90 Ways To Practice Self Care

Self care is the actions and practices in which we engage with to enhance and protect our health and well-being. Self care is about finding something which you can carry out on a regular basis to reduce stress and help you relax and unwind from the daily pressures of life. There are countless ways to introduce self care into your life which can be looked at through the five different dimensions of self-care.

The five dimensions of self care

The five dimensions of self care include physical, emotional, mental spiritual and social. By introducing self care ideas from each dimension you will be nourishing every aspect of your life. Let’s take a closer look into these five aspects of self care and examples of each one.

Physical

Physical self care is simply anything related to your body. Do you exercise regularly? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating enough nourishing and healthy food? How do your muscles feel, do you need to stretch or have a massage? How about our wardrobe, are you wearing clothes which make you feel confident and comfortable?

1. Stretch
2. Go for a run
3. Go for a swim
4. Get a body massage
5. Go to a workout class
6. Reduce alcohol intake
7. Wear comfortable clothes
8. Get a pedicure/manicure
9. Make a healthy diet change
10. Sing like no one’s listening
11. Try a new workout at home
    
12. Dance like no one’s watching
13. Eat nourishing/healthy foods
14. Go for a walk without your phone
    
15. Take a long warm bath or shower
16. Relax and unwind with essential oils
17. Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine
18. Relax in a spa and book a treatment or two!
19. Retail therapy (brighten up your wardrobe)
20. Get some sun, if possible! (avoid sunbeds and wear SPF)

Emotional

Emotional self care is being aware of and nurturing your feelings. How does your schedule look, are you taking on too much work? Do you spend too much time around negative influences? When was the last time you did something you loved?

1. Journaling
2. See a therapist
3. Laugh out loud
4. Listen to music
5. Have a media detox
6. Start saying “no” more
7. Create a gratitude list
8. Watch a film you love
9. Simplify your schedule
10. Make sometime for yourself
11. Write a letter to your older self
12. Write a letter to your younger self
13. Everyday find five beautiful things
14. Forgive others and forgive yourself
15. Smile more (even to yourself in a mirror)
16. De-clutter your house/bedroom/car/office
17. Create a photo album of your cherished memories
18. Write down the things you love about yourself (10 minimum!)
19. Write or say positive affirmations (try creating affirmation cards)
20. Shield yourself from negativity (unfriend negative influences on social media)

Mental

Mental self care is finding something which encourages intellectual and creative stimulation. The activities resemble those which we did as children, such as drawing, writing and designing. How much do you use your imagination? Are you depriving your inner child from such activities?

1. Puzzles
2. Drawing
3. Reading
4. Knitting
5. Gardening
6. Building/DIY
7. Write a “to-do” list
8. Take photographs
9. Take or teach a class
10. Create a dream board
11. Learn a new language
12. Going on a nature walk
13. Join or start a book club
14. Design/create something
15. Create a morning routine
16. Create a night time routine
17. Do something out of your comfort zone
18. Colouring
19. Write a bucket list (what do you want to accomplish?)
20. Write a reserve bucket list (what have you accomplished so far)

Spiritual

Spiritual self care is your relationship and recognition with something much bigger than yourself. Generally it’s thought to be the same as religious and spiritual beliefs yet this is just one way of practising and expressing spiritual self care.

1. Pray
2. Yoga
3. Meditation
4. Volunteering
5. Giving to charity
6. Light scented candles
7. Going on a nature walk
8. Helping those less fortunate
9. Attending a religious service
10. Contemplate (review/question an event with your mind and heart)

Social

Social self care is your engagement with other people. Everyone needs social interaction, no matter how much of an introvert you are. It’s about finding the amount of connection which is right for you. Do you feel bad for not seeing your friends more often? Do you crave some quality time with a relative?

1. Family day out
2. Go to the cinema
3. Plan a dinner date
4. Connect with a friend
5. Call a friend or relative
6. Visit your grandparents
7. Tell someone you love them
8. Spend time with your family
9. Give someone a compliment
10. Hug someone you care about
11. Have a picnic with friends/family
12. Spend quality time with your love
13. Spend quality time with a parents
14. Re-establish contact with an old friend
15. Join a friend at a workout class or for a run
16. Lunch with a colleague on your work break
17. Working at a coffee shop instead of at home
18. Tell someone what you appreciate about them
19. Have a girly night in (pamper, takeaway, chick flicks, perfect!)
20. Send a care package to someone (who doesn’t love random surprises?)

What are your favourite self-care ideas? Comment below!