For the past few years, self care has become a buzzword among younger generations who are prioritizing their well-being over relationships and careers. People are finally putting themselves first, and I’m all for it. I’ve curated a comprehensive list of 100 self care ideas that will get you started on your personal wellness journey today!
What are some good self-care ideas?
I’ve categorized 100 self care ideas you can conduct at home, during your leisure, at school, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and a few fun self-care ideas you can incorporate into recreational activities, too.
Self-care ideas for stress
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed is no fun. Anytime I’m feeling the pressure of life taking over my mental and physical health, I take a step back from my daily responsibilities to recenter myself and re-evaluate my why.
Most of the things we allow to stress us out aren’t worth the mental anguish, restlessness, and anxiety we put our bodies through. Stress is one of the most common underlying causes for obesity, mental health issues, and chronic diseases.
Therefore, engaging in self-care activities that reduce stress regularly is important for leading a healthier lifestyle.
- Read a cozy mystery or sci-fi fantasy book
- Disconnect from screens and technology
- Prepare a nourishing meal
- Practice a hobby that you love
- Call or hang out with a close friend
- Respond to 1-2 journaling prompts
- Take a nap
- Complete a breathing exercise
- Trade the sweet snacks in for fruit
- Surround yourself with nature at a park, forest, or beach
- Get creative! – Crochet, color, dance, make music, or produce artwork
- Visit a local coffee shop to relax
- Get a massage
- Drink a warm beverage – coffee or herbal tea
- Engage in self-discovery, visit a place you’ve never been before (a new neighborhood, museum exhibit, or weekend trip)
- Watch your favorite movie
- Browse an old photo album
- Listen to soft, relaxing music
- Jot down your personal goals
- Buy a new plant or flower arrangement
- Do a 15-minute stretch or exercise routine
- Practice self-compassion
- Write out your wins for the day
- Daydream
- Think of a funny memory from your childhood
- Eat something that you desire without guilt
- Listen to a motivational podcast or audiobook
- Give yourself a gift
- Volunteer to help someone else
- Take some alone time for an hour to sit with your thoughts
Self-care ideas at work
Jobs can often be the catalyst to the frequent change in our moods. Has your morning ever been off to a great start and then you experience an unpleasant encounter or exchange with a coworker or manager that dampens your day?
It’s okay, we’ve all been there. More times than I care to count, personally. Out of the 100 self care ideas I will share, engaging in self care while working in a stress inducing environment is at the top of my list.
Here’s a self-care idea list you can post on your wall at work or at home to remind you to take space, control your time, and to not deplete yourself at the expense of your livelihood.
- Slow down your morning routine, don’t rush
- Use a journal to write 5 things you are grateful for and why
- Reduce visual clutter in your living and work spaces to feel better
- Recite positive affirmations before you start the work day
- Work in sprints
- Select 3-5 daily priorities
- Don’t let anyone alter your mood
- Listen to an upbeat playlist
- Smile, even if you don’t feel like it
- Explore a new cafe or restaurant on your lunch break
- Drink a gallon of water each day
- Take frequent 5-minute self care breaks
- Don’t respond impulsively to trigger emails
- Create a weekly schedule
- Set boundaries around your availability
- Only take personal calls for emergencies
- Follow an evening routine
- Engage in mindful eating
- Overthink nothing, meditate
- Reward yourself for your output
- Allow room for mistakes
- Embrace imperfection
- Check in with your colleagues for small chat
- Find a funny joke, video, or meme and share it with a friend
- Go out for some fresh air
- Leave work on time
- Don’t work through your lunch break
- Refrain from responding to emails at night
- Put your family’s needs first, always
- Flip through an e-book or magazine
Self-care ideas at home
Your home should be a haven. A safe place you can retreat to after a long, hectic day at school or work; a place free from chaos that’s warm and inviting. When people think of 100 self care ideas, some of the easiest things they can do right at home don’t come to mind.
Self-care doesn’t always have to be an elaborate experience or expensive service that we treat ourselves to every blue moon.
There are easy ways to take part in self-care right in the comfort of your own home.
- Play with your pet (if you have one)
- Invite company over for dinner or brunch
- Start a garden in your backyard
- Try a new baking recipe
- Binge watch your favorite television show
- Go on a solo date at home
- Declutter and organize your wardrobe
- Hygge for half an hour
- Cuddle with your kiddos or significant other
- Play a board game with a friend
- Go to bed earlier
- Make a picture collage of your life goals
- Take a virtual yoga class
- Participate in a brain dump activity
- Perform a 15-minute cardio exercise right before bed
- Tidy up your home
- Go online shopping
- Participate in bible study
- Do some arts and crafts
- Video a chat with a loved one
Beauty self-care ideas
What is a list of 100 self care ideas without beauty and skincare routines? Beauty is one of my favorite forms of self care. Pampering is my go-to when I want to focus on myself and no one else.
Some of my favorite beauty self-care ideas are below!
- Detox in a sauna
- Paint your nails
- Get a facial
- Enjoy a body massage
- Schedule a hair appointment at the beauty salon
- Take a self-care bath
- Hot yoga
- Plan a spa day
- Relax in a jacuzzi
- Get in a few extra hours of beauty sleep at night
Fun self-care ideas for adults
When it comes to scheduling fun activities on your monthly calendar, the options are endless.
Engaging in activities or experiences that make you smile and brighten up your mood can be enough. Developing 100 self care ideas is easy as long as we keep joy in mind.
- Book a solo trip
- Attend a wine tasting
- Take a mountain hike
- Try indoor skydiving or rock climbing
- Ride a bike outside
- Go see a theatrical stage play (ballet, opera, etc.)
- Learn a new cultural dance
- Participate in a cooking class
- Plan a day trip to the beach
- Dine-in at your favorite restaurant
Self-care ideas for students (Bonus!)
Are you currently enrolled in school? Well, students need to prioritize their emotional, mental, and physical health while learning, too!
Juggling multiple courses and long hours of study can be overwhelming. I remember waiting until the last minute to crash study before finals or write an essay the night before it’s due in undergrad. They were some of the most stress-inducing years of my life.
I could have used 100 self care ideas to choose from back then in order to keep my sanity. As a bonus, I’ve shared several unique self-care ideas students can use to make sure they are putting themselves first every semester.
- Dedicate one weekday to self-care
- Attend an on-campus event
- Join a volunteer committee
- Plan your week on Sundays
- Eat healthy snacks
- Don’t party more than twice a week
- Limit alcohol consumption on the weekends
- Create a reading schedule
- Work no more than 20 hours per week
- Exercise before and/or after your classes
What is the first step in self-care?
The first step in self care is identifying what areas of your life need more attention or development. Determine what parts of your life you are neglecting daily.
Are you skipping meals or missing out on hours of sleep?
Do you find yourself less or more productive at certain times of the day?
What’s missing in your life, goal friend?
A lack of self-care can cause an unyielding domino effect. When we don’t address the issues in our life, they manifest in various ways. Weight gain. Depression. Loneliness. A weakened immune system. Stress.
Check-in with yourself daily to make sure that you are doing okay.
What is a self-care checklist?
A self-care checklist is a combination of daily routine tasks and healthy habits that are practiced on a weekly or monthly basis.
Add items from your morning routine to your self-care checklist. Some of them may include drinking a cup of herbal tea, meditation, or writing in a gratitude journal.
Items from your evening routine may include mindful eating, no screens for 1-2 hours, reading, or spending quality time with your loved ones.
Customize your self-care checklist based on your needs and desires. It’s a great way to ensure that you’re taking good care of yourself each day.
Tasks to complete on your daily to-do list should incorporate a handful of self-care ideas. Use the 100 self care ideas list to help you craft a checklist that’s intentional and beneficial to your health, happiness, and well-being.
Self-care checklist example:
- Morning meditation or prayer
- 15-minute stretch
- One journal prompt
- 1-hour reading session
- Daily walk
- 1 gallon of water
- Good deed
- Check-in on a friend or family member
- Mindful eating
- No screen time after 9pm
Write your self-care checklist in a planner, digital notes app on your phone, or post it somewhere you can easily view it as a reminder.
If you have yet to develop any daily habits or routines, don’t fret. Get your daily routine printable here!
Meg - Planner Me Up
I teach entrepreneurs how to simplify their life and business with less + own their time and maximize productivity towards their personal and monetary goals.
