Want To Practice Self-Care This Year? Here Are 156 Ways To Do It
There's something here for everyone.
The term "self-care" gets thrown around a lot, and for good reason: Carving out the time to take care of ourselves can drastically improve our mental and physical health, not to mention our day-to-day happiness. Many of us associate self-care with a luxurious bubble bath and a glass of wine, and while there's certainly room for that, it's not all there is to self-care—far from it. There are tons of other ways to indulge in self-care, in fact.
Maybe it means spending a few extra minutes of quality time with a loved one or even just making sure you drink enough water every day to optimize your health. Daily journaling works for some, while others might prefer self-care into include a bit of gardening for its therapeutic benefits. Many elements of self-care also include finding little life changes to relieve stress throughout your day and week—that could be as simple as adding the right essential oils to your night routine.
Because taking better care of yourself this year looks different for everyone, here are 156 self-care tips and practices to consider indulging in today.
156 Self-Care Tips
1. Go to bed early. Sleep deprivation has major downsides, and getting to bed early can help you get the sleep you need to feel well and stay healthy. According to the National Sleep Foundation, while there is no exact number, "Between the ages of 18 and 64, adults should aim for seven to nine hours of nightly sleep."
2. Buy new sheets. Those will help you start looking forward to that early bedtime.
3. Put your phone to bed. Being on your phone or watching TV before bed may make it harder to fall asleep. One hour before your bedtime, put away your phone for the evening. Rishi Singh, M.D., a retinal specialist and staff surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic, notes that it's not always blue light, but about good screen hygiene. "It’s how we use our screens and how much time we spend using them that could be problematic."
4. Take a bath. Is there anything more relaxing than a long, luxurious bath at the end of the day? Bonus points if you bring a book in with you.
5. Set your alarm. Getting up at the same time each day can help you maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Ignore the temptation to sleep in on the weekends and don’t hit snooze!
6. Light a candle. A little ritual before bed, like meditation or reading by candlelight, can serve as a comforting ritual after a long day.
Related: 15 Celebs Share Their Self-Care Rituals—and They're a Great Reminder For The Rest of Us Too
7. Don't check in. If you've gotten in the habit of reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, set it out of reach before bed.
8. Stretch for five minutes. Step out of bed and take a few minutes for a slow, gentle stretch.
9. Take your vitamins. Get ready for more energy and a stronger body.
10. Take your medication. Just do it.
11. Get early morning sunshine. Enjoy your coffee on the front porch or eat your breakfast near the window. Sunshine first thing in the morning can help regulate your body clock.
12. Read for empowerment. Keep an inspiring read near your bed or at your breakfast table and read a few pages as a focusing and empowering practice at the beginning of the day.
13. Write morning pages. This is a practice adopted by creatives and business professionals alike. First thing in the morning, fill up three pages with writing. This is meant to be stream-of-consciousness, which means no editing or inhibiting, and it should be written by hand.
14. Drink less caffeine. Caffeine can disrupt your sleep, so cut back if you feel you're experiencing the negative effects of overconsumption. As a general rule, try cutting off caffeine after noon.
15. Take a nap. A few extra minutes of sleep will help you recharge.
16. Practice awe. Feeling awe has been associated with increased happiness. Take the time to notice that amazing things that surround you and make a habit of stepping outside of your comfort zone to see more awe-inspiring things.
17. Turn off your tech. In our constantly connected world, a break from your smartphone or computer is a radical act of self-care. Make regular breaks a part of your regular routine.
18. Take a social media break. Even if it's for just one hour a day.
19. Unfriend or unfollow toxic content. You'll be so much happier.
20. Prioritize your faith. Take a cue from Dolly Parton and prioritize your faith, whatever that means to you—practice by spending time in prayer or meditation.
21. Spend time alone. Whether you’re an introvert or not, everyone can benefit from a few minutes of quiet each day.
22. Create a routine. Having a set sequence of tasks and activities you plan to accomplish over the course of a day or week makes life predictable, and this can help relieve stress. A routine is also a good way to create new, healthy habits like eating well or getting exercise.
Related: Self-Care: Are You Doing It Wrong?
23. Go to therapy. A check-in with a mental health professional will do a world of good.
24. Find a mentor. Seeking the advice of someone you look up to and help you achieve your dreams.
25. Keep a mood journal. This habit can help you pinpoint triggers for changes in your mood and take action to make lifestyle adjustments when possible.
26. Keep a gratitude journal. Giving thanks is always a good idea.
27. Get outside. Time spent in nature has been associated with a myriad of health benefits, including increased happiness.
28. Get moving. Regular exercise keeps your body strong and energized for whatever life throws your way. Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels says it's an essential part of her self-care routine.
29. Go for a hike. The combination of time in nature and exercise can’t be beat.
30. Go for walk alone. Solo time in nature can be therapeutic.
31. Take your pet for a jog. Exercise + time with your furry friend = the ultimate form of self-care.
32. Get fitted for athletic shoes. A good pair of shoes could make your long walks or runs that much stronger.
33. Go stargazing. The twinkle of the stars is everything.
34. Forest bathing. It isn’t a literal bath, but time spent completely immersed in nature. No cell phones to distract from calming yourself in green spaces.
35. Plant a garden. And don't be afraid to let your hands get a little dirty.
36. Try CBD. Cannabidiol is hemp-derived and free of THC. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres swears by it for better sleep.
Related: The Self-Care Products You Need for Essential 'Me Time'
37. Challenge yourself physically. Train for a marathon or lift weights and celebrate reaching your goals.
38. Find your ideal workout routine. Not everyone needs to hit the gym at 4 a.m. to stay healthy. Today host Sheinelle Jones sets a good example for what it looks like to find a routine that works for you.
39. Go swimming. The repetitive motions are therapeutic, plus it's great exercise.
40. Spend some time in a sauna. Even if you can't buy a portable sauna like Claws star Niecy Nash, you can still take note of her self-care practice by making a visit to the sauna part of your routine.
41. Try yoga. A restorative yoga practice could help you manage chronic pain, reduce stress, and even lose weight.
42. Have a dance party. Because few things are more fun.
43. Meditate daily. Reap the benefits of meditation, like decreased stress and improved heart health.
44. Try daily affirmations. Affirmations are phrases or words that remind you of who you are, why you have value, or what you care about most. Model Tess Holiday swears that doing this daily has been life-changing for her.
45. Say "I Love You" to yourself. Start your day by finding a reason to love yourself, and say it out loud.
46. Try EFT tapping. Often called psychological acupressure, this alternative treatment for stress and PTSD may help disrupt negative thought patterns.
47. Sign up for a meditation subscription. One of the most popular meditation apps is Headspace. This kind of service makes learning to meditate easier and reminds you to keep up with your daily practice.
48. Learn 4-7-8 breathing. This mindfulness exercise uses timed breathing to help you relax.
49. Eat well. For Jillian Michaels, nutritious eating is a foundation for her healthy lifestyle and a self-care practice she makes a priority.
50. Keep fresh fruit on hand. It's delicious, and it'll make you feel great too.
51. Increase your vegetable intake. The vitamins found in vegetables can help you feel energized and fuel you for your day.
Related: 15 Ways to Get Your 5 Servings of Vegetables a Day.
52. Cook a new recipe just for fun. You don't have to be Martha Stewart to put a delicious, nourishing meal together.
53. Meal plan. This will make grocery shopping and healthy eating easier.
54. Order a meal kit delivery. If you’re struggling to get to the grocery store or feed yourself nutritious meals, take care of your body by letting someone else do the work. All you'll need to do is assemble it.
Related: Dinner In a Box: How Meal Kit Delivery Services Work
55. Eat when you’re Hungry. It’s easy to get too busy to stop and have lunch, but your body needs fuel. Honor your hunger, take breaks for meals and don’t let yourself get hangry!
56. Don't restrict your calorie intake. Eating too little has been linked with struggles with negative moods and increased production of stress hormones.
57. Drink a green smoothie. Don't have a go-to? Try Natalie Coughlin's Everyday Green Smoothie Recipe.
58. Order in. Don't feel like cooking? Once in a while, it's okay to order in. Try a service like Postmates, Seamless, or Uber Eats.
59. Treat yourself to the Best Chocolate in the World. Do we really have to explain this one/
60. Drink Water. Because H2O is king.
61. Go to a new park in your neighborhood. You'll get to spend time outside and learn to appreciate where you live even more.
62. Visit a new restaurant. Because variety is the spice of life.
63. Learn about your health. Education about your health—whether that's a chronic illness or just the basics of a healthy lifestyle—is empowering and can further encourage your commitment to living well.
64. Make a list. Feeling overwhelmed is so exhausting, but just getting it out of your brain and on paper can make a huge difference. Take care of yourself by making a to-do list to bring an end to obsessing.
65. Ask for help. Whether you’re a working mom like Charlize Theron or going through a challenging season of life, don’t be afraid to count on family and friends who can step in and help out when you need a moment to breathe or get your nails done!
66. Get a facial. It's indulgent, but it's an excellent act of self-care.
67. Try a CBD facial. Hemp-derived cannabidiol is having a huge moment in the spotlight and spas are taking note. See what all the fuss is about and indulge in a CBD facial which includes a CBD honey mask.
68. Slather on snail slime. Yup, you read that right. Snail Mucin, or the slime from snails, is a popular part of skincare products in 2020 thanks to the glycoproteins, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid it contains.
69. Try a cryofacial. Using liquid nitrogen, this facial is said to make skin firmer and reduce inflammation.
70. Get a pedicure or manicure. You'll enjoy every moment and have polished nails to show for it.
71. Get a massage. Because there are few things better in life.
72. Try a sensory deprivation tank. Filled with a small amount of salt water, this tank is located in a dark, soundproof room and allows you to float in silence.
73. Indulge in future you. Buy yourself a gift card for a spa visit and set it aside for the future. You never know when you'll need to escape for an hour or two.
74. Take makeup tips from YouTube stars. Because we could all use a little "treat yourself" makeup tutorial.
75. Visit Sephora. Get matched with a new foundation or ask for tips on the best moisturizer for your skin.
76. Get back to basics with skincare. Let’s be honest, a facial can feel extraneous if you’re struggling to squeeze in basic self-care like washing your face before falling into bed. Set an alarm and make it happen every single night.
77. Slow down. Whether you're getting ready in the morning or washing your face before bed, there is something indulgent about taking your time while you're taking care of yourself.
78. Wear sunscreen. Because protecting your skin from the sun is non-negotiable.
79. Skip makeup. Once in a while, it can feel great to go bare-faced and let your skin breathe a little.
80. Try an at-home facial. No time to hit the spa? Try a fabulous DIY beauty treatment.
81. Have a 30-minute date. If you’re a busy mom like Twilight star Nikki Reed, it is easy to put ofd taking care of yourself. She sets aside 30 minutes for yoga and refuses to feel guilty when it takes her away from parenting.
82. Buy clothes that fit. If you’re waiting to reach a goal weight to have clothes that fit you well, you’re selling yourself the message that you don’t deserve to feel good just as you are. You don’t have to give up on your goals, but buying clothes that fit well and make you feel good can be an act of self-care.
83. Throw out old underwear. What? Someone had to say it. Get rid of the ratty stuff and get yourself new underclothes.
84. Practice financial self-care. Caring for yourself isn’t all about skincare. Being smart and careful with your money is an act of caring for yourself in the present and the future.
86. Ask for a raise. Because you know you deserve one.
87. Make sure your accounts are secure. Learn more about password security and put it into practice.
88. Set up auto-pay. This will help you stop stressing about due dates.
89. Save for retirement. Don’t neglect your future, start making retirement contributions through your employer or create a Roth IRA if a 401(k) isn’t available to you.
90. Hire a financial planner. If your finances overwhelm you or you feel like you're running behind, a professional can help you gain clarity about how to prioritize the health of your finances. Learn more about finding the right financial advisor.
Related: Ask Carrie: Finding The Right Financial Advisor—Where To Start?
91. Create a budget. Setting aside an hour or so to create a budget can go a long way.
92. Set aside self-care cash. For those who are focused on sticking to their budget, it's easy to feel like all fun or self-care is too indulgent. Combat that thinking by writing these things into your budget and planning to spend a reasonable amount on yourself each month.
93. Create a savings plan. Need a new car or craving a vacation? Set up an auto-deposit and make it happen.
94. Pay off debt. Use the debt snowball method to gain momentum and quickly banish your debt for good.
95. Read a book about financial wellness. This will inspire you to get organized.
96. Take Your Vacations Days. Americans left 768 million vacation days on the table in the year 2018.
97. Re-evaluate Your Career. Don’t be afraid to take a leap and make a career pivot if you’re not satisfied with your current job.
98. See a career coach who can help you make a professional transition and find a more fulfilling career path.
99. Set goals. If life feels aimless, reconnect with your purpose by setting clear and measurable goals.
100. Celebrate your accomplishments. Big or small, give yourself a pat on the back when you've reached a goal.
101.Give your brain a break. Honor your need to breathe for a few minutes during the workday.
102. Read a book. Researchers have found that reading is a calming practice that helps us get better sleep.
103. Commit to 20 minutes of reading a day. Take a note from elementary education practices and read 20 minutes a day to expose yourself to 1.8 million words a year.
104. Practice indulgent reading. Daily reading for 20 minutes is a great habit, but have you ever indulged in binge-reading? Climb into bed an hour or two early and read something fun, completely uninterrupted.
105. Read poetry. It will open your mind.
106. Write poetry. It can be great therapy.
107. Start a book club. This will help you spend more time with people who share common interests.
108. Start a cookbook club. Delicious food on top of a book club? Can't go wrong there.
109. Color. Adult coloring books are created with relaxation in mind. Grab a set of colored pencils and a coloring book for a creative way to relax.
110. Start a new podcast. Is there something you've always wanted to know more about? Check out a brand new podcast and listen to it on your commute or while you exercise.
111. Find a listening partner. This is a formal partnership with someone who is there to listen to you vent, uninterrupted, without offering any advice. Then, you return the favor.
112. Go on a date. Making time for your relationship is always a good idea.
113. Plan a date night at home. Can't find a babysitter? Too broke to eat out? Cook something together, play a few board games, or rent a movie for in an expensive, romantic night in.
114. Play with your kids. Children are great at having fun. Why not join them?
115. Play a new board game. Board games are a classic form of slowing down and having fun.
116. Hold hands. Oxytocin, or the "cuddle hormone," is released when we engage in affection.
117. Kiss more. Because why not?
118. Trade massages with your partner. It's intimate, and it's free!
119. Have sex. Keep in mind that your sexuality is a part of who you are and having sex with your partner is a great way to care for yourself.
120. Do for others. Giving back can make you feel good and connect you with a purpose that is beyond you and what you want or need. Volunteer with an organization that aligns with your values, like a food bank, a pet rescue, or a local school.
121. Give an anonymous gift. Giving always feels good, and the anonymity factor makes it fun.
122. Write a thank you note. Saying thank you connects you with others.
123. Find a pen pal. Handwritten letters are always in style.
Related: First There Was the 5-Second Rule—Now Mel Robbins Says Every Woman Needs 5 Minutes
124. Quit Something. Give yourself permission to step away from a commitment to free up more time for focus on your mental health.
125. Spend time with your furry friend. There's nothing better.
126. Forgive yourself. You deserve forgiveness just like everyone else.
127. Forgive someone else. Has heartbreak or hurt kept you from forgiving an old friend or family member? Care for yourself enough to let go of your anger.
128. Set a boundary in a difficult relationship. Boundaries can protect you from someone who has made a habit of abusing or hurting you. Don't be afraid to say no or create distance in unhealthy relationships.
129. Write it down. Using a journal to get words on paper can help release negative emotions and start the process of moving past something upsetting.
130. Start your day with a shower. It'll energize you and get your day off on the right foot.
131. Go somewhere new. Need ideas? Check out these 40 family vacation ideas on a budget.
132. Travel alone. Solo travel is highly underrated
133. Get away with your partner. How long has it been since you are your partner spent more than an evening alone? Book a trip and spend the time reconnecting with each other.
132. Learn something new. Because the world is your oyster.
133. Take up knitting. Would you believe that knitting and crochet could reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, and increase self-esteem?
134. Take an art class. Your inner artist is inside there somewhere just waiting to come out.
135. Paint something. You don't have to be an artist to love how a paintbrush feels in your hand.
136. Write a bucket list. And check it all off (over time, of course).
137. Buy yourself flowers. Take a page out of self-love advocate and award winning artist Lizzo's book and buy yourself some flowers as a self-care practice.
138. Go to the farmer's market. This will turn your weekly grocery shopping trip into an enjoyable outing.
139. Book a wine tasting. Just make sure you bring along a designated driver.
140. Create a vision board. Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer says that creating a vision board helps her connect with and achieve her goals.
141. Get a haircut. New hair, new you.
142. See a movie. Invite a friend, or go alone. Sometimes self-care looks like having a little fun, just because.
143. Play music. Remember when you used to pick up your guitar or sit down at the piano every single day? Make time to get back to what you love.
144. Make a playlist for cheering up. Here are 19 songs that will make you happier to get you started.
145. Make a playlist for calming down. Keep them mellow and play it whenever you're feeling a little wound up.
146. Meet a neighbor. Among all the discussions about self-care, a new topic is gaining momentum: Community care is the idea that people truly can't thrive if their community isn't thriving. Do your part and meet someone new.
147. Declutter your home. You'll realize how much space you actually have.
148. Go on a paper purge. That stack that has been building up on your countertop or desk isn't going to sort itself.
149. Try a 15-minute cleaning frenzy. You know that massive home project, like your messy basement, that's been weighing on your mind for ages? Stop expecting yourself to tackle it in one fell swoop. Set a timer and go on a 1- minute cleaning frenzy once a week.
150. Organize your drawers. Hey, there's a reason Marie Kondo is so popular.
151. Buy a new bedspread. You're going to love crawling into bed at night.
152. Make your bed. It takes 30 seconds, and it will be so worth it.
153. Hang up pictures of loved ones. Every time you look at them, they'll bring a smile to your face.
154. Do nothing. Give yourself permission to take it easy. Don't feel guilty for stretching out on the couch to nap or just finding time to be quiet.
155. Cancel plans. Are you dreading something on your calendar because you're exhausted or overwhelmed? Cancel plans, apologize, and give yourself a chance to rest.
156. Laugh. Listen to a podcast, watch a funny movie, or spend time with a friend with a good sense of humor.
Looking to up your daily dose of self-care? Consider starting a self-care club.
