When I feel sad, that’s when I need the most self-care. The only problem is when I feel sad, I can’t come up with things to do for self-care. That’s the point of this blog! This blog has 30 ideas that you can save. You can listen to a podcast version of this here and grab the free download at the bottom of this blog!
Write post-it notes with positive affirmations and hang them around your room. This is all about shifting your mindset. By starting my day with these positive statements I’m more likely to head into work in a happy mood and have a better day.
Take a walk without a destination. I love letting Buster lead me-and if you don’t have a dog try visiting an animal shelter and volunteering to walk a dog. That’s a great way to help a dog in need and get some fresh air!
I love to take a hot bath. I add oils and tons of bubbles. I personally love to watch makeup videos or vlogs on Youtube. I will paint my nails and have a treat. It’s the perfect way to relax and rewind.
Write in a journal. I like to use guided journals but I also like to just write whatever comes into my head. It might be ideas I have, reflections on experiences, dreams for the future or something that’s making me upset. By getting everything in my head out on paper I can help clear my mind.
List the things that you’re grateful for. I actually do this every single day, but even just sitting down when you are feeling down this can help you feel encouraged to appreciate what you have in your life.
List the things that you like about yourself. Use this to tie back into the first suggestion. Make that list and then transfer them to post-it notes and hang them around your house.
Create something. This can be creating artwork to hang in your house. Maybe you want to write a poem, cook a meal or build something for your house. It can be functional, like making a dinner you will eat or it can be just for fun, like painting a picture of your dog that you will never hang. It’s just about using your creative energy to produce something.
Treat yourself. We all struggle to eat healthily and make money-conscious decisions. This one time, treat yourself. Eat that chocolate cake. Buy that purse. Do something for you.
Meditate. I have heard a lot about how meditation can help you feel calmer and more peaceful. I’ve been exploring these apps.
Stretch. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood but if you don’t like to exercise or can’t get yourself to do it, even just stretching can help. Here is a free video you can follow along with.
Reach out to a friend. Call or text them to quickly reconnect and strengthen the friendship.
Take deep breathes. Deep breaths help me cope with my anxiety. When I’m feeling anxious, however, I don’t do a good job practicing the deep breaths. By practicing them when I’m feeling calm, I will do a better job at applying them when I need them.
Light a candle or use essential oils. Find scents you love and enjoy them. I have a container of candles that I have accumulated that match different moods I am in. I can choose a calming scent, a tropical scent or a seasonal scent.
Do a face mask. Ulta has some pretty expensive face masks. Buy one and save it for a special day. When you finally open it, just indulge in the moment.
Listen to music and make playlists. Make your workout playlist. Make your nostalgia playlist from high school. Make your relaxation playlist. By having these curated playlists ready to go you can more easily use them when you need them.
Watch your all-time favorites movie. Pop a big bowl of popcorn and grab candy. Even if you have to rent it from Amazon, treat yourself to an at-home movie night with all of your favorites!
Play! Adults often forget to play. Play a video game, play a board game, play round of basketball. Just plat something fun!
Eat whatever food you love. What is your favorite thing to eat? Have that for dinner! What is your favorite drink? Savor it!
Make sure your health is in order. Look at finally making an appointment to go to the dentist or get your eyes checked again, Maybe research vitamins you can take. Do things now to make tomorrow better.
Give to someone in need. Donating your time or your stuff or your money to someone less fortunate makes you feel good and puts your problems into perspective.
Dance. Think Grey’s Anatomy dance sessions. Blast music and dance your heart out.
Learn a new hair or makeup technique. I really struggle to braid my hair and I can’t use liquid eyeliner. Learning a skill like this can be a great way to relax and zone out while doing something fun.
Surround yourself with photos of the people you love so you see them every day. Take those photos on your phone and get them printed!
Declutter. This is a Marie Kondo vibe but get rid of the things you don’t need. Clean out and organize that junk drawer. Get rid of books you won’t read or food that is expired in your pantry. Getting something organized can help you feel more calm and grounded.
Find your passion. Are you really into art? Cooking or baking? Are you a sports person? If you love cooking get a cookbook you can learn from. If you are into Art get some paints and a canvas. If you love sports find a local rec league to join. Find what you’re passionate about and make that a regular part of your life.
Invest in really nice something. Go out and buy yourself a really nice pair of jeans or a beautiful necklace. Upgrade your phone or laptop. Don’t go into debt here, but make a finically sound investment for yourself.
Sing loudly. Sing in the shower, sing in the car. Don’t worry if you suck at singing. Just go for it!
Make a “to” list. Make a list of the books you want to read or the TV shows you want to watch or the movies you want to rent. Have these lists ready so the next time you don’t know what to read or to watch, you have a list to pick from.
Go offline for a little bit. Turn off your cell phone or put it on airplane mode. Listen to this podcast for more tips.
Make your home a haven. If your home is not somewhere you want to be, what can you change to make it better? Redesign your living room, making a quiet corner in your bedroom or add new throw pillows to your couch.
Click on the picture above to grab the PDF!