35 Simple Self Care Activities

It’s important to take care of ourselves.

Sometimes in the easiest ways because our lives are already busy and we don’t need anything else to add to our never-ending to do lists.

That’s why I’ve gathered these 35 simple self care activities.

While sometimes self care can look like manicures, facials and massages, many of us don’t want to spend that extra money or time.

It’s important to practice self care on a daily basis and those things quickly add up. There’s no reason to feel guilty about making yourself a priority.

Caring for yourself is essential.

When you take care of yourself you’re better equipped to do more things and to take care of others.
 

 
 

1. Hydrate Yourself

When is the last time you had a full 8 cups of water in a day?

While scientists are divided on the exact amount of water we should drink, they are not divided on the fact that water is very important for our bodies.

Dehydration can lead to several serious health complications.

Milder symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, lack of focus and headaches.
 

Sometimes when we think we’re hungry or tired, our bodies are actually thirsty.

When you’re feeling sluggish, try reaching for a bottle of water before you reach for that energy drink.

Not water is not sort of cure-all panacea but drinking it definitely has health benefits and it’s worth trying to drink more of it on a daily basis.

It likely is the simplest self care activity you can do.
 
 

2. Curate Your Feed

When you’re scrolling through your phone, how do you feel?

Your personal feed should only consist of things that uplift, empower, educate, make you feel good about yourself and align with your goals.

Your diet is not just what you’re eating – it’s also what you watch, what you listen to and what you read.

Curate by unsubscribing, unfollowing, muting or turning off notifications.

Delete apps from your phone if they’re taking up too much of your precious time.

Stop delving into the lives of other people who make you feel badly about yourself.

If you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle you don’t need 5 emails a day in your inbox for deals on restaurants, fast food and shows to binge.

Make sure the media you’re consuming reflects the person that you want to be.
 
 

3. Sit and Meditate

Meditation has many benefits both physical and mental. It may not be the most effortless activity but it is one of the most effective.

It’s also one of the best simple self care activities because it’s easily scalable – you can do it in as little as 5 minutes.

Meditation also has the benefit of being free. You can use apps or programs to aid you , but you don’t need to spend any money. There are free resources readily available.

Meditation can help increase your mental clarity and is an effective method of stress and anxiety management.
 
 

4. Watch something Funny

They say laughter is the best medicine for a reason.

Having a good laugh will not only calm tension but stimulate circulation in your body and increase the amount of endorphins your brain is releasing!

I mean, who doesn’t enjoy laughing?

 
 

5. Burn Candles

There is just something so cozy and calming about burning candles.

Scented candles can also stimulate our  system (the part of your brain that is sort of a control center for conscious and unconscious brain functions including memory).
 

 
 

6. Brush Your Hair

Brushing your hair keeps it free of painful tangles and increases blood circulation in your scalp.

It also helps nutrients get deep into the hair follicles as well as distributes natural oils to keep it shiny.

There’s not need to do 100 strokes or anything though – that can actually be more damaging.

 
 

7. Take a Bubble Bath

There is nothing quite like a nice hot bubble bath.

Put on some relaxing music and soak in the waters as long as you want.
 

 
 

8. Use the Good Stuff

Don’t save the good stuff for someday when you can use it today.

Use the expensive ingredients. Eat off the special plates with the fancy silverware.

Wear the limited edition colors and your best clothes.

Slather yourself with that expensive moisturizer when you get out of the shower or bath.

Put on your silkiest, comfiest pajamas.

Because let’s be honest, that special moment, that someday, may never come. Live in the moment.

 
 

9. Create Something

It doesn’t matter your level of skill, get creative. Create without worrying about if you’re “good” at it or how it will turn out.

Color, draw, paint, write, compose, capture, choreograph etc.

You don’t have to be “good” at something to enjoy doing it.

Many studies show just the act of being creative reduces stress hormones in your body.

The creation of art in any of its many forms can help us explore our own emotions and feelings.

Instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on the process.
 

Creating is something that is also very accessible despite any illness or disability.

You can use whatever you have, wherever you are.

You can use a simple pen and paper or the camera on your phone.

Like the great Maya Angelou said, you can’t use up creativity.
 
 

10. Get Outside

Did you know that just 10-15 minutes in a “green space” can lower your stress levels?

Nature can truly be healing.

In a study sponsored by the EPA the average American spends 87% of their time indoors, and 6% of their time enclosed in a vehicle. That’s 93%.

I would like to make it clear that this is just about spending time outside.

It doesn’t involve hiking, jogging or any sort of exercise (unless you want it to)

There have been numerous studies that have confirmed spending time in nature has real health benefits.

So breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine (with SPF of course).

 
 

11. Eat a Healthy Snack

There are a lot of options for healthy snacks and eating nutritious foods is important to your health.

Life happens and you get busy and reach for the quickest, easiest thing within reach..

Unfortunately the quickest and easiest thing is also usually heavily processed and prepackaged.

Making yourself a healthy snack may take a little more effort, but eating healthy is so beneficial to your health.

It’s worth it.
 

 
 

12. Indulge in a Sweet Treat

It’s important to indulge occasionally and not deprive yourself of the things that you enjoy constantly.

Have a sweet tooth? I know the feeling.

Giving into it all the time may not be a good idea.

But sometimes? Definitely.

You deserve it.
 

 
 

13. Sip Tea

Tea actually has several health benefits. Most types have anti-inflammatory qualities and antioxidants.

Tea can also boost your immune system and of course, some flavors are absolutely delicious!

Tea comes in so many varieties too, there’s green tea, black tea, white tea and Oolong tea.

 
 

14. Garden

Gardening is good for your outer environment and your inner environment.

It can clean the air and soil, and has also been found to reduce stress.

Studies show the effects of gardening programs on prison inmates helped decrease anxiety and depression while increasing self efficacy and self worth.

Gardening also helps get in some physical activity and can inspire feelings of contentment.

Focusing on your garden can reduce energy spent focusing on negative thoughts.

Being outdoors also allows you to breathe in fresh air and boosts vitamin D levels.
 

 
 

15. Stretch

When’s the last time you had a really good stretch?

There are a lot of benefits to stretching your body on a regular basis. Especially if you spend a large part of your day sitting at a desk.

Stretching helps with blood circulation, muscle soreness and flexibility.

 
 

16. Solo Dance Party

When you’re home alone, turn up the volume on your music and bust out your moves!

Dance around in whatever way you want. Sing along if you want.

Dancing actually has a crazy amount of benefits including better brain heather and coordination.

 
Also it just feels good to listen to your body and literally, nobody is watching!
 
 

16. Feel Gratitude

Gratitude changes your perspective and your perspective changes everything.

What you focus on will grow. If you focus on the things going wrong, you will find more things going wrong. When you focus on the good, you will find more good things in your life.

The more you practice gratitude, the happier you are.

No matter what is happening in the world or your circumstances, there are still things in life to be grateful for.
 

 
 

17. Read

Reading is magical and I will never stop promoting it!!

Reading is different from watching television because it is active while watching tv is passive.

There are parts of your brain that just don’t get stimulated when you’re glued to the screen.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress in multiple studies.

It also increases your knowledge, expands your perspective, improves your memory, empathy and vocabulary.

I’m not saying it’s the best of the simple self care activities but I’m not saying it’s not either..
 

You can read just about anywhere that you have enough light.

I believe there is a genre out there for everyone – you just have to find it.

If you don’t have any books on your shelf at home, try heading to your local library – the books there are free!

Many libraries also have digital resources such as e-books and audio books available.
 
 

18. Make a Vision Board

Pinterest is basically a visual search engine.

You can use Pinterest to make a really great vision board.

There’s no cutting, glue or tape required. A truly simple self care activity.
 
 

19. Take a Cold Shower

Ok, hear me out. The benefits of taking a cold shower include waking you up (of course) improved circulation and reduction in sore muscles.

A cold shower may even help your immune system and strengthen your willpower.

Really hating the idea? Try just ending your shower with a cold blast – it almost promotes shiny hair!
 
 

20. Do Mirror Work

Mirror work is a method from Louise Hay that she teaches to help you learn to love yourself.

Look at yourself in the mirror – in the eyes. Most people don’t spend a lot of time truly looking at themselves.

This can be surprisingly powerful and/or emotional.

Create positive affirmations for yourself that are meaningful and authentic to you.

Look at yourself in the mirror and repeat these. Try practicing doing just 2 minutes of this.

You can read more about mirror work here.
 
 

21. Learn Something New

There is always something else out there that you can learn. A class you can take.

You could expand your knowledge, acquire a new skill or improve your technique at any time.

There are so many free videos and courses out there for almost anything you want to learn.
 

 
 

22. Take a Cat Nap

Almost everything will work better after you unplug it for a few minutes, even you.
 

 
 

23. Brain Dump

Doing a brain dump is exactly what it sounds like. You just dump all of your thoughts out onto the page.

(or into the word doc if you must)

This is one of the best simple self care activities because you can get out all of those thoughts buzzing around in your head.

You don’t edit or critique, you just dump. Let your creativity flow and try to not censor yourself.
Write anything that pops into your mind however small or large.

Write down all of the things you need or want to do.

Get everything onto the page and out of your head and don’t stop until you run out of things to dump.

 
 

24. Change Your Sheets

Fresh sheets are just really cozy. It’s so nice to slide into warm ones straight from the dryer.

Also make your bed. A made bed really makes the whole bedroom look so much neater than if it’s not made and messy.

 
 

25. Help out Future You

There are a lot of things that you can do to help out the future you.

It could be getting gas on Sunday night so you don’t have to rush and get it on the way to work Monday.

Or it could be flossing every night so that you get to keep all of your teeth in the coming years.

Do the things that aren’t particularly fun in the moment, but will work out better for your future self.
 
 

26. Listen to Your Favorite Music

Put in your earbuds or pull on your headphones and drown out the rest of the world for a little while.

Take a few moments for yourself to listen to your favorite songs.

 
 

27. Listen While You Clean

Listening to an audio book or podcast while you do something like tidy up is sometimes the best way to take care of ourselves.

Normally I don’t like multi-tasking, but cleaning up our spaces and listening to something enjoyable and entertaining works out almost perfectly.

Cleaning up is a chore, but everyone enjoys a nice clean space. So at least make the chore pleasant.
 
 

28. Get motivated

Watch or listen to something motivational. Maybe that means Tedtalk for you, or maybe it means your favorite influencer.

Just find something that makes you feel like you’re ready to take on anything.

Something that motivates you to feel like you really can achieve whatever it is you set your mind.

Something that pumps you up so that you feel passionate again.
 

 
 

29. Digital Detox

Technology is such a part of our daily lives it can be difficult to remember that we need time away from it.

Scrolling on your phone and flipping channels was designed to be addictive.

We reach for our devices without even thinking about it.

Technology is not a bad thing by any means, you just don’t need to be connected to it 24/7.

One study showed that just having your phone at arm’s reach is distracting – you don’t even have to touch it!

Spend some time away from your phone. It’s not you, it’s it.
 
 

30. Try something New

Take a step outside of your comfort zone.

Challenge yourself.

Make a change to your every day routine.

Try cooking a new dish or eating a new cuisine.
 

 

Try a new sport, learn an instrument or take the scenic route.

Start that side hustle you’ve been thinking about, volunteer or face a fear.

 
 

31. Take Your Meds

Taking your medications as prescribed is important for your physical and mental wellbeing.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having to take medicine for any reason.
 

 
 

32. Watch the Sunset

Both sunrises and sunset are practically magical, but let’s be honest: most of us sleep through the sunrise.

You’re most likely awake during the sunset, so stop whatever you’re doing and look up!

Be sure to pause and appreciate the natural beauty.

Each sunrise and sunset are truly unique and can inspire feelings of peace. Catch as many as you can.

 
 

33. Do That One Thing

You know the thing. That one annoying thing that you’ve been putting off doing because you just don’t feel like it.

Instead of waiting until you somehow feel like it, just eat the frog and do the thing!
 

Seriously, get it over with so you can get it out of the way and off of your mind.
 
 

34. Reach Out

Reach out to someone you care about. Reconnect or just check-in.

Is there someone you’ve been thinking about? Let them know!
 

Make sure you appreciate the time you have with people.

Reaching out could improve not only your day, but their day as well.

 
 

35. Celebrate Yourself

Too often we focus on our failures and shortcomings instead of our successes and strengths.

You are capable. You have already accomplished so many things.

It’s ok to empower yourself. Focus on the things that you have achieved. The things that you do daily.

Celebrating yourself will create feelings of gratitude and help you feel more confident.

Celebrate where you are now and accept yourself fully.

It’s not selfish or narcissistic. You should be your biggest cheerleader, not your loudest critic.

 
 
 

 
Self care can be practiced in so many different ways, but it’s really about what works for you and what is sustainable.

Some things from this list will be right for you, some of them might not.

But remember that the simplest things are often the most sustainable.

Be sure to save this post for later when you need ideas for simple self care activities!
 

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