95 Self-Care Ideas from A to Z

We all have a lot of work to do to create a more loving and just world, but you can’t take care of others unless you’re taking care of yourself.

We’ve collected some of our favorite things that cheer us up when we’re feeling… bleh.

We published them in the (very-giftable) Self Care Index: A Guide to Remembering the Things You Like to Do, but wanted to list them here for anyone to see!

1. Ask for help
2. Add something awesome to your home
3. Watch Amelie (or your favorite movie, but it’s probably Amelie)
4. Watch some adorable animal videos
5. Bake
6. Have a bath
7. Browse your local bookstore
8. Breathe into your belly
9. Light a candle
10. Watch the clouds
11. Clean your room
12. Make a cup of coffee
13. Color something fun
14. Compliment a stranger
15. Google “corgi butt”
16. Create a collage with an old magazine
17. Work on a crossword puzzle
18. Cuddle with your pet or human companion
19. Dance it out (may we suggest “Water Fountain” by tune-yards?)
20. Eat your favorite dessert
21. Donate to a cause you care about
22. Empty your closet and donate everything you don’t wear
23. Enjoy silly things
24. Exercise
25. Acknowledge your feelings
26. Surround yourself with friends and family
27. Build a blanket fort
28. Build a fire
29. Use a face mask
30. Garden
31. Write down what you’re grateful for
32. Go to the gym
33. Help someone
34. Go for a hike
35. Host a craft night
36. Listen to an interesting interview
37. Join a fun group (book club, sports team, knitting circle, etc.)
38. Text a friend an inside joke
39. Journal
40. Jump on a trampoline
41. Knit a fuzzy scarf
42. Kiss someone / something you love
43. Learn something new
44. Send a letter
45. Visit your local library
46. Listen to a new band
47. Buy and read a new magazine that catches your eye
48. Get a massage
49. Meditate
50. Call your mom
51. Watch your favorite movie
52. Visit a museum
53. Moisturize
54. Paint your nails
55. Take a dang nap
56. Try a new food
57. Talk to an octogenarian (a person in their 80s)
    
58. Organize your desk
59. Order yummy takeout
60. Paint
61. Go on a photography walk
62. Look at family photos
63. Listen to a podcast
64. Host a potluck
65. Pray
66. Quote a funny movie
67. Quit worrying for five minutes
68. Read
69. Put on a record
70. Relax
71. Go for a run
72. Sleep for 8 hours
73. Wear your comfiest sweater
74. Listen to your favorite song
75. Put on your brightest spandex and embrace your inner modern dancer
76. Stretch!
77. Attend a sporting event (facepaint optional)
78. Watch your favorite stand-up comedian
79. Watch the sunrise or sunset
80. Have a spot of tea
81. Write a thank-you note
82. Tidy up
83. Travel
84. Unplug for 1 hour. Right now.
85. Play your favorite video game
86. Visit an old friend
87. Volunteer (some causes to kickstart your brainstorming: older adults, community development, health, arts, LGBTQ, environment, animals, disabilities, education, immigration, veterans, prison reform, youth, drug abuse)
88. Walk and walk and walk and walk
89. Sit next to a body of water and listen
90. Have a big ol’ glass of water (with lemon if you’re feeling fancy)
91. Read the word-of-the-day
92. Write a story
93. Practice yoga
94. Find your zen
95. Zone out for a bit