40 Ways Our Editors and Readers Practice Self-Care

Let’s be honest—January is a bleak month. The energy that comes with the start of a new year quickly comes and passes, and, suddenly, we’re stuck with cold mornings, lots of darkness, and an endless stretch of winter ahead of us. Those resolutions about taking more time for yourself? They’re slipping away. You may have come into 2022 inspired to practice more self-care, but between work, family obligations and, you know, the world, it’s difficult to do just that. But self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. We asked our readers on Instagram to share some of their favorite ways to practice self-care—and included some of our own. Our hope is that, by viewing this list, you’ll be inspired to find five minutes (or a whole blissful day) to take care of the most important person in your life—you. See also: In Need of Self-Care? Start With These Meditations 40 self-care activities our editors and readers love Walks “Going on walks. Every day before work and during lunch, I get my body moving with a stroll around my neighborhood. Those walks are my time to feel the sunshine and listen to the birds.” —Kyle Houseworth, assistant editor “A walk in nature.” —@happy.vegan.yogi “Go for a walk.” —@fuxiwords “My connection with nature. Long walks without my devices.” —@yogilone.inge “Walking in nature.” —@veronika.kubin See also: Get Grounded With an Outdoor Walking Meditation Painting your nails “I paint my nails every Sunday night in preparation for the shiny new week!” —@karenzbull “Painting my nails—soothing, pretty, gives me confidence.” —@hamisami4 Spending time alone—in silence “Waking up early…when no one needs me and sitting in silence.” —@sarahmathias27 “Quiet time with no electronics.” —@embee.xo “Silence; stillness; and a cup of tea.” —@browneyedgirl004 Getting some rest “Giving myself enough sleep at night.” —@busybeeyoga108 “Nap with my dachshund.” —@schellannette “Going to bed early!” —@darla.stride “Making sure to get 8 hours of sleep or more. Sometimes all my body needs is rest!” —@dana_ptyoga See also: 15 Yoga Poses to Help You Sleep Better (: Getty Images) Practicing a routine “My elaborate morning & nighttime skincare routines! It’s how I destress and love myself.” –@kaurhealing “Nighttime routine! Meditate, journal, and no devices 30 minutes before bed.” —@kamkakes29 Immersing in some hot water “Sitting in the hot tub.” —@heiditinky “Draw a bath with essential oil.” –@yoga_pachamama_nyon “A bath is priority for me. I lock the door & it’s the only time I get to be alone.” —@kemberyoga “Hot bath and lighting candles.” –@stephjayneanderson Reading “Reading, and quiet.” –@meathert “There’s nothing more soothing to me than putting away my phone and curling up with a good book. While it may not be a ‘good’ book in the literary world, a semi-trashy novel is all I need sometimes.” —Ellen O’Brien, staff writer Reflecting and writing “Journal.” –@sherionwood7 See also: 10 Journal Prompts To Help You Create the Life You Want in 2022 (Photo: Getty Images) Meditating “A morning & evening meditation.” —@rita.mayyy Enjoying some delicious food “Tacos.” —Renee Marie Schettler, senior editor “Taking a quiet walk to my favorite local coffee shop and buying the expensive Cappuccino—it’s always worth it and puts me in the best mood.” –Ellen O’Brien, staff writer Tapping into the breath “Taking 10-15 minutes to just breathe, be mindful and consciously relax my body, bit by bit.” —@ktlphotog “Deep breaths.” —@alinezenr Setting some boundaries “Saying no.” —@tammy_sem “Telling myself ‘no’.” —@folkertdoesyoga Finding joy “Taking a day to have no obligations other than doing things that bring me joy.” —@kayp104 Nourishing your skin “Use a nice, natural body lotion, which smells great, as well as moisturizing the skin.” —@bourkeshaz Moving your body “Doing some strength training, yoga or running in the morning before the kids wake up.” —@yaleshubha And of course, yoga “Early-morning or late-night candlelight yoga. By myself.” —Renee Marie Schettler, senior editor “Cat/Cow in the AM.” —@meganpapandreas “Starting my day with a short yoga session!” —sturmmonique “Yin.” —@susanmarierebecca “Holistic yoga.” —@asharaoyoga “Yoga and pranayama.” —@yogawithshyamalee “A simple home practice.” —@i_am_sirius See also: These 6 Yin Yoga YouTube Practices Will You Give You the Rest You Need