111 Ideas for Simple Self Care

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When life gets chaotic, one of the easiest things to overlook is self care. It can be challenging to focus on anything other than the bare minimum when life gets hard. The fact is, though, that these are the days when you most need to take care of yourself. Let’s talk about some ideas for simple self care that will help you keep yourself at the top of your priority list. 

Some people find it incredibly difficult to prioritize themselves, especially when life is busy. That’s why it’s important to have a simple self-care routine. Having a simple list of practices can make it easier for you to implement them when needed. 

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What is simple self care?

The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” I like to use a much simpler definition for the phrase: taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy and live your best life.

When you begin to complicate self care and take an “all or nothing” approach, it’s less likely that you will practice self care regularly.  That’s why it’s important to keep self care simple. Finding small ways to prioritize yourself more often can have a great impact on your overall well being. 

Simple self care is doing little things to take care of yourself. It’s doing something easy and sustainable so that you can prevent stress, overwhelm, and burnout. 

How to make prioritizing yourself easy.

I’m a huge proponent of self-care days, trips, and gifts, but if we’re keeping it real, it’s not always possible to carve out the time (or money) to make these things happen. Most people simply don’t have the resources to practice self care at this level consistently. 

Keeping self care simple is ideal so that it’s more attainable and more likely to happen. Here are three steps to make putting yourself first simple.

journal open lying flat on table with pen

1. Make a list.

A great way to make self care simple is to make a list. This list should include at least five activities you can easily fit in your life during the most stressful periods. Having such a reminder on hand will let you gain the benefits of caring for yourself without thinking about it too much. 

Your list can also include simple reminders like go to bed early so you get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods to keep your energy up or ask for help you need it because these are all things you might forget when you’ve got a ton on your plate. 

Think about the things that actually help you feel less stressed. Add those items to your list so that you have a menu of activities to choose from when you’re in need of some immediate self care

2. Make a self-care box.

Another way to boost your chances of keeping self care at the focus during hard times is to prepare a self-care box ahead of time. This can include some of your favorite little indulgences like a good book, herbal teas, facial mask, fuzzy slippers and candles. Include anything that brings you joy. 

Being able to reach for your self-care box when you’re stressed can make it super simple for you to focus on yourself for a few minutes. 

3. Involve your crew.

It’s a good idea to reach out to trusted friends and family about your intent to prioritize your self care. You can even enlist their help to hold you accountable. 

Talk to your closest confidantes and let them know you would like them to encourage your self-care journey. Share with them the benefits it’s provided you and tell them you’d appreciate their assistance if they see you aren’t caring for yourself as well as you should be. When your crew knows to look out for you in this regard, they can reinforce your self-care needs during times of stress.

Simple Daily Self Care.

Now that you have a plan, here are some simple self-care activities that you can incorporate into your day. 

  1. Go outside for some fresh air.
  2. Stay hydrated
  3. Color in an adult coloring book.
  4. Take a break from your device.
  5. Eat a healthy snack.
  6. Write in a journal.
  7. Take a long bath.
  8. Work on your vision board.
  9. Stretch.
  10. Order take-out for dinner.

11. Watch your favorite television show.

12. Go for a walk.

13. Take a nap.

14. Go to bed early.

15. Polish your fingernails.

16. Text your best friend.

17. Buy yourself some flowers.

18. List 3 good things about yourself. 

19. Listen to some uplifting music.

20. Declutter your desk. 

21. Take a deep breath. 

22. Diffuse some essential oils.

23. Light a candle.

24. Scroll your camera roll.

25. Listen to a podcast.

26. Watch a motivational Ted Talk.

27. Drink a cup of coffee or tea.

28. Read a book.

29. Listen to an audiobook.

30. Go to lunch with a friend.

31. Go on a bike ride.

32. Meditate.

33. Watch the sunrise/sunset.

34. Do yoga.

35. Exercise.

36. Dance. 

37. Work on a puzzle.

38. Visit the local library.

39. Take a day off work.

40. Try a new hobby.

41. Go for a drive.

42. Have a picnic for 1.

43. Hide or unfollow negative people on social media.

44. Visit a museum.

45. Delete something from your schedule.

46. Repeat some positive affirmations.

47. Find something to laugh about.

48. Schedule an impromptu date with your mate.

49. Do your makeup.

50. Watch a funny video.

51. Make an appointment with your therapist.

52. Do something nice for someone else. 

53. Donate to great cause.

54. Walk your dog.

55. Watch the stars.

56. Visit a greenhouse.

57. Relax in a hammock.

58. Start a small garden.

59. Work on a DIY project.

60. Get rid of 5 items from your closet that you don’t use anymore.

61. Give yourself a facial.

62. Go to the park.

63. Listen to soothing nature sounds.

64. Facetime a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while. 

65. Take a new route to/from work and enjoy the new views.

66. Watch a short comedy video.

67. Treat yourself to something that you’ve been wanting.

68. Play a game.

69. Go window shopping or browse a local store.

70. Make a self-care playlist with your favorite songs.

71. Make a decision to forgive someone.

72. Look at some old family photos.

73. Send a card to a friend.

74. Forgive yourself for a mistake you made.

75. Clean up your work area.

76. Find some inspirational quotes and post them as reminders and motivation. 

77. End a toxic relationship.

78. Try a free martial arts class.

79. Do some Pilates.

80. Sit in the sun for a few minutes.

81. Sit in silence for a few minutes.

82. Do something kind for someone else. 

83. Bake a treat

84. Take yourself out to dinner. 

85. Sing your favorite song. 

86. Go to a local winery

87. Visit the local zoo. 

88. Visit the local botanical garden. 

89. Wake up a few minutes early so that you’re not rushing to start your day. 

90. Leave work early. 

91. Cook your favorite meal. 

92. Go see a movie. 

93. Find a funny joke and tell it to someone to make them laugh.

94. Go for a jog. 

95. Decline an event that you really didn’t want to attend. 

96. Play a fun video game. 

97. Leave your desk for lunch. 

98. Get a pedicure.

99. Treat yourself to a popsicle or ice cream cone. 

100. Plan your dream vacation (and put it on your vision board if you can’t go right now.)

101. Go visit an elderly family member. 

102. Pay for someone’s coffee in the coffee shop. 

103. Buy yourself a new pair of shoes. 

104. Hang out with your children. 

105. Try a fitness class.

106. Plan your meals for the week. 

107. Volunteer in your community. 

108. Distance yourself from people who stress you out. 

109. Hug a friend or family member. 

110. Play with your children outside. 

111. Say no to things (within reason) that compromise your self-care. 

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  • Erin Condren A5 Self Care Notebook
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