17 Self-Care Ideas for a Happier You

Life can be stressful. Like most adults, your days are probably filled with various responsibilities that need your attention. We often spread ourselves too thin and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted. But before we share our favorite self-care ideas, let’s discuss why self-care is so important.

What is self-care?

With a demanding career and busy home life, your well-being starts to decline. If you make don’t make an effort to nourish your mind, soul, and body, you’re like a car running on empty.

This is where self-care comes in.

Self-care is about creating habits and attitudes to ensure your emotional, mental, and physical health are intact.

Contrary to popular belief, self-care is anything but selfish. When you take time to pour love into yourself, you create the right atmosphere to subsequently extend care to others.

Here are 17 self-care ideas to help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed each day.

1. Get a good night’s rest

Sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body. Set a bedtime, and stick to it. Most adults need between 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Keep TV, phones, and tablets out of your bedroom and avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime.

2. Exercise 30 minutes every day

Exercise is vital for a healthy mind and body. A brisk walk, swimming, or aerobics can help prevent heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

3. Practice yoga

Yoga can reduce anxiety and heighten self-awareness. No time for yoga classes? You can learn the basic yoga poses at home.

4. Give yourself a facial

Ditch the expensive spa treatments in favor of a simple DIY facial. Our avocado face cleanser uses ingredients right from your kitchen.’

5. Practice daily affirmations

Positive affirmations can quiet negative thoughts and shift your mindset. We have 51 daily affirmations to get you started.

6. Take a relaxing bath

Put on some soft music, grab a bath pillow, and soak away the stress. These milk bath recipes pull double duty; they’re great for relaxing and help cure common skin ailments.

7. Get a massage

Massages increase relaxation and reduce muscle soreness and tension. They may even help you improve sleep.

8. Take a nap

Afternoon naps aren’t just for kids! A quick 20-minute catnap can relieve stress and help you get through the day.

9. Schedule a checkup

We often go to the doctor when we’re sick, but regular checkups with our primary care physician are essential to our health. Screen regularly for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

10. Listen to music

Music can improve your mood, help you relax, and even boost your immune system.

11. Unplug from social media

Social media can be a fun way to communicate with friends and loved ones, but it’s wise to take occasional breaks. If social media is negatively impacting your mental health, it’s best to unplug permanently.

12. Read a book

Losing yourself in a great book is an effective stress reliever. Studies have shown that when your brain is engaged in a fictional story, your stress levels can reduce as much as 68 percent.

13. Plan a staycation

Your home may not look like a 5-star resort, but it doesn’t mean you can’t treat it like one. Take a day (or three!) and enjoy some downtime at home. Order some takeout, watch a few movies and hang out in your comfiest leggings.

14. Delegate tasks

Are you an overachiever with a mile-long to-do list? Learn to divvy up some of your responsibilities among co-workers and family. If it’s your budget, bring in professionals such as cleaning service so you can spend more time on things that make you happy.

15. Learn to meditate

Studies show that meditation reduces stress and lowers blood pressure in as little as 15 minutes a day. Meditation is easier than you think. Find a quiet place, sit in a chair, or on the floor, breathe deeply, then let your mind wander.

16. Get back to nature

Spending time in nature boosts your physical and mental well-being. A walk in the park alone or with your dogs, a nature hike, or a trip to the beach is an effective way to reduce anxiety and stress.

17. Start a journal

If you’re experiencing burnout from work or home life, journaling a few minutes per day can help organize your thoughts. Journaling has no rules. Don’t focus on grammar or spelling. Just put pen to paper and start writing.

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