The term self care might bring to mind face masks, exercise, and bubble baths, but it goes far beyond that. From setting boundaries to spending time with friends, here are 15 underrated self care ideas to help you cultivate a well rounded wellbeing.
I pray that these ideas inspire you to prioritize self care, recognize their practicality, and find sustainable ways to incorporate them into your routine.
Self Care Ideas
1. Leave Room for Spontaneity
Leaving space in your schedule for spontaneous fun can allow you to break free from rigid routines and embrace unexpected opportunities.
It can lead to exciting new experiences, help you discover hidden passions, and bring more fun into your daily life. Whether it’s an impromptu coffee date with a friend or a last-minute road trip, spontaneity can add a refreshing element of surprise to your routine.
2. Establish and Maintain a Sleeping Schedule
Maintaining a consistent sleeping schedule can enhance your mood, boost productivity, and improve alertness throughout the day.
Plus, prioritizing a bedtime and wake-up time can help regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality. Overall, a well rested mind and body can allow you to handle life’s daily challenges with more energy and clarity.
3. Don’t Check Social Media Within the First Hour of Waking Up
Although it’s very tempting to check your phone first thing in the morning, (I’m guilty as well). Try placing it somewhere out of reach to make it harder to access while still in bed.
Avoiding social media for the first hour can allow you to start your day with a clear mind, free from distractions or unnecessary stress and overstimulation.
Instead, use this time for a mindful morning routine, such as stretching, journaling, praying, or just getting your day started.
RELATED: How to Create Healthy Social Media Boundaries
4. Spend Time With Friends and Family
Socializing and building genuine human connections are essential for fulfilling our social needs, (even if you’re an introvert).
Whether it’s hosting a game night, enjoying a movie together, or going out to eat, prioritize spending time with loved ones as a form of self care.
Not only does it offer social benefits but spending time with friends/family can help provide emotional support, increase laughter (one of the best medicines), and create fun memories.
5. Meal Prep
In addition to nourishing our bodies, meal prepping can be a great way to save money by reducing the need for takeout or going to a restaurant. Plus it can help minimize stress surrounding what to eat, making mealtimes more enjoyable and efficient.
RELATED: How to Nourish Your Body With Good Food
6. Say No to Certain Opportunities and Requests
Setting boundaries with people is a great self care idea that is often overlooked. It’s important to recognize that saying no doesn’t mean you’re letting others down, it means you’re prioritizing your wellbeing.
Don’t be afraid to decline requests or opportunities, especially if they require you to overextend yourself just to meet someone else’s expectations. Learning to say no can also help break patterns of people pleasing and significantly reduce stress, ultimately preventing burnout.
7. Keep an Organized and Clean Space
Having a clean and organized environment can contribute to a clear, calm, and more focused mind. Rather than letting things pile up, consider tidying up regularly to keep your space clean and organized.
8. Go on Solo Dates
A great way to spend time with yourself and enjoy your own company is by going on solo dates and engaging in activities alone.
This is especially great if you’re someone who feels nervous about doing things alone in public, as it helps build confidence and independence.
From watching a movie at the theater to having a picnic at the park, there are so many solo date ideas that you can try.
9. Journal
Journaling is an amazing way to help organize, guide, and process your thoughts and feelings. Writing things down can bring clarity, reduce stress, and help you track personal growth over time.
In addition to a traditional writing format, one of my favorite ways to journal is by creating video journal diaries. I simply record myself talking about things like my feelings, how my day went, and goals that I’m working on; to help me process my emotions in real time.
Overall, whether through writing or video, consider trying out journaling as a great self care activity.
10. Practice the Sabbath
The Sabbath is all about rest, and what better way to incorporate self-care into your routine than by dedicating an entire day to mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation?
Taking time to slow down, disconnect from work, and focus on restoration can help reduce stress and bring a deeper sense of peace.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Sabbath, it is a designated day of rest exemplified by God. Where you pause from your usual work routine to reflect, rest, recharge, and spend time with Him.
To learn more about the Sabbath, check out the article below explaining what it is and ways that you can practice it.
RELATED: How to Rest on the Sabbath: 15 Practical Ideas
11. Pray
Building on the previous idea of the Sabbath, prayer is an amazing all-around self-care practice that nurtures both mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Whether you’re talking to God about your day, seeking His guidance, or asking for wisdom on how to navigate challenges; making prayer a regular part of your routine can help you feel more grounded, supported, and connected to God.
12. Exercise Without a Fitness Goal in Mind
Whether it’s dancing, going for a walk, or trying a fun workout; exercise can help relieve stress, boost energy, and improve your mood.
Plus, taking the pressure off of having a specific fitness goal in mind, can allow you to enjoy the process of moving your body rather than just the fitness outcome.
RELATED: Fun Ways to Exercise and get Active
13. Ask for Help
Another underrated self care idea is asking for help. Whether from friends, family, trusted leaders, or professionals, reaching out for support can ease stress and provide new perspectives. It also serves as a reminder that you don’t have to do life alone.
14. Build a Morning Routine
Building a morning routine can create structure and set a strong foundation for the day. Since routines rely on repetition, they can significantly help reduce decision fatigue in the early hours; making your mornings feel more intentional and less overwhelming.
15. Consume Digital Entertainment with Positive Affirmations
You may not always notice it, but what you feed your subconscious can greatly impact your mood and overall thoughts. One of my favorite self care ideas, which I practice daily, is being intentional about the entertainment that I consume. This includes music, shows, movies, and other forms of media, ensuring they align with positivity and encouragement.
