100 Simple Self Care Ideas When You Need to Reboot

Self care ideas list for a bad day

The BEST List of Self Care Ideas for 2023

We all get’em. NO GOOD. HORRIBLE. VERY BAD DAYS.

Those days when we’d rather crawl back into bed than face our responsibilities and problems. Because jeez, no one ever told you there would be so many!

Often, as women, we feel this way because we put ourselves on the back burner. Our job is to take care of everyone else, and dang, we’re pretty good at it too.

That’s why these self care ideas are so important!

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100 self care list of ideas for mental health pin 2022

We need to stop, relax, and recharge regularly so that we can be the best we can be the rest of the time.

“Invest in yourself. It pays the best interest.”

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What is Self Care & Why Do We Need it?

Self care is the intentional act of caring for ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. In an ideal world, this would come naturally and be an effortless part of living.

But in today’s fast-paced society, if we don’t make our own care a priority, it just doesn’t happen. Instead, we face stress, depression, and burnout.

So, whether you need easy self care ideas for a bad day, or just need a little reboot, read these easy activities and be ready to implement them whenever you need to!

What Are Some Ideas for Self Care?

Many of the following make for perfect self care ideas at home, and a few will help you branch out to other places too!

best self care ideas at home and out

1. Drink a cup of herbal tea (Soothing Caramel Bedtime is delicious!)

2. Try a few positive affirmations.

3. Write 10 things you are grateful for

4. Take a detox bath (use Epsom salts and essential oils)

5. Try a new face mask

6. Breathe deeply

7. Do yoga poses

8. Sleep

9. Exercise

10. Walk in nature

11. Buy yourself flowers

12. Write 5 things you love about yourself

13. Journal

14. Make a bucket list or vision board

15. Declutter 10 items

16. Read a personal growth book

17. Go for a long walk

18. Get a massage

19. Do something that makes you laugh

20. Plan a getaway

21. Stretch to relieve tension

22. Watch your favorite show

23. Have a night with friends

24. Do a brain dump

25. Go out on a date night

mental health activities in 2022, great activities for wellness and beauty list

26. Do something for the first time (like try a new restaurant or skill)

27. Give yourself (or get) a manicure

28. Call or text someone you love

29. Light your favorite candle

30. Listen to your favorite podcast

31. Spend time with someone who inspires you

32. Cook your favorite meal

33. Plan a spa day

34. Do a digital detox

35. Eat a salad or smoothie

36. Get out in the sunshine

37. Go to your favorite place

38. Take some pretty photos

39. Listen to your favorite music

40. Hug someone

41. Drink a full glass of water

42. Read motivational quotes or uplifting self-care quotes

43. Put on nice clothes and makeup

44. Watch a motivational Ted Talk

45. Watch the sunrise

46. Refresh your morning routine

47. Change your sheets

48. Diffuse quality essential oils

49. Do something nice for someone

50. Go out for a coffee

Want to keep the first 50 handy? Get the free pdf below!

Along with other totally cool stuff in the library!

+ 50 More Unique Self-Care Ideas

easy unique ideas for stress

Remember, different activities work for different people. Pedicures may be the ultimate relaxation for your friend, but you can’t stand them. So, pick and choose according to your needs and personality. Then, ignore the rest!

51. Learn a new card/board game

52. Plan a self care day

53. Work on a puzzle

54. Color in an adult coloring book

55. Do something that makes you happy

56. Read or write poetry

57. Donate to a cause

58. Put up photos of loved ones in your home (or on your phone)

59. Go on a picnic

60. Plant something

61. Spread kindness to someone

62. Listen to an audiobook

63. Give yourself (or get) a pedicure

64. Sleep with a weighted blanket

65. Enjoy a piece of creative art (painting, movie, theater, dance, etc.)

66. Reach for a healthy snack

67. Plan or go on a lunch date (then pay for your friend)

68. Get take-out for dinner

69. Make a self care kit

70. Send a surprise card or care package to someone

71. Try a foam roller for increased blood flow and self-massage

72. Do something physical for 30 minutes to wear yourself out

73. Bake an indulgent treat

74. Buy something fresh at the farmer’s market

75. Make yourself a fancy cocktail or coffee

Free Self Care Activities

These self-care ideas for women cost absolutely nothing – and aren’t those the best kind?!

free self care ideas for women

76. Go somewhere just to people watch

77. Ask someone for help

78. Watch a YouTube video about styling your hair or makeup differently

79. Establish a comforting night routine

80. Listen to a new podcast

81. Sing to your favorite song

82. Watch the clouds or stars

83. Plan a family night

84. Pray

85. Get out into nature

86. Go on a bike ride

87. End your shower on cold

88. Sign up to volunteer

89. Re-arrange a room in your home

90. Meditate for 10 minutes

91. Talk to someone about your challenges (friend, parent, therapist, etc.)

92. Watch a sunset

93. Tidy up one small space (desk, drawer, etc.)

94. Read a magazine at a bookstore or library

95. Unfollow toxic people on social media (or do a full social media detox)

96. Take a nap

97. Start a worry list to get things out of your head

98. Do something playful with your kids (or someone else’s kids)

99. Go a day without checking your email/messages

100. Do something creative (paint, draw, write, etc.)

Important Insight to Consider

Dr. Danielle Kelvas, MD, says “the media would have you believe that weight loss, exercise, and a nice skincare routine will make you happy. The truth is that going for quiet walks in the woods, spending time with other women, and getting ample rest is hands down the best thing you can do for weight loss, hormone imbalances, and your mental health.”

Need a push? Try this 30 Day Self-Care Challenge!

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What Are Your Self-Care Ideas for Today?

self care to do list of activities

Now is the fun part! Make your own list! What 5-10 activities can you have ready when you need to uplift your spirits?

Keep this list on the fridge, your phone, or on a notecard in your wallet. Either way, you’ll be ready with your self-care ideas when you need them!

Here’s are the top 5 on my self care ideas list when I need a boost:

  1. Take a walk on a nearby trail
  2. Make a cup of tea
  3. Read a fun book
  4. Meditate (or just sit and breathe)
  5. Meet up with friends (even if it’s just for a quick walk!)

And here’s a video explaining more top ideas too!

More on How to Use This List

If you’d love to incorporate them into your weekly routine, try this free weekly self care printable!

To Consider With Self Care Things to Do

pdf of self care things to do and checklist

Remember, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. So, don’t wait until you’re falling apart on the inside.

Instead, think of your wellness activities as non-negotiable appointments that you have with yourself. When someone asks if you’re busy, YOU ARE.

Your overall health is the ace in your deck of cards. It’s that important!

So, pick one each day for the next week or create an amazing self-care routine. Then, observe how much better you feel! 🙂

***Don’t forget the free self-care ideas pdf HERE!

Pin the ideas so you have them!

self care ideas for depression and stress pin

Other helpful mental health resources…

100 Easy Self-Care Activities List for Women in 2023

6 Comments

  1. Love it! So important to take care of ourselves, and I love the idea of having a quick list to reference if I’m just not feeling in the mood for one of my go-to pick me ups.

  2. Such a great list!

    So many ideas I want to try. Just recently discovered foam rolling and it has been a game changer! Making time for self-care really is a necessity, and should be viewed as a non-negotiable!

    Thanks for sharing!

    1. Krissy, I’m so glad you enjoy the self care list! And that’s so cool about foam rolling. Thanks for sharing!

  3. These are really meaningful self-care ideas. I especially love the cold shower idea. It really helps to ground me when I feel anxious!

    Thank you for a great post!
    Love Casey x
    http://www.casestreetx.com

    1. Hi Casey,
      I LOVE that you like the cold shower idea! I have put it on the blog repeatedly because I also notice a difference in how I feel when I do it. Yet, every time I write it I wonder if people think I’m a little crazy! It’s good to know it works for you too. Thanks so much for sharing!

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