Mega list of self-care ideas that are not selling you beauty products

The media is full of girly self-care articles all selling makeup and spa treatments. (Not that spa treatments and makeup are not OK if that’s what makes you chill out.)

Self-care is about doing things that help you feel less anxious, more Zen. It’s something everyone needs. We all have difficult moments, days, weeks.

I’ve compiled a list that’s helped me learn that it’s natural to feel bad sometimes, and that we all need reminders that there are things that could help.

They might also help you go from feeling good to great!

Firstly, some suggestions from The Mighty for when we’re struggling:

• Get out of bed.
• Brush your teeth.
• Wash your face.
• Shower, even if you just get in and rinse off! The water might feel amazing for you.
• Eat something. Even if it’s just a cracker or some bread. Just get something in your belly!
• Walk out onto your back porch. Stand there for 10 seconds and then if you want, go back inside. Great job, you made it outside! If you feel like it, take a short walk. Get some sunshine!
• Put on your favourite TV show or movie.
• Check your email and clear your inbox. Respond to anything that is important.
• Change your sheets.
• Check your actual mail.
• Stay hydrated. Fill up a water bottle and keep it close by.
• Take your medication.
• Stretch. This can be a small quick stretch on the couch or some yoga.
• Check your text messages and answer those from people who are important or worried about you.
• Pay any bills you might have to avoid late fees.
• Change your clothes if you didn’t when you first got out of bed.
• If you have a pet, make sure they are good on their food and water. Nothing feels worse than your pet having an empty water or food bowl and you not being aware of it!
• Do a creative hobby that you like.
• Open up the blinds to let the light come into your house.
• Watch a funny video. Laugh.

 

Here are some things that make me feel better:

• Tidy a space – a table, a drawer, a cupboard.
• Discuss what feelings or insights you both had today with a loved one, without gossiping.
• Google articles or watch a video about something you recently wished you knew more about.
• Go outside for a walk or a bike ride, or to just sit, and enjoy the outdoors.
• Enjoy your time on social media without feeling guilty or rushed. Use it as downtime and as a treat.
• When scrolling on social media and you see something or someone that always annoys you, let it go and unfollow them or mute them for a while.
• Smile.
• Donate to Wikipedia.
• Subscribe or donate to an independent news provider.
• Edit a photo, draw a picture, write about your thoughts.
• Do an exercise you love.
• Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 2, then out for 3 seconds, hold for 2. Do this 10 times. Don’t worry if you don’t manage to time it exactly.
• Try a new recipe, meal, or food product.
• Stretch.
• Say no to something without feeling guilty.
• Go to bed on time.
• Give someone a compliment.
• Contact an old friend and ask them something you’ve been wondering about them.
• Leave the office and go for a walk at lunch instead of sitting or shopping.
• Make a sandwich or bring some leftovers to work for lunch one day if you always eat out.
• See how much you can save one week/day by not buying coffee or eating out, and put that money in your retirement. fund or savings account, even if it’s only a small amount.
• Trim your fingernails and/or toenails.
• Make that medical appointment you’ve been putting off.
• Go to parkrun.
• Visit an online energy company comparison platform to see if you’re able to save on electricity/gas bills by switching providers.
• Meal prep or list meal ideas for your upcoming lunches and/or dinners.
• Schedule a block of time in the future and plan some self-care or a meetup to look forward to.

 

Finally, some of these ideas could go on your “Absolute No List”:

• Don’t rush.
• Don’t spend more on your credit card than you can repay at payday.
• Don’t gossip.
• Don’t allow toxic people to waste your time.
• Don’t answer the phone during dinner.
• Don’t buy things you don’t have space for.
• Don’t go to bed late and don’t sleep in.