21 Ways to Practice Self Care Right Now

Last week we talked about what self care is and three strategies for creating a sustainable self care routine. Today we’re digging a little deeper and giving you twenty one easy ways you can start practicing self care today.

Breathe in fresh air. Go outside and take a couple of deep breaths. Concentrate on your breath rather than what’s going on around you.
Listen to nature sounds. Whether you go outside or listen to nature sounds through your phone, this can be a great tactic for slowing down and managing stress.
Take a hot shower or warm bath. Relax and take the time to decompress from your day, week or month.
Get a massage. Treat yourself to a massage or another treatment at a local spa.
Mindful breathing (or mindful anything). You’ve probably heard of the idea of mindfulness – deliberately focusing in a non-judgemental way on your immediate experience.. You can try mindful breathing, mindful cooking, mindful cleaning, etc. Just bring your focus to the task at hand.
Burn your favorite scented candle. Light your favorite candle, curl up under a blanket, and enjoy.
Listen to music you enjoy.. You might prefer rock music or you might prefer classical – turn on whatever brings you joy in the moment.
Be a tourist in your own city. Go out and explore an area you’ve never been to, or do an activity you haven’t tried yet. Take the time to look around and truly enjoy.
Watch a TV show or movie. Don’t feel bad about squeezing in an episode (or 5) of your favorite Netflix series.
Free write or journal. Write down everything that you’re feeling without judgement or question.
Do something creative. Maybe this means playing an instrument or painting a picture. Or maybe it means pulling out a coloring book.
List five things your grateful for. Make a mental list of everything you’re grateful for in a given moment, think about why you’re grateful for these things.
Do something you’ve been avoiding. Cross something off your to do list that you’ve been avoiding or haven’t had time for. It will be be a relief once it’s done.
Unplug for at least an hour. Put away your cell phone and computer. Take an hour for yourself without these outside distractions.
Connect with a friend or family member. This might mean grabbing a coffee with your friend or calling your mom.
Read for an hour. Read a book, magazine, newspaper or your favorite blog – whatever you’re in the mood for.
At home spa. Give yourself a manicure, soak your feet or do a face mask.
Order in dinner. Get your favorite take out (or whatever you’re craving) and enjoy it at home.
Challenge your mind. Do a crossword, complete a puzzle, or learn a new skill – anything that challenges you.
Get up and move. You could go for a run, take a fitness class, or just walk around your neighborhood. Just do something that gets you up and moving.
Take a nap. It’s okay to take a break and it’s normal to be tired. Get some extra sleep and recharge.

These are some ideas for ways that you can practice self care. Remember – the most important thing is to do something that will bring you joy. This will likely look different depending on the day. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and think about what you need in the moment. One day self care could mean going out with friends for dinner, the next it could mean taking a nap. Self care is about doing little things to help you feel full and ready to bring your best to each day.

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