at behavioral health clinic Baltimore options or seeking med management, our team at Triumph Behavioral Health is here to support you. We’ll work with you to create an individualized wellness plan catered to your unique needs. Get in touch with us today to make your same-week therapy appointment! At Triumph, we care.