25 Self-Care Ideas to Help Improve your Mental Health

No matter who you are, everyone needs time alone to recharge their batteries and to feel renewed in mind, body and spirit!

 

Life keeps you busy, day in and day out. There will always be a plethora of things to get  done and new things to learn. It’s a never ending cycle, really, and a beautiful one at that!

However, learning to take time for yourself is not only fun and relaxing, it’s also essential for your well being and for your peace of mind.

It may not come natural to you or you may think, I don’t have time for that. Well, you must make time for it and you will thank yourself later! As a mother of three, I understand that getting time alone is hard enough as it is, and to even think about creating “alone time” for myself can be quite laughable at times!

Whether you have newborns, toddlers, school aged children or work 60 hours a week. Making time for yourself is possible and can be quite easy when you start simple.

Time alone and caring for yourself does not have to be an extravagant expenditure. On the contrary, it’s easy and very affordable, if not completely free.

 

I have put together a list of 25 Self-Care Ideas that are simple and effective!

Try it for yourself and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite self-care tip is!

 

1.) Start Your Day In Solitude

Whether you’re an early riser or you’re like me and find it hard to part with your pillow in the morning. Getting an early start on your day provides you the opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet while you gather your thoughts for the day, and dare I say enjoy an entire cup of hot coffee in the process!

2.) Play With Makeup

You will feel more motivated to get up and enjoy your day when you feel great about yourself. And if you’re not into makeup, that’s okay, too! Invest in a great skin care routine!

3.) Have Some Coffee/Tea

Or whatever your favorite beverage of choice is, treat yourself to it!

4.) Take A Bath

There is just something so exquisitely calming about a hot aromatherapy bubble bath… It really calms your mind and body leaving you feeling like a new person when you step out!

5.) Give Yourself A Mani/Pedi 

Or treat yourself to one. It’s your choice! A fresh new update to your appearance is sure to boost your mood!

6.) Write In Your Journal

By writing your thoughts and goals down, it allows you the chance to better organize and prepare. Which, in my world is always a great thing! I’m all for trying anything to help keep me from being scatterbrained!

7.) Light A Candle

There is something about the soothing ambience that a flickering candle brings. Pick your favorite scent and let it fill the room with happiness!

8.) Read A Book

Whether you love reading inspirational books or crime thrillers, getting lost in a good book from time to time is good for the soul.

9.) Music

This is my  personal favorite of them all. Music is my go to for pretty much everything. I am obsessed with meaningful lyrics and the rhythms of a really good song!

10.) Meditate 

Taking time to meditate or just relaxing and focusing on your inner thoughts and emotions can be really beneficial to your health. By focusing on your feelings/emotions you can learn to spot solutions to problems or come up with great ideas. Thus, alleviating stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

11.) Watch Your Favorite Show

Watch a show you love. Whether its one you’ve seen 100 times or twice, it is sure to bring some nostalgia and a smile to your day.

12.) Take A Nap

This one speaks for itself. Taking a nap is great to soothe a tired mind or body.

13.) Silence Your Phone

If this is one you can get away with for a while, then I highly suggest it! Remove yourself from the constant noise of social media updates, never ending emails, and the ever annoying spam phone calls!

14.) Make Your Favorite Meal

Take the time to prepare/buy yourself your favorite dish! A well satisfied meal is a huge plus in a the midst of a busy chaotic day!

15.) Make A List

Lists get a bad rap, but they’re very handy, and plus, they’re super useful when your forgetful mommy brain decides to take over. And to some, making lists is just therapeutic! It’s like categorizing your mind, but on paper! Ha!

16.) Take A Mental Health Day

If you can, take a mental health day and get out of your normal routine and do something you’ve been wanting to do for a while.

17.) Do Yoga/Exercise

Exercise is great for your mind and body! Yes, you might be sore or tired afterwards, but it leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment and self satisfaction.

18.) Treat Yourself

Buy something you like. Starbucks coffee, a panini for lunch, new makeup, a new scented lotion. Whatever it is. Treat yourself! You deserve it!

19.) Explore Somewhere New

Take yourself somewhere you haven’t been before. Experience the thrill of a first time adventure by visiting a local attraction you have yet to see or explore another town or be bold and take a mini road trip. Just pick a place and GO!

20.) Eat Healthier

This is a no brainer. Eating a well balanced diet and staying hydrated is key to it all. Having a healthy mind, body and spirit starts with having a healthy gut!

21.) Create A Vision Board

This is fun to some and stressful to others. Make it simple. Your vision board doesn’t have to be in stone. Things change, so go with it and have fun and update it along the way.

22.) Play With Your Pet

There is something so sweet and innocent with playing with your furry friend. Or maybe yours is slimy or has scales. To each their own. My sweet frenchie loves to be rubbed and snuggled. And to be honest she is quite the furry therapist. She listens to me against her will and would sit in my lap for hours. A true furry friend!

23.) New Hairstyle

If you’re feeling bold and adventurous and wanting a change, try a new hairstyle! A trip to the hair salon always puts me in a good mood and my stylist is so good at what she does. Win! Win!

24.) Browse A Museum

I could walk around a museum for hours. I love looking at historic artifacts and reading about history and how people lived long ago. And I love browsing beautiful art! A trip to my local museum always puts me in a happy creative mood.

25.) Explore Nature

Go for a walk or a bike ride. Sit on a park bench and watch the clouds roll by. Nature is such a beautiful thing and the fresh air blowing through your hair is sure to put you in touch with your calmer side.

 

 

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