The Ultimate List of Self Care Ideas and Tips
When people talk about self care, do you think to yourself – Wow, that sounds great, but I have no idea where to begin?
Well, wonder no more. You have stumbled upon a wonderful resource for self care ideas and tips that can be implemented anytime you desire.
No matter whether you have zero dollars, 5 dollars or 500 dollars – this list has something here for everyone. This list will be especially helpful for women and Moms everywhere who want to better at taking time for themselves, but don’t have the time to research where to start.
Pampering Self Care Ideas
When your world begins to feel hard, dull and gray, you could probably benefit from these ideas designed to bring you rest, relaxation and help to restore your sense of self.
Day of rest – plan a day where you have nowhere you have to be
Pamper yourself with the perfect bath – you can find the ingredients for one here at Pamper Yourself With the Perfect Bath
Treat your body well – get a massage
Indulge yourself in a small way – buy something you wouldn’t normally (a special magazine or book you have been eyeing maybe?). Amazon has some titles that start at $5.00/year.
Get a manicure or pedicure and pick your favorite color of polish
Buy yourself the comfiest pair of PJ’s you can find
Go to a store that sells candles and pick your favorite scent. When you get home, light it and use it.
Find something you have been saving for a rainy day – and use it as well. No time like the present to wear whatever it is. (Dress, lingerie, perfume, etc.)
Buy or pick yourself a bouquet of flowers just because you deserve it
More Active Ideas for Self Care
Your body needs periods of rest as well as activity. Being able to choose something you want to do or are curious about learning more about is a key element of taking good care of you.
Whatever you decide to do, remember your intention to be nice to yourself and pick something you are excited about!
Do something in nature – go for a walk, watch the sun rise or set. For more on this idea, check out LSC’s “Being in Nature, Away from the Things of Man”.
Start a project you have been wanting to do – clean out a closet anyone?
Whatever season you are in, immerse yourself in what is happening now – Fall – apple picking, fall leaves and pumpkins, Winter – sledding or ice skating, Spring – spring flowers and dancing in the rain, Summer – picnics and barbecues
Take up gardening – even if it is a small pot for herbs, grow something you can enjoy or eat
Visit a park and ride the swings like when you were a kid
Do something physical that is also fun – take dance lessons, go roller skating or ice skating depending on the weather, etc.
Try a new hobby – watercolors, photography, writing, performing music, cooking, baking, etc.
Stream a yoga class and try it out from the comfort of your own home. New to yoga? See “How to Begin a Simple and Easy Yoga Practice for Stress Relief”.
Be Social and Spend Time with Others as a Part of Self Care
An important part of self care is being with others too. We all have our social needs that need to be fulfilled (it probably took a pandemic to know just how much we need that contact).
Fill two self care buckets at the same time by setting a date with someone special.
Call a friend or someone you haven’t talked to in a while
Put on a fashion show – Bring a friend and try on fancy dresses at a department store
Visit a winery – try different wines with your friends
Curl up with your favorite people and watch a movie together with popcorn and all the fixings
Go on a date with your spouse, partner or significant other. For more on the importance of continuing to date your spouse/partner/etc., there is “Why You Need to Invest in Date Time”.
Venture Out into the World with these Ideas
Some days you just need to get out into the world. See if any of these ideas for self care strike a chord with you and plan a mini trip today.
Spend time with animals – if you don’t have any pets, go to the zoo or a humane shelter
Visit a local boutique and look at your leisure
Get some culture– visit a museum in person or online. You can venture out virtually by accessing Travel and Leisure’s “12 Museums from Around the World with Virtual Tours”.
Go experience some live music from a local band, symphony, or jazz club
Sing your favorite songs in the car with the sound turned way up
Go to the library and find a new book series or author in your favorite genre (mystery, romance, fiction, etc.) Stuck for ideas for a new book series? Check out this one if you like mysteries and female spies.
Schedule a makeover at Ulta or your favorite department store. You don’t have to buy anything, but if you find something you love, get it.
Lounge by a swimming pool for a day with your favorite drink, picnic lunch, and books or magazines you want to read
Look in a thrift shop or antique store for something you think is beautiful. It could be a vase, a painting, a lamp, an album cover – it doesn’t matter as long as you like it. Display it somewhere you get to see it daily.
Travel to a place you have been longing to go to (even – especially – if it is close to home).
Make Your Home a Refuge with these Ideas
Your home should be your retreat away from the world. Use some of these ideas to make your nest even cozier than it was before, filled with the people and things that bring you joy.
Get rid of things that don’t serve you anymore (clothes that don’t fit, clutter you are sick of looking at, etc.)
Redecorate a part of your home that needs it – paint a wall a new color, find the perfect rug, replace a worn-out blanket with something soft and cuddly
Listen to music that you love and change your mood as needed. It is hard to feel blue when you are dancing to music.
Throw out and replace anything with holes in it – socks, shoes, jeans, shorts, tops, etc. You deserve better.
Find the humor in everyday situations – if that is hard for you, look online for your favorite comediennes or funny TV shows
Exercise your brain with puzzles – either online or old school with a 500 piece one
Be prepared – be well stocked in cards, wrapping paper, small gifts, back ups for everyday items you will use, canned goods, etc. Save yourself the trip back out to the store and think ahead. Here is one example – Hallmark Pack of 24 Handmade Assorted Boxed Greeting Cards
Watch your favorite movies from when you were a kid (Disney movies are classics for a reason)
Fix your favorite comfort food meal for dinner for you and anyone you want to invite, use your nice dishes, play background music, and light some candles
Buy yourself the best, softest sheets you can afford
Listen to your favorite podcast
Some Things to Do and Not Do as a Form of Self Care
The last set of ideas for self care have to do with actions you can take (or not), depending on what you feel like. Self care is fundamentally about listening to yourself and deciding what makes you happy.
Revisit a past love – reread your favorite book, eat at your favorite restaurant, rewatch a movie you love
Pick your battles – decide sometimes to just not engage and save your energy for another day
Have a self-care Sunday where you spend the day pampering yourself with a facial mask, luxurious bubble bath, cozy clothes, sleeping in, etc. Here are “25 Amazing Self Care Products” to try while pampering yourself!
Only share your heart with people who deserve to know the real you
Decide to be happy today and find the good in things
Relive your childhood – do something you used to love as a kid
Say no as often as you need to do so – you don’t have to do everything for everyone
Just breathe and be who you are (which is perfect by the way)
Which Self Care Tips Will You Try?
Now that we have reached the end of these 50 self care ideas, what did we miss? What would you add that we forgot? Leave a note in the comments if you think of something.
Also, please note everyone’s list will be as different and unique as you are. These ideas are just to get the ball rolling.
Have fun and come up with your own list (and then refer to it – and actually do the items on it) and do it often.
Join the FREE “Self-Care Challenge”! It is 7 days, straight to your in-box of great ideas to have on hand whenever you need it.
Self Care Tips Related Content:
Calm vs Headspace App – Which is Right for You?
Momcations can Help with Mom Burnout
7 Self-Care Areas for Women You Need to Know
Why is Self-Care so Important?
25 Sure Fire Ways to Recharge Your Batteries
How to Have Fun Again when You Forget How
Self Love isn’t Selfish It’s Important
Did you enjoy this article? If so, please share on Pinterest. Thank you!
While you are here, make sure you grab your copy of the "Self-Care Mini-Guide" to help you figure out how to add self-care to your daily life. Just click the link Loveselfcare Self-Care Mini-Guide to download your guide!