top of page
Melissa Campbell

50 Simple Ways to Start a Daily Self-Care Practice



Do you practice hygge?! (In Denmark and Norway it’s pronounced “hoo-ga”)


Self-care, self-love, self-support, self-nurturing or hygge… whatever you want to call it, it’s one of the greatest investments you can make for your physical, mental and emotional health & wellbeing.


However, if you’re someone who actually finds it hard to care for yourself, and give yourself permission to carve out time, then you probably need it more than anyone else.


Here’s the thing…. when you nurture yourself, you’re better equipped to help others but, self-care isn’t all about rewarding yourself at the end of a hard day or stressful week. It’s about engaging in something that is self-supportive and looks after your own needs first.


“Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s mandatory. Fuel your soul so you can give your best to your people. We need all of YOU!”~ Dr. Sara Gottfried MD, Author of The Hormone Cure


Making Self-Care “Stick”


If you’re not in the habit (yet) of nurturing yourself regularly, in this blog post I am going to give you 50 ways to begin your self-care practice.


Start small and START TODAY! because that is all you have to do….start.


And no, you don’t need to spend hours, money or energy trying to be perfect! You just need to start and you might be surprised as to what counts as self-care until you realise how much sense it makes to your health and well-being.


Before we dive into the list, first things first. When your goal is to stick to a regular self-care routine, only seek out and implement the ideas that fit your personality, lifestyle, and of course, your schedule. Some ideas take more time and effort than others, so be sure they’re a good fit and that they’re something you truly enjoy doing.


Scheduling and planning out your “me time” is what usually makes a regular practice stick. By practicing at least one (or two!) of these activities every day, you’ll soon realise that self-care is indeed a necessity and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!


Hopefully, with this great big list of ideas, you’ll gain some inspiration to start nurturing, supporting, and loving yourself more often - the way you deserve.



Your Daily Self-Care Routine - 50 Easy Ways to Start One TODAY!


This list was inspired by, and adapted from the following - and if you want even more ideas, please check out each of these self-care blog posts:


the

  1. Spend time in silence and stillness - to recharge the body, mind and spirit.

  2. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for. Say thank you out loud. Then say it again.

  3. Start a “smile file” - a list of nice things people have said or written about you.

  4. Say something nice about yourself in your head - then stand in front of a mirror and repeat it out loud.

  5. Give yourself a pedicure or manicure - maybe both!

  6. Take a bubble bath or Epsom salt bath - light a few candles and play some calming music.

  7. Read a book or magazine for an hour - and don’t just flip through, really get into it.

  8. Go to the library or bookstore and sit in a comfy chair and just read.

  9. Sit on the patio or in the garden and take in some sunshine, fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature.

  10. Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers - or cut some from your garden.

  11. Go for a leisurely drive with no destination in mind - where could it take you?

  12. Take a leisurely walk without a destination.

  13. Go for a hike - with a destination.

  14. Put on a homemade face mask - see recipe!

  15. Give yourself permission to binge-watch your latest ‘show.

  16. Take a nap in the middle of the day.

  17. Order in dinner - and make sure there are leftovers for the next day!

  18. Take a mini-meditation break - just 5-10 minutes needed. Even a deep breathing session does wonder!

  19. Do something creative or crafty - writing, poetry, coloring, knitting, sewing, crochet, painting, drawing.

  20. Watch funny YouTube videos - preferably of cats.

  21. Go star-gazing or sit in the grass and watch the clouds go by.

  22. Have a dance party in your kitchen to your favourite tunes.

  23. Book a day’s random annual leave just because - and don’t let guilt enter the picture.

  24. Use an essential oil diffuser and mix up the blends you use.

  25. Sit in a coffee shop and sip on a luxurious drink.

  26. Book a yoga workshop for an extended experience - or do a yoga video at home.

  27. Get up extra early and quietly sip on a hot drink before anyone else gets up.

  28. Sing loudly - and not just under your breath or in the shower!

  29. Listen to a podcast - and not just while you’re cooking dinner or have something else going on.

  30. Stretch.

  31. Digitally unplug for ONE hour.

  32. Digitally unplug for ONE day.

  33. Unfollow people on social media - if their stuff doesn’t bring you joy, make the cut.

  34. Don’t go on social media for 24 hours - turn off notifications.

  35. Find a playground and play on the swings, the slides and the monkey bars!

  36. Declutter a closet or the “junk drawer”.

  37. Bake that dessert you pinned 3 months ago - then eat it.

  38. Watch the sun rise or set - don’t post it either, just watch it happen in real time.

  39. Have a picnic in the back garden or park.

  40. Go to bed early, really early - or sleep in late, really late.

  41. Drink a smoothie for all 3 meals - no meal planning required. Make it ahead too!

  42. Go to a museum or take in an art show

  43. Watch a really funny movie or show - laugh until it hurts.

  44. Get a massage - just because it feels good, not because something hurts.

  45. Spend time out in the garden - get dirty!

  46. Fancy up your water with some fruit, mint leaves or cucumber slices - and sip on it all day.

  47. Connect with an old friend.

  48. Sit around in your bathrobe or pj’s all day.

  49. Cook a fancy meal… for yourself or someone you love.

  50. Say “no” to something or someone.


As you can see, self-care doesn’t need to be complicated - in fact, the simpler the better.


By practicing it regularly, if not daily, you’ll not only feel more balanced physically and mentally, but it will help you to take responsibility for the way you want to feel all the time.


“When you discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”~ Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. & Author

 

RECIPE:


Even if your busy schedule prevents you from scheduling in a well-deserved spa treatment once in a while, you can still get your natural beauty on at home with this quick & simple face mask using just a few ingredients from your kitchen!



Coffee “Mud” Mask - for Face & Body


(2 applications for face or 1 application for larger body area)


Ingredients


2 tsp ground coffee (caffeinated)

2 tsp cacao powder

1 tsp apple cider vinegar (ACV, unpasteurized; can substitute with witch hazel or rose water if you have extra-sensitive skin)

1 tsp honey

1 tsp filtered water (or more if needed)


Method


In a small glass bowl mix coffee grounds & cacao powder with a silicon spatula.


Add wet ingredients and mix until a paste forms. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water until desired consistency is reached.


Using your fingers, spread mask over face or desired area, and let sit for 10 - 15 minutes.


Rinse off with warm water using circular motions to get some gentle exfoliation of the skin.


Pat dry with a clean towel and apply a rich moisturiser - perfect routine before bed :)



 

REFERENCES:





 

Enjoyed this post?


I'm sure you will love my free Facebook group called Everyday Wellness for Women which promotes manageable and sustainable tips for healthier living.



In this group, you will find support and access to mini weekly challenges, free recipes, stress-busting techniques, along with ways to improve your sleep, energy, moods and much more.


Click right here to join my free group today.

77 views1 comment

1 Comment


lulin
Dec 16, 2020

I agree that options house is the first rate services providing company. They offer in quite user-friendly interface. Anyone can use that www.joinerynewcastle.com.au for making their online shopping sites. Because, for shopping sites this is one ideal option.

Like
bottom of page