It’s cozy time.

Sick of seeing the word self-care? Me too. Merely hearing it or daring to utter the phrase makes me cringe a bit. But you know what? It feels damn good. And turns out, it may actually be doing something? Even the National Institute of Mental Health is calling out self-care for its “role in maintaining your mental health.”

The trick is to be proactive. That means practicing self-care BEFORE you feel like you’re going to have a nervous breakdown—not mid freak-out when your symbolic hair is on fire and/or you’re about to collapse from burnout. 

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or even very time-consuming. If you’re suffering from a severe case of the blahs, and don’t even know where to get started, bookmark this page. This is your ultimate guide to self-care with 100 ideas for a self-care day, including:

• DIY self-care ideas
• Cheap self-care ideas
• Free self-care ideas
• Beauty self-care ideas
• Sunday self-care ideas
• Outdoor self-care ideas
• Creative self-care ideas

100 Self-Care Ideas

It’s not easy to give self-care a strict definition because it means something different for everyone. Really, self-care can be pretty much anything you do for yourself to take care of both your mental health and physical health. [Source: National Institute of Mental Health]

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Does Self-Care Even Work?

We all hear about how important it is to go on a stupid little mental health walk, spend less time doomscrolling, and get regular physical activity. And while self-care certainly looks different for everyone, these three activities tend to be pretty good recommendations for just about every individual out there. 

But do these self-care ideas even do anything? They sure do.

Self-Care Reduces Stress

A 2019 study from the Loyola University Chicago found that “ongoing engagement in multiple types of self-care strategies may decrease perceived stress and influence one’s well-being.” 

It’s worth noting, however, that you can’t really “catch up” on self-care when you’re already feeling distressed and overwhelmed. Instead, the study cautions that:

“Self-care is most effective when practiced on an ongoing basis with the goal of reducing stress … As stress builds towards distress, self-care needs become more pressing but paradoxically, self-care and the ultimate prevention of negative outcomes may become more difficult.”

TLDR: Basically, you can’t put self-care on the back-burner and then expect it to “work” (i.e., reduce stress) when you need it. Self-care really can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being and life satisfaction—but you need to make it a habit. 

Self-Care Enhances Productivity

Taking time to focus on yourself usually comes at the expense of doing something “more productive.” Or at least it often seems that way. 

But practicing self-care can actually go a long way in enhancing your overall productivity. (Not to put the emphasis of life on just being productive, but hey—we all gotta get stuff done sometimes, right?) 

Dr. Russell Thackeray is a business psychologist and director of QED, where he provides training on emotional and mental toughness. In a conversation with Trello, he said: 

“People that look after themselves [and practice self-care] do have better cognitive ability. They do have better focus and they do have better concentration.” [Source: Trello]

Clearly, I’m not telling you to practice self-care because it’ll help you work through your to-do list faster. (This is not a productivity blog.) But if you need a little encouragement to go for a walk or take a bit longer to brew and enjoy a cup of tea in the middle of the day, consider this your green flag to go ahead and do so.

Self-Care Improves Your Physical Health

Self-care means something different for everyone. Particularly, for a lot of people, self-care means spending time working on physical health, whether that’s practicing yoga, playing sports, or just going for a simple walk. 

Naturally, all these activities are good for your physical health. But even self-care activities that don’t require physical exertion can have a roundabout positive impact on your physical health. 

Like a lot of things in life, it all comes down to stress. Stress can not only complicate things for you emotionally and mentally, but it can also wreak havoc on your body. For example, unchecked stress can lead to headaches, muscle tension, stomach upset, sleep problems, and even a weakened immune system. [Source: Mayo Clinic]

So practicing regular self-care does more than keep you calm, cool, and collected—it could even help keep physical ailments at bay. 

Pro Tip: I devoured this book a few summers ago when I was going through a particularly stressful time, and it really taught me a lot about stress. It’s not just something we should avoid because it’s unpleasant—stress has profound impacts on our physical health, like heart disease and cancer. I highly recommend Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky. Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble.

Self-Care Has a Positive Effect on Your Relationships

Finally, I think one of the biggest reasons people don’t spend enough time on self-care is because they think it makes them selfish. After all, if you’re giving all that love and attention to yourself, it means you’re not giving it to someone else, right? 

Wrong! Self-care isn’t selfish. Do you remember that adage: “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? How about every flight attendant’s #1 rule: “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others”? These phrases probably best sum up why self-care is so important. Or, you can take a cue from psychologist and relationship expert John Gottman who says, “By engaging in proactive self-care, we can create the conditions necessary for deep, mutually fulfilling connections with ourselves, our partners, families and friends.” [Source: Southern New Hampshire University]

13 DIY self-care ideas

Here are 13 DIY self-care ideas:

1. Cook a healthy and nourishing meal from scratch

Sure, it’s easy to order takeout. (In fact, treating yourself to takeout at the end of a long, stressful day can be an act of self-care, too.) But if you have the time (even just 20 minutes), treat yourself to a healthy, delicious home-cooked meal, courtesy of you. It tastes better that way. (You can get recipe inspiration from my friend Ally on her food blog, Nigella Eats Everything.)

2. Plant a small garden or take care of indoor plants

You can plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables outside in your yard or in small pots in a windowsill if you don’t have a lot of space. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb. (Join the club.) It’s pretty hard to mess up caring for succulents, and they look damn cute, too. 

3. Do a DIY face mask with you have in the kitchen

My favorite DIY face mask? Mix together raw honey and turmeric for hydrating and lightly exfoliating treatment. (Please, just stay away from putting lemon, sugar, and apple cider vinegar on your face. You can learn why from a blogger I love, Sara at Healthy Skin Glows.)

4. Create a self-care jar

Decorate an empty glass jar and then fill it with little notes with different DIY self-care ideas. When you need a little pick-me-up but are short on inspiration, randomly pick a note and let you guide it to some R&R.

5. Make a DIY body scrub

A favorite indulgence of mine. Here’s my recipe:

• Combine two tablespoons of brown sugar with two tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil (I like rose or lavender).
• Scrub up in the shower for deliciously soft, smooth, silky skin.

6. Make your own tea blends

Create your own soothing herbal tea blend—you don’t even necessarily need to have tea on hand to do it. For example, I love to combine hot water with lemon juice, turmeric, and fresh ginger for a zingy-yet-calming herbal beverage.

If you’re not a tea drinker and want some tea inspiration, check out this round-up of the best teas for non tea drinkers.

7. Start a gratitude box and fill it with notes of things you’re grateful for throughout the year

I keep this jar in my living room. After a particularly great day—whether it was a fun night with friends or just a blissful Sunday afternoon at home—I make a quick note of it and toss it in the jar. I don’t read the notes again until the end of the year (or until the jar is full) when I sit down and read them all. Consider it your own highlight reel of the year’s best moments. 

8. Create a vision board to visualize your dreams and aspirations

I used to do this with friends in high school and college—and I did it recently for the first time in a long time. Sure, you can always create a virtual mood board on Pinterest, but it’s a lot more fun to cut out text and images from old magazines and get messy pasting together an expressive collage.

9. Make DIY home decor

You can make your own artwork, repurpose old items into something newer and more beautiful, or create personalized decorations. If you spend a lot of time staring at the screen (don’t we all?), then taking the time to create something out of physical materials with your own hands can feel really rewarding.

10. Make yourself a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice

This one is severely understated. First of all, doing this somehow makes me feel very bougie and very peasant-y at the same time—which is apparently a combination I love. And it beats boxed orange juice, hands-down, every time.

11. Make scented sachets and put them in your drawers to have fresh-smelling clothes

You can do this one even if you have next-to-zero sewing skills. With just a needle and thread and a few scraps of fabric, you can fasten a tiny pouch, fill it with rice and dried herbs (Lavender or vetiver are my favorite picks.), and then tie it with a ribbon. Who doesn’t want to open their drawers to fresh-smelling sweaters and underwear?

12. Print out pictures and start a scrapbook

I don’t take a lot of pictures because I know that once I do, they are usually just lost in the abyss of my phone’s photo album. But this is something I want to change. There’s no feeling like sitting and flipping through the pages of a real, paper scrapbook, so start making yours this weekend.

13. Make your own cookbook

Once again, practice self-care by making your life a little less digital. Write down your favorite recipes (Any old family recipes from Nana?) in a notebook. Trust me: The cooking experience is much improved when you’re not always unlocking your phone every two minutes to read the next step.

11 10-minute self-care ideas

Even small pockets of self-care throughout the day can make a big positive difference on your overall well-being. 

Here are 11 10-minute self-care ideas:

14. Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation

I meditate regularly, but I’m trying to remind myself to make it a daily habit. It doesn’t have to be complicated—and you don’t even need to do guided meditation to feel the benefits. If you’re new to meditation, you can read this article from Cleveland Clinic for tips on how to meditate.

15. Take a power nap to recharge your energy levels

Sometimes, a 10-minute nap can really make a world of a difference. You don’t really have to be asleep to enjoy this kind of self-care “nap.” Just try lying down for a few minutes with your eyes closed as if you would fall asleep. Strangely, I actually feel really re-energized after I let myself take this kind of break. 

16. Write yourself a love letter or positive affirmations

This is definitely one of the 10-minute self-care ideas that can feel a little silly. That’s fine. Nobody else needs to know you’re doing it. Bonus: Once you’ve written this love letter to yourself, you can stash it away and save it for some time in the future when you need a little self-esteem boost. (No one needs to know.)

17. Practice mindfulness

No, meditation and mindfulness aren’t necessarily the same thing. If you’ve experimented with meditation and don’t really think it works for you, give mindfulness a try. Studies show it can still help with challenges like depression and anxiety—and you can practice it anywhere and at any time. [Source: Verywell Mind]

18. Take a stretching break

This is another self-care activity I try to do every day. And while you may not always have time for a full-on yoga session, simply stretching for 10 minutes (especially in the middle of the work day) can still have powerful benefits, including lessened anxiety, bodily pain, and exhaustion and improved vitality, health, and flexibility. [Source: PubMed Central]

19. Take a mindful tea or coffee break

The focus is on mindful here. No, you don’t necessarily have to make this a mindfulness session—but don’t just gulp down your tea or coffee while you’re still staring at the screen or running errands! Instead, take 10 minutes to sit and enjoy a warm beverage… And do nothing else.

20. Dance it out

This is another self-care activity that can feel a little silly—but so what. This is a particularly good one to do if you’re working from home (alone). Put on a few of your favorite songs and let yourself get groovy. Go ahead: Sing into your hairbrush in the bathroom mirror. There’s a reason you did it when you were 13—it’s fun. 

21. Say positive affirmations

Whether you know some positive affirmations off the top of your head or need to do a quick search, find a few you like and repeat them out loud. Think positive affirmations are a total load of crap? Well, it actually may be worth your time. This article from Positive Psychology Today takes a look at the research (including MRI evidence) to assess the real health benefits of positive affirmations.

22. Look through old photos

Whether you’ve already taken the time to make a physical scrapbook or you just need to head to the photos app on your phone, be prepared. This self-care activity will likely hit you with a heavy dose of nostalgia with a trip down memory lane to nights out, vacations, and (let’s be honest) screenshot-ed memes from days past.

23. Change the sheets on your bed so they’re fresh and clean

Just do it. You’ll thank me after. In general, taking care of your home and hygiene really go a long way in supporting your mental health. And it just feels nice to get into a freshly-made bed at the end of the day. If you want to go the extra mile, give it a few spritz of a DIY pillow spray. 

24. Go through your social media accounts and unfollow things that are a bad influence on you

You know what I’m talking about. People who try to present picture-perfect lives that just make you feel insecure. Brands pushing content so you’ll want to buy things you don’t need. That mean girl from high school you’re somehow still following even though you haven’t seen each other in 10+ years. Good-bye.

13 Cheap self-care ideas

Here are 13 cheap self-care ideas:

25. Treat yourself to your favorite specialty coffee

Sure, it’s probably not the wisest financial decision to buy a $6 latte every single day. But don’t let anyone tell you the reason you’re not a millionaire is because you get coffee with a friend once a week. Sometimes, on those really rough days, that $4 cappuccino is giving you a lot more than just espresso and frothy milk.

26. Take yourself out on a date to your favorite restaurant or café

Now THIS is what The Merry Loner Lifestyle is all about. Truly, I think it is one of life’s great pleasures to take yourself out for a meal, a coffee, or a drink and sit there for hours all alone just reading and/or daydreaming. It’s good for the mind, and it’s good for the soul. And it doesn’t have to be expensive! A $4 coffee or a $10 burger will do the trick. It’s more about the experience. 

INSERT DO THINGS ALONE CHALLENGE

27. Visit a museum, art gallery, or botanical garden

Most museum tickets don’t cost more than $20, but you can usually spend the whole day getting lost inside (or at least several hours). Plus, it seems most of us only go to museums when we’re on vacation. So why not treat yourself to the experience at home?

28. Sign up for a dance or fitness class

You don’t necessarily have to enroll for months of classes or sign up for a membership. Many dance studios and gyms offer day passes or single-class tickets. Try something new outside of your comfort zone—or just enjoy spending a few hours at a fancy gym whose yearly membership would normally be out of your budget.

29. Take a day trip to a nearby town or city

Get a change of scenery without taking PTO or splurging on an expensive vacation. Even spending just a few hours in a neighboring town takes you out of your daily routine and gives you the chance to explore someplace new.

30. Engage in random acts of kindness

Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Give a stranger a (genuine) compliment. Write and mail a letter to your grandparents. Donate to a charity. (Even as little as $10 or $20 can make a big difference.) You’ll do good—and you’ll feel good about yourself, too.

31. Create a self-care corner in your home

Or if you don’t have enough space (I certainly don’t), create a self-care kit instead. This is a small space or kit that contains a few things you can turn to when you need to de-stress or give yourself a little self-love. For example, this could be a cozy blanket, a yummy-smelling candle, a favorite book, a journal, a yoga mat, etc.

32. Color in a coloring book

You can buy an adult coloring book, a kid’s coloring book, or just print some free coloring pages from the Internet. Listen to a podcast while you color or just let your mind wander. If you’re feeling stressed, coloring can actually help soothe anxiety and even improve your emotional well-being for the long term. [Source: PubMed Central]

33. Experiment with new cocktail recipes

As long as you have a few basics at home, you can really get creative and play bartender for the night. Better yet, invite a few friends over and have a DIY cocktail recipe competition.

34. Buy yourself fresh flowers

I really need to do this more often. Sure, there are crazy expensive bouquets out there, but you can also buy a simple bouquet of flowers for under $10. Seeing it sitting on your kitchen table can really put a spring in your step. And when the flowers eventually wilt, you can save the petals and make potpourri or sachets for your drawers (see self-care idea #11).

35. Go to a local bookstore and treat yourself

Strolling the aisles in a bookstore (preferably while wearing a thick and swishy skirt) is the kind of scene great rom-coms are made of. So why not turn your life into an old Meg Ryan flick? At least for a day. Plus, when you visit a local bookstore (even online, second-hand bookstores count in my book), you join the great fight in fighting over-consumption.

36. Buy a plant for your living room or bedroom

We can all use more greenery indoors. Being around plants improves cortisol levels in our bodies, makes us feel happier, and even helps us concentrate better. Plus, they’re pretty. Check out this TIME article for more details about the health benefits of houseplants.

37. Splatter paint

I remember seeing Mia Thermopolis do this with her mom in Princess Diaries. And when I recreated the art project with a friend after graduating high school, it was indeed just as much fun as it looked.

• Fill up a few balloons.
• Pour a little paint in each one.
• Carefully affix the balloons to a plain poster board and attach the poster board to a wall. (Spoiler: We attached it to a chain link fence in an empty park.)
• Throw darts at the balloons and watch your creation come to life.

(Please be careful, no matter where you do this.) 

13 Free self-care ideas

Here are 13 free self-care ideas:

38. Unplug and disconnect from technology for a few hours

I think we’re all probably guilty of not doing this enough. And I don’t know about you, but spending 30+ minutes doing nothing and scrolling on my phone never leaves me feeling good. But going for a walk or reading a book for that same amount of time? It never feels like a waste.

39. Start a journaling practice

Whenever I’m feeling a little stressed, anxious, depressed, mad, or whatever, taking the time to write it down makes me feel better about nine times out of 10. And it’s not just me—the University of Rochester Medical Center says journaling can help improve your mental health and emotional wellness. And it’s free.

Feeling the feels? Let her rip with journaling prompts for angry days.

40. Read a book

What can’t a good book solve? A book can help you learn something new, escape from reality, and challenge you to reflect on different ideas. Whether you prefer a physical book or an ebook is up to you—and there’s no shame in reading a cheesy romance novel, either. (Hey, it’s still better than social media.)

When was the last time you picked up a classic? These are our favorite (easy-to-read) classic novels for cozy self-care days.

41. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks

I’m very picky when it comes to podcasts, and I’m not really a big fan of audiobooks, but I know that some people absolutely love them. One podcast I return to over and over again through the years is The History Chicks. And my latest favorite is Your Weekly Breakdown.

42. Watch your favorite movie or binge-watch a TV series

I know I’m usually advocating for less screen time—but hey, we all need to veg out sometimes. These are a few of my old favorites for binge-watching:

• The Nanny
• StarGate SG-1
• I Dream of Jeannie
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch
• Frasier
• Cheers
• Seinfeld
• Friends
• Mad Men
• House, MD

43. Learn a new language or practice conversing in one you’re already learning

I’ve been working on learning Polish for almost a year now, and I have to say I’m surprised by how much you can learn from DuoLingo. (At the time of writing, I think my streak is around 622 days or something like that.) Once again, compared to social media, this is a little break on my phone that doesn’t make me feel like I just wasted time staring at people yelling at each other in the comments section. So I count that as a self-care win.

44. Go to the library and sit and read in quiet for an afternoon

One of my favorite solo pastimes is sitting and reading in a café. Usually, the hustle and bustle of other people working and moving around actually helps me focus. But sometimes it’s nice to have a bit of peace and quiet and sit in a library surrounded by nothing but books.

45. Write down your goals and create an action plan to achieve them

This one will definitely get you motivated and feeling inspired. I tend to do this every few months to check in on what I want in life, where I am now, and how I can get to where I want to go.

46. Sit down and spend time writing old-fashioned letters to loved ones—then mail them

When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? Not a bill. Not an advertisement. But a real, handwritten letter from someone who’s just telling you how you’re doing. It feels pretty great, doesn’t it? Give someone else this joy. (It also feels nice to write the letters, too.)

47. Create a self-care playlist with uplifting songs that make you feel good

Sometimes we all need that curated playlist to turn to when we’re feeling blue and need to stare pensively out the window like we’re in a music video. For me (and millions of other people on the planet), that’s Taylor Swift. I remember listening to her earliest songs with my best friend back when we were only nine. And then listening to her songs years later in high school when my best friend got her license. And then years later again and again. It’s a guaranteed, nostalgic, feel-good listen every time I tune in. What will be on your self-care playlist?

48. Start a morning or evening self-care routine

It can be lighting a candle. Or meditating. Maybe stretching. Applying skin care. Journaling. Or any combination of these or other self-care activities. Making it a routine guarantees just a few minutes of a little bit of self-care every day, even on your busiest days.

49. Find digital inspiration

Instead of scrolling through social media with your eyes glazed over, spend some time seeking out digital inspiration. For example, you can explore new blogs or subscribe to new newsletters. Some of my favorites are Wondermind and my friend Nikita’s Snail Mail Sweethearts.

50. Put your phone on airplane mode for a few hours

Or better yet, just turn it off. I used to do this a lot before the pandemic—just turn off my phone for the night or for a few hours on the weekend. I relished the uninterrupted time to just do my thing without constantly being pinged by notifications. During the pandemic, when I was using my phone to stay in touch with people, I stopped doing that. Now, I’m trying to pick up the habit again.

12 Beauty self-care ideas

Here are 12 beauty self-care ideas:

51. Take a long, relaxing bath

Is there anything better? I love to fill up a hot bath with salts, moisturizing oils, and essentials oils and luxuriate the evening away. I either bring along a book, watch a podcast, or just enjoy some moments of unstimulated bliss. (Seriously, why don’t I do this more often?)

52. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment

A lot of people won’t think twice about spending money to go out for dinner and drinks with friends—but they’ll draw the line at spending that money on themselves when they’re all alone. Sure, massages and spa treatments are expensive, so it might be something you only do once a year. But it can do a lot to help you relax and feel good about yourself, which I think is money well spent.

53. Practice aromatherapy

You can easily make your own aromatherapy room spray with just a few supplies and not a lot of money.

• Just fill a small spray bottle with water.
• Add a little bit of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
• Get creative by mixing in a few of your favorite essential oils. My favorite combination? Peppermint and lavender.

54. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure

You can still indulge in a little bit of beauty self-care without having to spend a lot of money. A relaxing foot bath is an easy luxury we should all treat ourselves to more often. And there’s just something about a fresh manicure that puts a little spring in your step.

55. Indulge with a classic eye treatment

Sometimes I do this because I wake up with tired, puffy eyes. And sometimes I do this just because it’s silly and fun.

• Place chilled cucumber slices or cooled tea bags over your eyes to reduce puffiness
• Then, apply a hydrating eye cream or gel.

For a more intense cooling effect, you can also leave a teaspoon in the freezer overnight and hold it under your eyes in the morning. Trust me—that’ll definitely wake you up.

56. Dry brush before the shower

I do this every morning, and in my humble opinion, it’s a self-care ritual that’s worth the extra 30 seconds. For one, dry brushing exfoliates the skin, giving you baby-soft skin from head to toe. (It also keeps in-grown hairs at bay, if you shave). Plus, dry brushing daily helps increases blood circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]

57. Give yourself a face massage

Not every morning, but when I have the extra time and feel a little fancy, I like to give myself a face massage. You can just use your fingers or a special facial massage tool (I like this one from Kora Organics). Now, I don’t believe any of the claims that face massage will give you supermodel cheekbones or anything like that. But that’s not the point. Instead, a face massage can just be a nice little self-care treat because it helps you relax, can relieve muscle tension, and feels damn good. Give it a try.

58. Create your own bath bombs

In case you needed more self-care bath ideas… Before you ever even get into the bathroom, you can have fun DIY-ing bath bombs—and it’ll be a lot cheaper than buying it in the store. Check out this article from Byrdie to learn how to make bath bombs at home.

59. Steam your face

I used to do this all the time in high school. Many a time, my sister would walk into the kitchen to see me sitting in a bathrobe with a towel atop my head, leaning over a bowl of boiled water. It may look ridiculous, but steaming your face is one spa treatment you can easily recreate at home for basically no money. To get extra fancy, you can also add tea, herbs, or essential oils to the water for an invigorating aroma. 

60. Create your own body oil

Another DIY beauty self-care activity I’ve been doing religiously since I was a teenager. It’s cheaper than what you’ll find in the Sephora aisle, and you won’t have to worry about any artificial fragrances aggravating your skin. Apply to slightly damp skin after a shower (or add a few drops into a hot bath), and you’ll be feeling silky, smooth, and sexy.

Pro Tip: This is my current favorite recipe for creating your own body oil:
1. Combine equal parts rosehip oil, jojoba oil, black cumin seed oil, and tamanu oil.
2. Add 10-20 drops each of copaiba essential oil, frankincense essential oil, and blue tansy essential oil.
3. Roll the bottle to blend oils.

61. Give yourself a scalp massage

Before shampooing, give yourself a scalp massage for stimulation. There’s limited research that indicates regular scalp massages may lead to increased hair growth or at least thicker hair because the massage stimulates blood flow to the scalp. These studies were small, so take their results with a grain of salt. But in any case, doesn’t a little self-care massage always feel good? [Source: GoodRX]

62. Enjoy a foot soak and massage

I’m not really one for nail polish, so I don’t care so much if my toenails are painted a flashy hue—but I do love to treat myself to a hot foot soak.

• Just fill a basin with hot (but not too hot) water.
• Add Epsom salts and your favorite essential oil (I like lavender and/or peppermint for a foot bath).
• After soaking for 15–20 minutes (or until the water cools), use a moisturizing oil or lotion to massage your foot.

(Psst! This is the perfect chance to use that DIY body oil you just made.)

13 Sunday self-care ideas

63. Practice yoga or gentle stretching exercises

I’m a fan of this one any day of the week, but a yoga session feels particularly good on a Sunday. Among the many health benefits of yoga, one study reported that yoga can actually help improve sleep quality (if you stick to a committed practice). And starting off a new week with a good night’s sleep is definitely some self-care your body deserves. [Source: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine Journal]

64. Spend time with your pet

Or if you don’t have a pet, how about volunteering at an animal shelter? I had a dog growing up, and while I’m not quite ready to take on the commitment (and cost) of pet ownership, I know that taking a dog for a walk or playing fetch in the park has always lifted my mood.

65. Go for a scenic drive and explore new places near you

Now that I’m a city girl and carless, this isn’t a Sunday self-care activity I can indulge in anymore, but I used to do this all time when I was younger, especially with my mom. A good playlist, a travel mug of your favorite tea or coffee, and winding backroads of an undiscovered town close to home is a sure-fire recipe for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

66. Have a digital detox day and avoid social media

I think we should all make this a regular weekly practice. Many studies have looked at the adverse affects of social media on our mental health, like anxiety and depression, but most of us keep scrolling, anyway. You don’t need to shame yourself for it, but try taking the day off. It’ll probably make you feel better. [Source: PubMed Central]

67. Organize and declutter your living space

Maybe this is just something that appeals to me because I’m a bit of a neat freak… Actually, it might not just be me. In an interview between the Cleveland Clinic and clinical psychologist Dawn Potter, PsyD, Potter indicates that there’s a very legitimate link between decluttering and mental health. I could go on about this in an entire post of its own, but basically: Do a little a decluttering now, and your future self is sure to thank you. [Source: Cleveland Clinic] 

68. Do a puzzle or play a board game

Like a lot of people, I spent a good amount of time during the pandemic doing puzzles, playing cards, and cracking out old board games. (Scrabble made many appearances.) It’s that kind of “good, clean fun” that’s actually fun and 10/10 better for your brain than staring at Netflix for three hours.

69. Have a lazy day in bed with your favorite snacks and shows

On the other hand, sometimes we just need to stare at Netflix and do nothing for three hours. (If you don’t do it too often, it really can be good for the soul.) Once in a while, I’ll spend Sunday morning luxuriating in bed with my favorite snacks (popcorn usually makes the list) while I binge-watch some of my favorite shows.

70. Volunteer for a cause that you care about

Unfortunately, I used to do a lot more volunteer work than I’m currently doing (which, sadly, is a big, fat zero). If you’re like me and want to do some good but keep letting volunteering drop to the bottom of your priority list, go ahead—be a little selfish. This study reported a “stress-buffering effect of volunteering” that “improved emotional well-being for participants who volunteered on a daily basis.” (Is karma at play here?) [Source: PubMed Central]

71. Treat yourself to a day of shopping and buy something you’ve been wanting for a while

Obviously, I’m not suggesting you go crazy with your finances, but we all deserve a little treat now and then. Besides, treating yourself doesn’t have to be expensive; it could be as simple as a lipstick or a new book.

Here’s a good tip: Keep a list of things you want to buy. If something’s remained on the list for several months after continued scrutiny, it’s probably something you actually want and won’t regret purchasing later.

72. Plan your dream vacation

This could be a dream vacation that you intend to put into action. For example, earlier in the year, I was dreaming of going on a yoga retreat—but a few other vacations got in the new way. (I know—what a hardship.) Even so, just looking up cool retreats I want to try one day was fun in and of itself. Or, you can really unleash your fantasies and mood-board that dream getaway you’d take if you ever won the lottery. 

73. Sleep in

Enough said. And if you’re one of those people who shames themselves for sleeping too late on the weekend, consider this: You need that good sleep for your health! Without enough good-quality sleep, you’re at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, even dementia, and other diseases and disorders. So turn off your Sunday alarm. [Source: NIH News in Health]

74. Take the time to make a nice, healthy breakfast for yourself

I never really do this on weekdays. Even when I’m just working from home and don’t need to rush out anywhere, it always seems like an indulgence or a waste of time to prepare myself a nice, restaurant-quality breakfast. But on Sunday, it’s usually easier to make the time. So learn how to poach an egg; get fancy with olive oil and cracked pepper; or make a yogurt bowl that will give the café down the street a run for its money. Preparing will feel good; eating it will taste even better; and it’s cheaper than dining out. 

75. Create a Sunday-evening self-care ritual to get you ready for the week

When I was in college, this used to mean painting my nails and watching a favorite Sunday-night show. Now, it usually means using luxurious skin care, making a cup of tea, and reading a book. If I’m feeling stressed, I’ll make a list of what I need to get done for the week ahead. Whatever it looks like for you, a Sunday-evening ritual can really help keep away the Sunday Scaries. 

12 Outdoor self-care ideas

Here are 12 outdoor self-care ideas:

76. Go on a hike or natural trail

Whether you’re after a vigorous hike that will really challenge your fitness or just a casual nature stroll, this is an outdoor self-care activity you can do on your own or with a friend. (But be careful if you’re on your own!) Plus, the only thing you have to pay for is your transportation to the trail. 

77. Go for a bike ride

When I was in college, I used to cycle for 45 minutes almost every day a week. Now, most of my bike rides are just around town to the grocery store, but it’s still something I always find relaxing. If you don’t own a bike, check out the options to rent one for a day or just a few hours (it’s usually cheaper than you think). 

78. Watch the sunrise or sunset and appreciate the beauty of nature

Bonus challenge: Don’t post a picture on your Instagram story. Instead, just enjoy the colors of the sun and sky—it doesn’t need to be shared online to be meaningful. Personally, I prefer a sunrise to a sunset because I think they’re a little rarer to behold. 

79. Go for a leisurely walk in nature

Or if you’re confined to a city grid, your closest park will do. Often, I’ll call a friend when I’m going for a walk or listen to a podcast. But I’m trying to fight that impulse to feel like I need to be DOING something every second of the day. Sometimes, it’s also good to walk a little aimlessly and let your mind wander.

80. Have a picnic in a local park

Another thing I don’t do as often as I really could or should. For whatever reason, having a picnic in the park makes me feel fancy (even though I don’t go all out and bring an actual basket (though, shouldn’t I?)). With friends or alone with a book, a picnic usually leads to an instant mood-lift. 

81. Visit a farmer’s market and buy fresh produce

I try to make it to the local farmer’s market for my weekly grocery run every Sunday (I’m pretty spoiled to live close to a great one), but sometimes I can’t make it and just end up at the grocery store instead. Even if the farmer’s market isn’t a feasible option for you on the regular, treating yourself to a visit here and there sure makes a weekly chore a lot more fun (and usually more delicious).

82. Exercise outside

I get that gyms are convenient and a lot of people love them, but they’ve never been my thing. Instead, I faithfully practice yoga at home with a few of my go-to YouTube channels: Yoga with Kassandra, Charlie Follows, and Tana Yoga. Still, whenever I get the chance to venture outside with my yoga mat for a little workout under the sun, it’s always a 10/10/

83. Take a trip to the beach—no matter the season

Or lake… Or whatever kind of body of water is closest to you. Back when I lived in the Rhode Island, the beach was pretty much always just a 30-minute car ride away. My favorite time of year to visit was during the fall, when the warm weather had gone and taken the crowds with it. And in my opinion, a sandwich always tastes better when the wind has swept a little bit of sand between the slices. 

84. Go star-gazing

This one’s definitely a lot harder to do (if not impossible) if you live in a city. But if you live away from light pollution, try heading with friends to spend a few hours just laying back and watching the stars. 

85. Try forest bathing

Forest bathing (also called forest therapy) is more than just a walk in the woods. Instead, you consciously immerse yourself in “the sights, sounds and smells of the forest,” as described by the Global Wellness Institute. It may seem a little silly, but studies show forest bathing can significantly reduce cortisol levels. Not a bad way to spend a self-care afternoon. [Source: PubMed Central] 

86. Go bird watching

You don’t have to be a big bird fan to enjoy a day of bird watching. Or at least, that’s what I’ve been told. Quite honestly, this is still on my bucket list of activities to try. But just wandering around my own neighborhood and spotting a sparrow (or, honestly, even a pigeon) tends to brighten my day. It’s the small things.

87. Visit the zoo

I recently went to one of the zoos in Berlin. It was the first time I’d been to a zoo in probably 10 years, and it was a lot of fun. But really, what’s not to love from a day spent outside, walking around and checking out some cute animals. Alone or with friends, a trip to the zoo is always a good outdoor self-care activity.

13 Creative self-care ideas

Here are 13 creative self-care ideas:

88. Attend a live concert, theater performance, or cultural event

It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. A few months ago, I bought tickets to a one-man play of Albert Camus’s The Stranger. It was actually cheaper than a usual evening or dinner and drinks out. Plus, I got to dress up and feel extra fancy. 

89. Sign up for a workshop or seminar

If you live near a university, college, or community college, check out what events are coming up. Colleges offer events that are open to the public more often than we think. Sure, you may not want to party with a bunch of rowdy college kids, but there may be a seminar or lecture on a subject you’re interested in (and they’re usually free to register). 

90. Take a painting class

Even if you’re not good at painting. I’m not disastrous with a paintbrush, but I definitely need some guidance. That said, even if my final piece is too embarrassing to share with anyone outside of my Paint Nite group, it always gives me a self-care boost. In fact, one study shows a positive correlation between participating in a creative activity (like painting) and improved mental health. [Source: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing] 

91. Start an art journal

If you don’t want to spend the time or money to go to a painting class, you can still get creative at home with an art journal. Treat yourself to a brand-new journal and then use it as your self-care haven for creative expression—drawing, painting, writing, collaging, whatever calls to you.

92. Go on a photography excursion

Grab a camera if you have one or just your phone and venture outside for a day of photography. You could visit a nature trail, go to the beach, or just get lost strolling unfamiliar streets downtown.

Pro tip: To stay off your phone for the day, buy a disposable camera from your pharmacy. They’re usually about $20 for 20–25 prints. But you get the added excitement of waiting to see how your pictures turned out with real, physical prints you can hang on the walls.

93. Create your own recipe

Even if you’re a mess in the kitchen—no one else has to be around to see it. Get creative with whatever leftovers you find in the fridge or buy something random at the grocery store you’ve never tried before. If you need inspiration, I invite you to check out my friend Ally’s food blog, Nigella Eats Everything.

94. Practice creative writing

Maybe your job involves some kind of writing or you’re an active journal-er. But when was the last time you sat down and wrote a story? Besides the fact that it’s just plain fun, 200+ research studies have shown that emotional writing can positively impact your mental (and even physical) health. [Source: Harvard Business Review]

95. Take the time to discover some new music

When I had a long commute to work, I was always discovering new music. With 80+ minutes alone in the car five days a week, I had plenty of time to listen to albums on repeat from start to finish and learn all the words before moving onto to something new. Now that I work from home, my time spent listening to music has drastically decreased—and that needs to change. Listening to music can not only improve your mood, sleep, and memory, but it can also help reduce anxiety, pain, and even blood pressure. [Source: John Hopkins Medicine]

96. Try mind mapping

This is a good self-care activity to do at pretty much any moment, but I find it particularly helpful if you’re stressed, depressed, or feeling anxious. Use a large sheet of paper, start with one central idea or phrase, and let your thoughts grow across the page in a web—as messy or as organized as you want. 

97. Cut up old magazines and make a collage

Sure, Pinterest is fun, and there are a lot of cool pictures and videos on Instagram—but using your hands to cut, paste, and create something totally original is a lot more fulfilling than scrolling and double-tapping. One recent study from teacher education researchers reveals how effective collages actually are in promoting self-reflection and identity development, key self-care activities we should all be practicing. [Source: Teaching and Teacher Education]

98. Make your own jewelry

Another tactile self-care activity with a beautiful result. You can find jewelry-making kits online or just head to your local crafts store to find different baubles and odds and ends to experiment with. Remember: If you’re not pleased with the end result, you can always undo it and start again.

99. Learn how to knit, crochet, or embroider

My mom taught me how to cross-stitch when I was a kid, and I used to really love it. Like a lot of other people, I briefly rediscovered this hobby during the early days of the pandemic. Listening to a podcast in the background while I busied my hands on the intricacies of filling the grid with perfect stitches was a self-care double whammy: equal parts relaxing and stimulating for both body and mind.

100. Tie-dye old tee shirts

For a creative self-care idea that doesn’t require any intense artistic skills, you really can’t go wrong with tie-dye. You can also try reverse tie-dying: Instead of dying bright colors on a white shirt, try using bleach to make geometric designs on a black or dark-color shirt. (And get ready for an arm workout when you ring out your dyed shirts in the sink.)

My 10 Self-Care Go-Tos

Whew! That was a lot of self-care day ideas—a full 100 ways to self-care!

At the risk of beating this idea to death, I’ll say it again: Self-care looks a little different for everyone. While it’s fun to experiment with new self-care ideas, it’s nice to have a few go-tos in your back pocket that you know you can turn to when you’re feeling like you need to recharge. 

These are my 10 favorite things to do for self-care:

1. Practicing yoga and meditation
2. Reading in a café
3. Using a face mask and doing an elaborate skincare routine
4. Brewing a pot of herbal tea
5. Going for an aimless walk by myself
6. Calling a friend
7. Journaling
8. Turning off (or at least ignoring) my phone for a few hours
9. Watching a favorite TV show
10. Taking myself out to breakfast

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Recommended Reading:

• 14 Habits to Develop in Your 20s
• Easy Classic Novels to Read
• How Heather’s Lonely Year at Uni Became the Springboard to Her Greatest Adventures

Before you go …

Self-care may seem like a very over-hyped term right now. (I won’t lie. Part of me does roll my eyes every time I read or write that phrase.) But it’s damn important! And it doesn’t have to be big. Self-care can be as simple as taking the time to enjoy a cup of tea for 10 minutes while you stare dreamily out the window. (Is that one of my favorites out of all of these 100 self-care ideas? Maybe…)

If you’re not yet a tea drinker, read my next article on the the best tea for non tea drinkers … You’ll soon become a convert. 😉