When life gets stressful, it’s nice to have go-to self care activities that make you feel better. Maybe it’s bike riding, taking a train to the city, or cooking a nice meal. Everyone’s self care ideas and routine will look unique! 💛
Last year, I shared a list of self care ideas for when you’re feeling overwhelmed. A year has gone by already, so I wanted to update the post. Naturally, I’m making a huge list of 100 self care ideas! Is it little extra? Maybe, but I love chatting with y’all about self care!
For me, I enjoy reading books and spending time outside. Right now, I’m working on my summer reading list. The other day, I went to the park and just read under a tree for a while. It calmed my mind after a pretty stress-filled work week.
A topic that I touched on, but didn’t go into detail about is the dimensions of self care. There are a lot of articles delving into this topic, but all of them are a bit different. After doing some research, I learned about five common dimensions of self care. They include physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional.
Here is my updated list of self care ideas! I’ve organized them by the five dimensions of self care. I hope that these ideas will help you create your perfect self care routine! 💗
100 Self Care Ideas for Stressful Days
Dimensions of Self Care
Physical
1. Stay hydrated and listen to your body when you’re thirsty.
2. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies.
3. Go out for a walk or run, even if it’s short.
4. Take a 20 minute nap.
5. Go to sleep an hour earlier.
6. Ride your bike.
7. Sign up for a Zumba class near you.
8. Sing or dance to your favorite song.
9. Check in with your doctor.
10. Implement healthy snacks throughout the day, like granola bars, yogurt, or nuts.
11. Explore new spots in your town on a sunny day.
12. Go hiking and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
13. Take a relaxing bubble bath. Don’t forget a great book and scented candle!
14. Make your home more environmentally friendly.
15. Have a nice cup of tea.
16. Try out yummy recipes on Pinterest for fun.
17. Cuddle up with a cozy waffle blanket.
18. Have an at-home spa day!
19. Buy yourself flowers from the grocery store.
20. Visit the beach and take in the fresh air.
Mental
1. Watch your favorite comedy!
2. Do something that sparks your creativity. Paint a picture, write a poem, or learn a song on the guitar!
3. Recite positive affirmations for mental health.
4. Follow a nighttime routine to reduce anxiety.
5. Declutter your home.
6. Read a novel you can’t put down.
7. Create an anti-stress playlist.
8. Buy a fun adult coloring book.
9. Start a 30 days of self care challenge!
10. Schedule an appointment with a counselor. Talking to an expert in the field helps so much!
11. Organize your day with a bullet journal.
12. Search for relaxing sounds on YouTube like rain or ocean waves.
13. Make a personalized self care kit for yourself.
14. Clear your mind by trying out different grounding techniques.
15. Take a social media break.
16. Don’t check your work email when you get home.
17. Make some yummy sandwiches, grab a blanket and basket, and go on a picnic!
18. Brighten your day with these 21 mood lifters!
19. Hang out at your favorite coffee shop.
20. Plan an outing, like a concert or art show!
Social
1. Pick a destination and go on a road trip!
2. Host a game night at your place.
3. Get away from the office and schedule a lunch date with your coworkers.
4. Invite your family over for dinner.
5. Hang out with your favorite person…or pet!
6. Pay MarioKart with your besties.
7. Send a letter to someone you love.
8. Join a book club at your local library.
9. Message someone you miss.
10. Start a blog about your passion!
11. Have a viewing party for a new show. I recommend The Office or Stranger Things!
12. Build a pillow fort with your bae.
13. Sign up for a class about something that interests you.
14. Strike up a conversation with someone new.
15. Start a band, even if it’s just for fun!
16. Make a DIY gift basket!
17. Have a summer photoshoot!
18. Go out for brunch at a nice restaurant.
19. Sit around a camp fire and tell ghost stories…or read Creepy Pasta posts. I’m getting flashbacks of college days!
20. Create a cute Insta account for your cat!
Spiritual
1. Add mindfulness to your daily routine with these calming exercises.
2. Keep a jar with personal notes about things that you’re grateful for.
3. Spend time in nature.
4. Check out these self care ideas perfect for your zodiac sign.
5. Answer journal prompts for self discovery and reflection.
6. Go to a religious service.
7. Volunteer for a local cause.
8. Find refreshing ways to spend time alone.
9. Think about what will make you feel more centered.
10. Pray.
11. Buy healing crystals for your bedroom.
12. Plant a garden in your backyard.
13. Light a calming candle. I recommend the Aromatherapy line by B&BW!
14. Start a full moon self-care ritual. I thought this post by
15. Listen to an album that brings you peace. My go to is Lead Balloon by Rosi Golan, especially her song “Flicker”!
16. Stargaze at one of these magical places.
17. Donate to a charity that means a lot to you.
18. Help out someone in your life, even if it’s just cooking them dinner or tidying up their place.
19. Gain clarity by doing yoga.
20. Watch the sunset.
Emotional
1. Hug someone you love.
2. Confide in a friend, family member, or your S/O.
3. Knit a scarf for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
4. Practice positive self-talk.
6. Don’t hold in your feelings. It’s okay and perfectly healthy to cry!
7. Make a scrapbook of photographs and memories.
8. Look up inspirational quotes from a role model.
9. Surround yourself with uplifting people, in real life and on social media!
10. Tell a silly joke!
11. Before going to bed, give yourself at least one compliment.
12. Keep a diary to write down your thoughts.
13. Create boundaries by learning how to say no.
14. Embrace life changes as they come.
15. Instead of comparing, celebrate your uniqueness.
16. Go see a heartfelt play at the theatre!
17. Treat yourself to something that makes you happy. Maybe it’s a new fragrance, band tee or necklace from your favorite shop!
18. Check out a few motivational TED talks.
19. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. It’s important to remain accountable, but also remember that you’re only human.
20. Create a dream board that reflects your goals and aspirations!
I hope this post was helpful and you enjoyed the read, lovelies! 💓 Have a wonderful rest of your day!
I have bookmarked this page! Love this post and the different ways to practice self-care. As a mom of 2, I am always looking for different ideas for “me time” and have found several that I love here.
Thank you for sharing and reminding us to take some time to caring ourselves.
Aww, thank you so much Sandy!! I’m happy that the post was helpful and you enjoyed the tips!! 💛
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading, dear!! x
These are very good self care ideas!!! I am particularly liking the idea of making a gift basket and trying Pinterest Recipes. I’ve always wanted to do the #nailedit stuff and see if I’m just as bad! Thanks for sharing Nunzia!
Geraldine | https://geraldinetalks.com
Thank you so much, Geraldine!! Omg those #nailedit memes are just too funny!!! 😂😂I’m just thankful there are at least some easier recipes on Pinterest or my kitchen would be an absolute disaster LOL!!
Thanks for stopping by and reading, dear!! Hope you’re having a nice day! x
Thank you so much for linking my post! I love that you’ve split these ideas into different sections, I’ve never really thought about the various types of self care before! My favourites are playing Mario Kart with friends, hugging a loved one and of course getting fresh air, they never fail to cheer me up!x
Aww, you’re so welcome, hon!! I loved your post and it was really informative!! 💓
Thanks for your sweet comment — I’m happy that you liked the post! Mario Kart is so much fun and I totally agree about fresh air! Just getting outside and enjoying a nice sunny day helps a lot. ☀️
Thank you again for checking out the post!! Hope you’re having a great week!! x
I absolutely love your list, self care is so very important ❤️ I personally find writing to be one of the most therapeutic things when I feel overwhelmed, whether that’s blogging, journaling, or just writing lists!
Thank you so much, Julia!! 💓Same here, writing has always been very cathartic for me, especially blogging and writing in my journal. There’s just something so amazing about putting your thoughts on paper or even typing them out. Thanks for reading, hon!! 💛🌻
Right?! There’s really nothing else that quite compares to writing. Of course 😘 you have a lovely blog!
Thanks, I really appreciate that!!! 💖I love your blog as well, it’s so pretty!!
Thank you for this amazing post on all these ideas to destress. This is very helpful, and gives me ideas on what I should do when I’m stressed instead of just sitting down and stressing more. 💛
You’re such a sweetheart, anytime, hon!! I’m really happy that it was helpful 💛
such a great list and your photos are gorgeous <3
I’m really happy you liked the post, dear!! 💛
Great ideas gorl!
Thank you, darling!!! 💛💕
Hey love! I nominated your blog for an award over on my page. Here’s the link: https://journeyswithafemaleflaneur.wordpress.com/2018/05/28/sunshine-blogger-award/ Hope you’re well! xx
Awww, thank you so much, hon!!! 💖That means a lot to me!
I love your photos!! These are some amazing tips!xx
Thanks, Chloe!! 💖 The stock photos are from pexels.com! The site has been such a lifesaver whenever things are busy and I can’t take photos that day!! x
I really like how you broke it down into categories. I totally agree with the emotional #11, sometimes a good cry is necessary. Great post!
MonikaMakingMoves.com
I’m glad you liked the layout, hon!! At first, I wasn’t sure how to list everything but I figured I’d just split it into three parts. 😊Definitely, I’ve learned throughout the years not hold in your feelings! Whether it’s a cry, journaling, or talking to someone, expressing yourself always helps!
Such great reminders!! We can all use a few moments to de-stress and re-focus. Thanks so much for sharing this post!
Absolutely!!! When things get overwhelming, it’s important to just take a step back and do things that make us happy and relaxed! Thanks for reading, Melissa!!! 💖
Oh my goodness, I NEEDED this list today!
So glad the list was helpful, Darcy!! 💛😊
I love doing yoga when I’m stressed out. I normally do workout 5 days a week but yoga is so much more relaxing, even when it’s a tough class. Bubble baths are my other go to for stress.
I don’t know why but I’ve tried those coloring books and I get more stressed using them because I feel like I need to make my picture perfect lol!
Yoga is such a great exercise for relaxing the body and mind. I used to take yoga classes in high school and they always helped with stress. I really need to get back into it! Wow, 5 days a week that’s great!! I’ve been working out more lately, like 2-3 times a week. Since the weather is nicer, I like to go out for walks in my neighborhood or the forest preserve nearby 🙂
Oh my gosh, you’re like my boyfriend then!! hehe He stresses out with those books too!! lol!!
What a great post! I always feel overwhelmed and just lately I have been going on hikes again and it is amazing how good it feels! Being in nature and breathing fresh air has been so good for my mind, body, and spirit! I need to start doing the other things on this list too!
I love hiking as well!! My boyfriend and I started hiking together last year. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it, but It’s a good way to unwind and just chat with one another. A beautiful day in nature can sometimes be the best medicine!! 💓🌳
Great tips! Thank you 🙂
Julianne
petalandpoise.com
Thanks for reading, Julianne!! 😊💖
These are such great ideas! I have a self-care post going up on Saturday! x
Thank you, Sophie!! Ooh, I love reading other bloggers’ self care posts. Will definitely be checking it out!! 💛💓
Me too! There’s always something new to find out. Aw, thank you 💜x
So true! These are good tips! I feel like everyone needs a little more self care in their to-do lists!
Self care is definitely so important, especially on those busier days. We all need that time to unwind and just focus on ourselves! Thanks for stopping by, hon!! 💕
These are great ideas. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you, Taylor!! 💛So happy they were helpful! 💓😊