For many women, self-care is one of those things that we often push down on our to-do list—if we even list it at all. From our jobs to our family obligations, everything else and everyone else always seems more important.
Therefore, the public service announcement for today is: if you’re a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, or a friend, put your oxygen mask on first, or you’ll never be able to save anyone else. And believe it or not, that oxygen mask can show up in the form of self-care.
What Is Self-Care?
Essentially, self-care is all the ways you can nurture your mind and nourish your body and soul. It’s the little things you do to keep your mind and body in tune, and it’s a way to give your happiness a boost.
The great thing about self-care is that it means different things to different people, and there are no hard and fast rules. A common misconception is that self-care should look like midday meditations and positive affirmations. And self-care can be those things—if you want it to be. The truth is, when it comes to the small things you can do to improve your quality of life; the sky’s the limit. Self-care can be as simple as going for a daily walk. It can also be a fat slice of cake, curling up with a good book, or even cleaning the oven.
And while we often focus on and only respond to “the critical things” when it comes to our health and emotional well-being, sometimes it’s the little things we do for ourselves that have the biggest impact. Here are 19 acts of self-care you can do right now, and they don’t cost a thing.
19 Acts Of Self Care You Can Do Right Now
1. Take A Walk
Getting out into the fresh air and feeling the sunlight on your skin can have a profound impact on your mood, health, and well-being. So queue up your favorite podcast or playlist, or enjoy your walk-in silence; either way, step away from the desk and go for it.
2. Meditate For 10 Minutes
Meditation might take a little practice, but the myriad of health benefits it comes with makes it all worthwhile. Research has shown that meditation:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves focus and emotional balance
- Increases self-awareness
- Boosts your patience and tolerance
To get started, pick a quiet spot and spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath.
3. Dance It Out
Famed dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said, “dance is the hidden language of the soul.” And study after study has shown that dancing improves your mood, stress levels, and even your body image. So, what are you waiting for? Get up and move!
4. Take A Bubble Bath
If a hot bath is your idea of a relaxing good time, then turn on the tap and dive in. Don’t forget the candles, bath oils, and whatever else makes your heart sing.
5. Crack Open A New Book
We all have a “to be read” stack piling up in the corner, waiting for their moment. So, if getting lost in a good book feeds your soul, there’s no time like the present. This simple yet effective act of self-care will get you out of your head and deep into someone else’s story before you know it.
6. Cook A Meal
Cooking is a wonderful act of self-care because it nourishes your mind and your body. So pull out an old cookbook or your favorite recipe and slice, dice, roast, or sautee your way to a lighter mood.
7. Treat Yourself To Your Favorite Dessert
Food has long been a language of love, so show yourself some love and indulge in your favorite dessert. Whether it’s cookies, cake, or ice cream, pick the one that nourishes your soul.
8. Start A Gratitude Journal
Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast once said, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” And there’s probably no better way to find and feel joy than taking pen to paper, putting things into perspective, and reflecting on all your gifts. Incidentally, research has also shown that those who lean into gratitude are happier and more optimistic.
9. Take A Moment To Reflect On Your Day
More often than not, we spend our lives rushing from one thing to the next. From commuting to work, attending meeting after meeting, taking the kids to soccer in the evening, and cooking dinner, the list is endless. With so much to do, the days begin to bleed together, and there’s never a moment to stop and breathe. So, try a change of pace. At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on your day and acknowledge the wins, no matter how big or how small.
10. Watch A Movie
Whether it’s an old favorite or the latest blockbuster, grabbing a snack and lying on the couch to watch a movie is an excellent opportunity to tune out the noise and get lost in something fantastical.
11. Take An Afternoon Nap
Listening to your body is an important act of self-care, so if your body bids you to take a nap on a Saturday afternoon, go for it. You might even throw some caution to the wind and skip the alarm.
12. Unplug For An Hour
Taking some time to unplug from emails, texts, and social media notifications is a great way to give yourself a time out. Rest assured that the world won’t burn in the hour that you’re gone; it will all be there when your power back up.
13. Get Up And Move
Middle school biology has taught us that exercise releases endorphins—your body’s feel-good chemicals. So to give your mood a bump in the right direction, download a yoga class.
14. Sing
We all feel better when we sing along with Adele, so crank up your playlist and belt one out. Relax and enjoy; no one will judge if you miss a high note or three.
15. Make an “it’s done” list
We’re all hyper-focused on the things that we have yet to do. No sooner do we cross something off our to-do list, and we’re on to the next task; with a rhythm like that, it’s easy to lose sight of what we’ve accomplished.
So how about turning the tables and writing an “it’s done” list instead? Whether it’s finishing a big project at work or finally getting around to sorting through those boxes in the garage, take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back.
16. Call An Old Friend
Life can get pretty busy, and far too often, we end up losing touch with old friends simply because there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. So practice a little self-care and call up an old friend. Catch up, go through the “remember when’s,” and have a laugh or two. To be honest, your act of self-care will likely be good for both of you.
17. Go Through Your Camera Roll Or Old Photos
Ever notice how you feel when you see an old picture pop up in your Facebook memory posts? Chances are you’re probably smiling from ear to ear, so carry that feeling on, open up your camera roll, and start scrolling. Even better, dust off the box in the closet and take a walk down memory lane.
18. Declutter Your Closet
Some people feel anxious when things are messy and disorganized, while others thrive in chaos. If you fall into the former category, self-care can also look like cleaning up and decluttering your closet. Purging, sorting, and folding can do wonders to lighten your load, literally and figuratively. And if an empty sink is what does it for you, then have at it.
19. Color, Draw, Or Doodle
The key to self-care is tuning out the noise and getting out of your head, even if it’s just for a little while. And adult coloring books are incredibly popular for that very reason. You don’t have to think any further than choosing the right color and staying inside the lines. And to be honest, there are no rules here either; if you want to color outside the lines, you can do that too. If coloring doesn’t get your creative juices flowing, you can also try drawing or doodling.
