75 self-care ideas

Self-care is important, especially when you are exhausted and need some comfort or a pick me up. Below is a list of 75 self-care ideas for you to use the next time you are feeling like you need a little love. The idea behind self-care is to do an activity that allows you to feel rested and reinvigorated so you can tackle everything that life throws at you. Self-care usually isn’t 18 hours binging on your latest Netflix series that leaves you drained and feeling gross. The goal is to feel better after you do the self-care activity.

What excites one person may be draining for another. You can create your own self-care menu that is full of ideas that speak to your soul. See my post from last week as a how-to!

Pampering Self-Care

Yes, I baked this and may have eaten most of it!

1. Give myself a pedicure or manicure.
2. Read a book or magazine.
3. Tidy up the one spot in your home that has been driving you crazy.
4. Order dinner in from a new or favorite restaurant.
5. Take a bubble bath.
6. Try a new hairstyle just for fun.
7. Burn a new candle or try a new essential oil scent.
8. Listen to an episode of your favorite podcast.
9. Journal.
10. Wear an outfit that you feel spectacular in (even if you have nowhere to go!).
11. Bake a fancy or delicious dessert (bonus points if you invite friends over to enjoy, but no judgment if you eat the entire thing!).
12. Schedule a pedicure or manicure at a salon.
13. Write a gratitude list.
14. Get a massage.
15. Make your bed with fresh sheets.
16. Plan a dream vacation.
17. Take a nap.
18. Doodle or color in an adult coloring book.
19. Meditate or pray.
20. Mix up your own face mask and apply it.
21. Practice some self-compassion.
22. Do absolutely nothing. Embrace the stillness with no guilt.
23. Go to be early or sleep in with no agenda when you wake up. 
24. Play a video game you enjoy.
25. #treatyoself– indulge in an affordable splurge of an item, food, or adventure you have been wanting.

Social Self-Care

1. Hike with a friend.
2. Explore a local downtown area with a friend.
3. Invite a friend to try out the new restaurant/bar in town with you.
4. Visit a busy coffee shop and enjoy the buzz.
5. Visit a museum.
6. Call/facetime an old friend and catch up.
7. Watch a movie remotely using Netflix Party and text your way through it with a friend. 
8. Volunteer for an event in your city.
9. Laugh with friends. 
10. Plan a weekend getaway with friends. 
11. Help someone. Carry a bag, open a door, return a grocery cart etc. 
12. Find an interesting class to learn a new skill or hobby  (in person or online) and invite a friend to learn with you.
13. Call a family member and catch up.
14. Plan a night in watching a virtual concert with friends or a night out at a live concert with those same friends!
15. Sign up for a dating app and plan a date or two with someone new.
16. Pet a dog (or another animal). It doesn’t have to be yours, just make sure you check with their human first.
17. Make a small connection with a stranger. Complement their outfit, ask about their day, say something encouraging or hold the door open. 

Movement Self-Care

1. Take a leisurely walk without an end goal or agenda.
2. Do a Youtube yoga class or some of your favorite yoga poses.
3. Try a new class at the gym. Kickboxing anyone? 
4. Schedule a favorite workout activity.
5. Plan a hike (bonus points if you invite a friend or many!).
6. Explore a nearby park.
7. Find your favorite type of workout on Youtube and follow along.
8. Go for a run or a run/walk combo. Challenge yourself!
9. Play on a playground! Release your inner kid!
10. Go swimming at a local pool.
11. Take your camera out with you and challenge yourself to take a certain number of pictures.
12. Stretch your body in a way that feels good to you.
13. Pack your favorite snack foods and have a picnic lunch.
14. Practice deep breathing in a calm location.
15. Lift weights or do a bodyweight exercise at home.
16. Lay in the grass and watch the clouds.
17. Leisurely ride your bike around the neighborhood.
18. Plant something outside or inside. 
19. Plan a play date for your puppy with a puppy friend.
20. Give yourself a massage on sore muscles using a handheld massage gun,  foam roller, or tennis ball.
21. Create an exercise/fitness Pinterest board for inspiration.
22. Practice forest bathing.
23. Dance! Turn your music up and shake it!
24. Look at the moon and stars.

Other Self-Care

1. Crank up the music and sing along in your car or at home.
2. Go for a leisurely Sunday drive any day of the week with no set destination or duration. 
3. Say “no” to an obligation you have or cancel something you are not excited about doing/attending.
4. Curate a few new playlists so you have music that makes you feel good ready at your fingertips.
5. Update your morning, evening, and Sunday night routines so they are exciting and feel good to you.
6. Clean up/declutter your social media accounts. Unfollow or mute anyone who doesn’t bring you joy or inspire you.
7. Spend time alone and embrace the quiet and restfulness.
8. Plan a mental health/self-care day off work where you rest with no guilt or obligations.
9. Ask for help- If there is a lingering and draining task on your to-do list, see if a family member or coworker can take it on. Think about outsourcing any particularly difficult tasks like hiring a house cleaner or using a laundry service.

There are tons of ideas here! I hope you were able to find a few ideas in this list of 75 self-care ideas. If these didn’t catch your inspiration, then check Google for more inspiration. Share your favorite tip in the comments below!