Self Care 101

 

Self care is beneficial for stress management, physical health and emotional well being.  When we take care of ourselves, we are healthier, more productive and happier.  As a result we are able to take better care of the people who matter the most.  We are better friends, partners, family members and employees.   People say that they don’t have time for self care or they don’t know of any strategies. Now there are no excuses! This is a list of 101 strategies to take care of you! Keep in mind, self care is unique to everyone so be do what works best for you.  There will be at least one new idea so you will be sure to take care of YOU!

 

 

1. Practice deep breathing
2. Go for a jog or a run
3. Spend time with family/loved ones
4. Practice yoga
5. Eat healthy meals and snacks
6. Spend time in nature
7. Do zumba, aerobics
8. Set goals
9. Love yourself
10. Get plenty of sleep/rest
11. Have a gratitude practice
12. Hire a personal trainer
13. Walk
14. Crochet
15. Have alone time
16. Use essential oils
17. Take a bubble bath
18. Spend time with your pets
19. Weight train
20. Drink plenty of water
21. Do home a workout programs
22. Use products you love (body wash, candles)
23. Schedule regular wellness visits (Dentist, primary care physician, chiropractor)
24. Do crossword puzzles
25. Process your feelings
26. Get a massage
27. Snuggle with someone you care about
28. Meditate
29. Go for a bicycle ride
30. Get acupuncture
31. Shop
32. Create a to do list
33. Utilize Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)
34. Color in a coloring book
35. Schedule breaks
36. Compliment someone
37. Paint or go to a paint party
38. Talk to a friend or a supportive person
39. Take a break from stressful situations
40. Watch television or a movie
41. Order take-out food or take a break from cooking
42. Participate in social networks
43. Make time for hobbies
44. Learn Tai Chi
45. Knit
46. Read a book, journal, newspaper or magazine
47. Get a facial
48. Play card games or board games
49. Repeat positive affirmations
50. Go to a self improvement training or seminar
51. Take a shower
52. Treat yourself to something special (flowers, shopping)
53. Visualize/imagine happy thoughts and situations
54. Schedule time for self care
55. Go to the beach
56. Listen to calming sounds (ocean, waves, rain, sound machine)
57. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
58. Hike
59. Write or journal
60. De-clutter, get rid of what you don’t need
61. Swim
62. Draw or doodle
63. Garden or lawn care
64. Know your limits
65. Turn off your cell phone or technology
66. Listen to or dance to music
67. Write or read poetry
68. Do karate
69. Play an instrument
70. Clean your house, car, office, desk, etc.
71. Scrapbook
72. Drink herbal tea
73. Make a list of your positive qualities or accomplishments
74. Smile at yourself in the mirror or at others
75. Practice mindfulness
76. Participate in/avoid social media
77. Clear out old email
78. Say “No” to what you don’t need or don’t want
79. Go horseback riding
80. Donate items
81. Know your limitations, seek help or outsource
82. Trust your gut/instincts
83. Volunteer
84. Surround yourself with Motivational pictures and motivational quotations
85. Be kind to yourself
86. Surround yourself with positive people and positive situations
87. Have a self care accountability partner
88. Validate your feelings
89. Do what you love
90. Believe in yourself
91. Create a self care vision board
92. Go for a relaxing drive
93. Call someone who you haven’t spoken to in a while
94. Travel
95. Participate in personal development or professional development
96. Get a haircut, color or style
97. Do reiki
98. Forgive yourself and others
99. Set boundaries
100. Describe and imagine your perfect day
101. Talk to a therapist, life coach, mentor