100 Self-Care Strategies to Boost Overall Health and Self-Worth
Oftentimes, we get so busy taking care of our responsibilities and other people that our own needs come last. While practicing self-care might seem frivolous or like a trendy buzzword, it’s essential for overall health.
Self-care refers to anything you do to improve your emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and physical health. Having a self-care practice can strengthen your relationship with yourself and build self-worth as it allows you to connect with what matters most to you. It can help boost your energy, manage stress, and reduce your risk of illness. That means you’re better able to show up for others, too.
Self-care may seem like an ambiguous concept. It might conjure images of a bubble bath, a salad, or a walk in the park. While all of these can be examples of self-care, there are so many more strategies to care for your well-being, and it all depends on what feels best for you. Here are some examples to get you started!
Self-Care Strategies to Try Today
Journal to reflect on your day each night before bed.
Set limits for time spent on social media.
Leave sticky notes around your home with positive affirmations.
Prioritize getting enough sleep every night.
Learn a new hobby or skill.
Practice breathwork regularly.
Listen to your favorite music to set the tone for the day.
Create a reading routine.
Learn to practice mindfulness.
Declutter your space on a weekly or monthly basis.
Set aside time to watch your favorite show.
Spend ten minutes each day with your pet.
Create a gratitude journaling practice.
Learn to say no when your to-do list is at capacity.
Consider your diet and determine what you can add for a more balanced diet.
Go for walks at lunchtime each workday.
Set boundaries with others, especially those who tend to overstep.
Do a five-minute tidy-up each night before bed.
Intentionally connect with friends and family.
Get 30 minutes of activity daily.
Join a local sports league, like pickleball or kickball.
Spend time outside.
Charge your phone outside of your bedroom.
Set an intention for each day.
Drink coffee, undistracted, for 10 minutes each morning.
Try body scan meditation.
Join a reading club.
Check in with how you’re feeling throughout the day.
Find a church or local group with the same religious beliefs as you.
Start an art journal.
Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Schedule regular wellness check-ups.
Join a group on MeetUp or Facebook to find like-minded people.
Listen to one educational podcast each week.
Start going to therapy.
Practice good dental hygiene, including flossing daily.
Create a weekly cleaning routine to keep your space fresh.
Do your hair or makeup in a way that makes you feel good.
Dress for yourself, whether that means for comfort or your own personal style.
Create a dream journal.
Challenge yourself to find new hiking spots near your hometown.
Learn to delegate tasks at home or work.
Review your to-do list and decide what you can remove.
Start a yoga practice.
Get routine massages.
Start a video journal.
Hire someone to free up time, like a dog walker.
Volunteer at the food bank.
Listen to audiobooks.
Try out new exercise formats (studios often offer free or discounted classes for first-timers).
Do puzzles.
Take a pottery class.
Record an audio journal each night.
Create a new skincare routine.
Skip alcohol and drink mocktails.
Avoid or quit smoking.
Take cooking classes.
Learn to play an instrument.
Join your neighborhood association.
Learn a new language.
Unfollow accounts on social media that make you feel negative emotions.
Use barrier methods if you’re having sex with non-exclusive partners.
Ask your partner for a foot rub.
Turn off push notifications on your phone.
Create a nightly wind-down routine.
Read spiritual or religious texts.
Create a regular prayer practice.
Put your phone on airplane mode whenever you need to focus.
Try progressive relaxation techniques.
Set your outfit out for the next day.
Pack your lunch each night before in-office work days.
Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual.
Take a bath with Epsom salts.
Give yourself a pedicure.
Light a candle you love.
Try a hobby, like painting, just for fun rather than skill.
Work on your posture.
Spend five minutes dancing daily.
Reflect on and celebrate achievements.
Enjoy a small indulgence each day.
Walk barefoot in the grass to ground yourself.
Sing in the shower.
Try new cuisines.
Do brain teasers.
Use a weighted blanket.
Attend a support group.
Try acupuncture.
Seek out one new recipe to try each week.
Join an online coaching program.
Use your library card.
Attend free events at local community centers.
Practice loving-kindness meditation.
Connect with nature by getting a plant or gardening.
Use a foam roller to enjoy self-massage.
Drink calming tea each night before bed.
Practice visualization.
Set realistic and attainable goals.
Do a digital declutter.
Try Mel Robbins’ 5-second rule.
Tap into your inner child by blowing bubbles, drawing, coloring, or singing.
No matter where you’re at on your self-care journey, attending therapy can help. Our therapists at Bloom Practice can offer accountability, support, strategies, and more. Find a therapist and book a session today to get started.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-center-mental-health-in-unsupportive-environments
https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt#tips
https://psychcentral.com/stress/practicing-self-care-during-stressful-times
https://psychcentral.com/blog/self-care-why-is-it-so-important-why-is-it-so-hard
https://psychcentral.com/health/caring-for-yourself-when-youre-depleted
Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW is a clinical psychotherapist. Zairys provides individual, couples and sex therapy using evidence-based approaches. She specializes in treating individuals and couples who have relationship or sexual concerns. Read full bio