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So you’re finally making some time for self-care? That’s awesome! I am so proud of you!
What are you going to do?
Oh… no ideas? Well, maybe I can help.
If you’re stuck wondering what to do when you’ve finally carved out a bit of time to be with yourself, decompress, and try to enjoy some peace and quiet, check out this list of self-care ideas.
You don’t actually have to spend a long time doing something for yourself.
Whether you only have five minutes, or you have a whole day, there are still loads of things you can do to treat yourself and feel at peace.
Five Minute Self-Care Ideas:
- Light a candle.
- Listen to your favourite song.
- Brush your teeth, floss, and mouthwash.
- DRINK SOME WATER.
- Text a loved one and tell them you appreciate them.
- Make a nice cup of tea or coffee.
- Do a mini-meditation. Check out this book of five minute meditations!
- Do some stretches.
- Dance!
- DRINK SOME WATER… yes, again.
- Paint your nails.
- Get up and walk around your apartment, or office.
- Water your plants.
- Write down some affirmations.
Fifteen Minute Self-Care Ideas:
- Do a face mask.
- Take a quick walk, even if just to the store for an errand.
- DRINK SOME WATER.
- Stretch.
- Take a caf-nap. This is the process of drinking a cup of coffee and then laying down for fifteen minutes while it kicks in.
- Meditate.
- Make a grocery list so you won’t keep eating out every evening.
- Call your mom to check in.
- Journal.
- Make an appointment with your chiropractor, massage therapist, physiotherapist, actual therapist, etc. You know you’ve been putting it off.
An Hour or More:
- Turn off your phone.
- Read.
- Cook a nice, healthy meal.
- Watch a movie or binge watch a show you love or have been wanting to see.
- Go for a coffee date—alone or with a friend.
- Get a workout in.
- Purge your closet, or just reorganize it Marie Kondo style.
- Get a massage.
- Get your nails done.
- Get your hair done.
- Do some writing.
- Do a longer meditation.
- Journal.
- Take a bubble bath, maybe with a glass of wine.
- Take a long shower… maybe with some shower wine?
- Play a video game.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you decide to do during this designated “me time,” make sure it’s something you enjoy. You won’t feel refreshed and/or rejuvenated if you spend your specified fifteen minutes making a list of groceries your mom told you that you should get because she thinks you need to change your diet. This time is about you, and you alone.
Check in with yourself and your body. Listen to your breathing. If you want to just sit in a comfy chair and stare at the ceiling, lost in thought, more power to you if you feel better after doing that.
The only rule I’m going to give you is this: do not feel guilty for taking this time. You deserve it. You need it. And if you ignore yourself and you burn out, you won’t be doing yourself or your loved ones any favours. If it helps you to think about your self-care time as being beneficial for others, do that because it is.
We put our best selves forward when our best selves are available, so self-care is something to be encouraged.
Again, I’m so proud of you for taking the time to do it! Let me know in the comments if you have something specific you like to do on a self-care night, or if you’re taking anything from this list!
It’s a good day to have a good day.