If you’ve been running on empty, stuck in survival mode, or just plain tired of putting yourself last, this one’s for you. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. And no, it doesn’t have to mean spa days, green juice, or 3-hour routines.
Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting down for five minutes without anyone bugging you.
In this post, you’ll find 85 easy self-care ideas. The kind that actually fit into your life. No matter how old you are or what stage in your life you’re at, these self-care ideas are here to make sure you’re treating ‘yoself well!
Think of it like a giant self-care checklist: practical, doable, no-fluff self-care activities to nourish your mind, body, and soul without taking all damn day.
85 Easy Self-Care Ideas to nourish every inch of you
This list of self-care ideas is broken up into a few different categories. Now, while it will be impossible to check off each and every single one every day, strive to at least check off 5-10 a day.
Sounds like a lot, but it’s totally doable.
Let’s get into these self-care habits and activities that you should start today, like right now!
Physical self-care ideas
Drink a full glass of water when you wake up
Stretch your arms and legs before getting out of bed
Go for a short walk, even if it’s just around the block
Take a warm bath or shower—no rushing
Moisturize your whole body slowly
Massage your feet
Do gentle yoga (YouTube has free stuff!)
Dry brush before your shower
Exfoliate your face with a DIY scrub
Rub castor oil on your belly (great for inflammation)
Take a power nap without guilt
Breathe deeply for one full minute
Try a face mask—store-bought or homemade
Put on comfy clothes that make you feel GOOD
Do a 5-minute dance break
Try a hot-cold shower blast to wake up your senses
Rest. Lay down without your phone. Just breathe.
Try legs-up-the-wall pose for 10 mins (seriously calming)
Use a heating pad on tight muscles
Roll out your neck and shoulders
Take magnesium before bed
Try oil pulling with coconut oil
Let yourself skip your workout without shame
Drink herbal tea slowly and do nothing
Go barefoot in the grass (grounding is a thing)
Mindset self-care ideas
Unfollow three people who drain you
Say “no” and don’t explain yourself
Write down three things you love about yourself
Set a 10-minute timer and brain dump into a journal
Start a “done” list—not a to-do list
Read something inspiring—not news
Forgive yourself for one old mistake
Do something you’re bad at—just for fun
Cancel plans you’re dreading (it’s OK!)
Visualize the life you want for 3 minutes
Give your inner critic a nickname and tell her to shut it
Talk to yourself like you’d talk to a friend
Write a permission slip for something you want
Doodle in a notebook like you’re 10 again
Let yourself cry. No holding back.
Practice saying “I don’t owe anyone anything.”
Write a letter to your younger self
Write a letter from your future self
Burn a piece of paper with something you’re letting go of
Declutter one drawer—symbolic AF
Emotional self-care ideas
Text someone who makes you feel seen
Watch a funny video
Scream into a pillow
Laugh until you snort
Hug someone for 30 seconds
Cry during a sad movie on purpose
Listen to music that makes you feel something
Say “I love you” to yourself in the mirror
Let yourself feel the damn feeling
Re-read a book that saved you once
Watch something nostalgic
Write down what you’re proud of
Celebrate a weird small win
Call someone who “gets” you
Reconnect with an old friend
Delete that text you keep re-reading
Make a list of things you’re done tolerating
Let yourself be angry—and don’t fix it
Practice saying “I matter.”
Make space for silence
Spiritual self-care ideas
Light a candle and sit in stillness
Meditate (even if your brain won’t shut up)
Pull an affirmation card (or write your own)
Pray or speak to your higher power
Read a quote that grounds you
Watch the sky for five full minutes
Walk slowly and pay attention to nature
Do a full moon or new moon ritual
Write down what you’re manifesting
Do a digital detox for 1 hour
Practice gratitude—even if it feels forced
Write down “what makes me feel alive.”
Give yourself a moment of awe
Make a vision board or Pinterest dream board
Whisper “thank you” for one small thing
Everyday Joys of life self-care ideas
Make your favourite drink and sip it slowly
Eat one thing just for pleasure
Say something kind to a stranger
Put on lipstick or earrings—even if you’re staying home
Romanticize your life. Light the candle. Use the nice mug. Play the music.
That was a fun self-care list to write!
I hope you print this out and stick it somewhere you can look at it every day and remind yourself to check off some things from this self-care checklist.
Remember, self-care is crucial to your mental health and well-being.
