If you take the time to look, you will find a million ideas for self care. By definition self care is "the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's health, wellbeing and happiness". -Webster's Dictionary.
Essentially, self care is anything you enjoy doing that takes your mind away from your stress. Below is a list of a few very common self care ideas to give you a beginner's list. There are many more forms of self care than the activities listed here, but I wanted to include some of my favourites, or those that I know work for me.
Self Care Activities to Soothe your mind:
Read a book or magazine
Go for a walk, explore a new part of your neighborhood
Try meditation or yoga
Enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee if it is before evening
Take a long warm bath or shower
Go see/watch a new movie or one of your favourites
Spend time with a loved one
Practice a mindfullness activity, even just deep breathing
Write. About your feelings, about a creative fiction story, just write
Try another creative outlet; painting, drawing, or maybe sewing
Declutter an area of your home
Listen to music, loudly, dance too
Write down things you are thankful for and that inspire you
Let yourself cry occasionally if you need to, only for a short time
Head to your favourite spot in town to watch the sunset/sunrise
Treat yourself to your favourite comfort food, and don't feel guilty
Watch some trashy, shameful reality TV, trust me it helps
Plan a night out (or in) with your favourite people
Skip your chores for a day and just relax
Head to the gym (or your living room with a Youtube video) and sweat out the stress
Cook or bake something you enjoy, try something new
Do a puzzle or crossword
Purge your closet
Take a 20/30 minute nap to recharge- but don't let that trap you in bed all day
Take a few hours, or a day if you'd like away from social media
Do something nice for someone without them knowing (buy the person behind you in the drive-thru's coffee)
Watch a TED Talk on a topic you've been wanting to learn more about
Call someone you haven't spoken to in a while
Look through old photos; focus on positive memories
Cross something off your bucket list (or make plans to)
Volunteer your time to something you believe in
Just be gentle with yourself, and remember everything will be okay. Stay safe and take great care.
Shaelyn