52 Self-Care activities that make an impact
Self-care is an integral part of our mental and physical health so I’m jumping up and down with excitement that it’s been getting a lot of attention. What is off track though is that the focus has been on pampering and luxury rather than actual self-care. Getting your eyebrows done, buying a cute dress, and Instagramming your smashed avo might be considered fun and feel-good, however they are not what health professionals mean when we refer to self-care. In this post I outline what self-care is, and share a bunch of self-care tools that will really make an impact on your wellbeing.
What is self-care?
“Self-care refers to the intentional helpful actions we take to protect, maintain and restore our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.”
52 Self-care suggestions that are not manicures and bubble baths
This is not an exhaustive list, and not all suggestions will resonate with every individual. I encourage you to build your own list as you discover what works well for you.
Rest & Recovery
Going to bed earlier & Sleeping in
Napping
Taking a day of work when sick
Allowing yourself to rest when you need it
Taking time off exercise when you’re injured or unwell
Having time out from social media
Cognitive skills
Reducing black & white thinking
Learning tools to deal with your inner critic
Developing assertiveness skills
Practicing self-compassion
Learning to tolerate distress effectively
Recognising and reducing avoidant coping
Building active coping tools
Learning to recognise and express your own needs
Understanding and letting go of perfectionism
Learning Intuitive Eating
Mindfulness & grounding
Breathing exercises
Grounding exercises
Guided meditation apps
Progressive muscle relaxation
Walking meditation
movement & Outdoors
Spending time in nature
Enjoying a safe amount of sunshine
Stretching
Doing movement you enjoy
Dancing around to music
Gardening or keeping indoor plants
Reducing Busyness
Scheduling free time in your week
Saying “No”
Asking for help
Delegating
Allowing yourself to quit what’s not working for you
Getting more comfortable with not ‘doing’ all the time
Help seeking
Reaching out to a trusted friend to talk
Admitting “I’m not doing well” to those close to you
Seeking out reputable wellbeing resources
Calling Lifeline, 1800 RESPECT, or other hotlines when in crisis
Establishing a safety plan
Talking to your GP
Getting professional help from a therapist
Connection & Affection
Patting an animal
Hugging
Sharing a joke and laughing
Expressing gratitude to someone
Listening (really truly listening)
Encouraging others to participate in their own self-care
Creativity & fun
Participating in activities that bring you joy
Creating something whether it’s art, baking, sewing, woodwork, anything!
Doing something silly that makes you laugh
Playing a board game with friends or family
Doing a jigsaw puzzle, crossword or sudoku
Important note: This article focuses on the individual approach to self-care, but our wellbeing also needs a community approach including looking out for others when we have the energy and resources for it, and encouraging and supporting others to do what they need to take care of themselves. Our wellbeing also requires changes to social systems that prevent our wellness or access to care in the first place.
You might be interested in enhancing your quality of life, making the most of your potential, and becoming more comfortable in your own skin. Counselling can increase self-awareness, emotional skills, and coping tools so that you can be the best version of you. If you would like a supportive and confidential space to work through your concerns without judgement, I’d love to work with you.
by Jodie Arnot
Jodie is a registered counsellor with a Masters in Counselling from Monash University. She provides counselling in Melbourne or via telephone and Skype, and is passionate about supporting women to no longer be at war with themselves.
