20+ self-care practices to help you prioritize your wellbeing

Mental HealthPersonal Growth
Written By Calm Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA

Mindful self-care can help improve your mental health. Learn why self-care is important, the different types of self-care, and 20+ tips to get you started.

There’s nothing more essential than taking time to care for your own wellbeing. Despite outdated beliefs, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessary act that allows you to show up for yourself, others, and your life, more effectively. 

The saying, “running on empty” rings true when it comes to self-care. We can’t show up for others if our own tanks are empty. So, how do we get better at it? 

Through self-care practices, you can create a foundation of positive self-love and wellbeing habits that empower you and set you up to live your life to the fullest.

 

What exactly is self-care?

Self-care is the action and practice of prioritizing your personal wellbeing, which can have the knock-on effect of reducing stress, and enhancing happiness and satisfaction. Self-care is about paying attention to your feelings and making choices—and sometimes sacrifices—for the sake of your mental and physical health.

People might assume self-care means indulgent spa days and pampering yourself, but it's a practice that goes much deeper than face masks and mud baths (though those are lovely forms of self-care). Some self-care practices, like setting boundaries at work or attending necessary medical appointments, might not always feel enjoyable, but they’re essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Remember, it’s okay for self-care practices to look different from person to person. It’s all about finding what works for you to feel rejuvenated physically and emotionally.

Why is self-care important?

Self-care is an important practice because it consists of recognizing your needs and meeting them. Taking a proactive approach to tending to your wellbeing can enhance many areas of your life.

  1. Self-care may promote physical health

  2. It can enhance mental resilience while encouraging self-compassion

  3. It might improve mood

  4. It could reduce anxiety and help manage stress

  5. Self-care may boost productivity

 

How to create a self-care plan

Creating a self-care plan is a way to set aside time for things that nourish you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your self-care plan should also not be a fixed plan, as your needs may change over time. 

It’s normal to revisit and update your plan depending on how you’re feeling. Remember, the essence of a self-care plan is for nourishment and rejuvenation, not to become other items to simply check off your list.

1. Figure out what sort of self-care you could benefit from 

Begin by asking yourself how you’re feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally. Identifying areas that need attention is the first step in creating a meaningful self-care plan.

2. Set goals

What do you hope to achieve with your self-care practices? Whether it’s reducing stress, improving sleep, or simply having more energy, defining your goals will give your self-care plan a clear direction.

3. Prioritize the self-care activities you enjoy the most

Based on your self-assessment and goals, list the self-care activities that appeal most to you. It might be exercising, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby.

4. Create a self-care schedule that you can stick to

Set aside time in your daily or weekly schedule for self-care activities. Treat these times as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

5. Track progress and adjust your self-care plan as needed

Keep a simple journal or use an app to track your self-care activities and note how you feel over time. If something isn’t working or you discover new activities that help, adjust your plan to fit.

 

20+ ideas for self-care practices

If you’re new to self-care practices, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Learning how to seamlessly integrate a broad spectrum of self-care practices into your schedule, no matter how busy you feel, can help you find a happier, healthier you.

Mini self-care practices (1 minute)

Breathe deeply: Calm your mind by taking deep breaths.

Hydrate: Drink water to stay hydrated and energized.

Stretch: Do a quick stretch to release muscle tension.

💙 Here are some Calm sessions that can be completed in one minute or less: 

Quick and easy self-care practices (5 to 10 minutes)

Dance: Enjoy moving to your favorite tunes to uplift your mood.

Listen to music: Relax by listening to music you love. Take a break from the daily grind with this Midday Relaxation Playlist — the perfect accompaniment to a lunchtime walk or meditation.

Practice mindfulness: Stay present and reduce stress by being mindful.

Read regularly: Dive into books that stimulate your intellectual curiosity or provide escapism.

Meditate: Set aside a few minutes each day for meditation to help clear your mind and foster a sense of peace and balance. 

💙 Here are a few ways to take a 5-10 minute break during your day:

 

Short self-care practices (20-30 minutes)

Exercise regularly: Boost your mood and health with regular exercise. Join Mel Mah on A Mindful Run and indulge in your body’s strength while boosting your mood.

Eat nutritiously: Enjoy a balanced meal to fuel your body. Remember to eat mindfully.

Practice relaxation techniques: Reduce stress with relaxation exercises.

Journal your feelings: Write down your thoughts and feelings to reflect and understand them better.

💙 Here are some longer self-care practices you can try to release stress and boost your overall wellbeing:

  • Join Mel Mah on A Mindful Run and indulge in your body’s strength while boosting your mood.

  • Releasing Stress from the Daily Move can help you release both physical and mental tension.

  • A Heart Less Heavy can help you feel more grounded during life’s more difficult moments.

Longer self-care practices (1 hour or less)

Pursue hobbies: Engage in activities that spark your creativity and bring you joy.

Seek support: Reach out to someone you trust or a professional.

Prioritize medical care: Stay on top of your health with regular check-ups.

Unplug: Disconnect from digital devices for an hour.

Practice gratitude: Reflect on what you’re grateful for every day.

💙 Check out these courses and masterclasses to help you feel more connected and centered:

 

Extended self-care practices (a few hours)

Keep in touch: Spend time with loved ones—social connections can provide emotional support and enrich your life.

Explore spirituality: Explore or practice spiritual or religious beliefs if they interest you.

Learn new things: Take that course you’ve been eyeing, join a class, or ask to learn a new skill from someone you admire.

Visit a library, museum, or gallery: A tranquil environment to explore art, literature, or history, can help to clear your mind.

Attend a workshop: Participate in a class or seminar that interests you.

Prioritize sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough restful sleep each night. 

Join community groups: Engage in local or online communities with shared interests, like book clubs or recreational sports.

💙 Here are some long term sessions that can help you achieve more inner peace and harmony:

Luxurious self-care practices (full day or weekend)

Spend time in nature: Go for a hike, sit in the park, or visit the beach to reconnect with nature and refresh your spirit. According to experts, if you spend time in nature, you may feel more at ease and less depressed.

Enjoy a weekend retreat: Plan a weekend retreat to relax and rejuvenate.

Pamper yourself: While self-care encompasses much more than pampering, there's certainly room for it. Indulge yourself with activities like a relaxing bath, a leisurely walk in a beautiful setting, or browsing a local bookshop. Hey, maybe even spend a day at the spa. Treat yourself with kindness and enjoy moments that rejuvenate your spirit. 

💙 Here are some masterclass options to help you luxuriate in your self-care time a bit more. 

  • Radical Self-Compassion can teach you how to recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture the parts of your life that can be challenging.

  • Our Better Sleep masterclass can give you better tools for getting your best night’s sleep ever.

  • Our Embracing Stillness masterclass can teach you how to slow down, reflect, and live life to its fullest.

 

Self-care practices FAQs

What are 5 habits to take care of yourself?

  1. Ensure you get enough restorative sleep.

  2. Fuel your body with balanced, nutritious meals.

  3. Stay active to maintain physical and mental health.

  4. Engage in meditation or mindfulness practices.

  5. Nurture social relationships, especially with family and friends.

What are 6 ways to practice self-care?

  1. Maintain a regular physical exercise routine.

  2. Choose nutritious and balanced meals.

  3. Practice daily mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.

  4. Aim to get 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep every night.

  5. Stay updated on your health with regular medical check-ups.

  6. Pursue hobbies that ignite your passion and creativity.

What are the 8 areas of self-care?

  1. Physical: Exercise regularly, eat well and get enough sleep.

  2. Emotional: Process and express your emotions in a healthy way.

  3. Social: Cultivate and maintain healthy relationships.

  4. Intellectual: Keep learning and challenging your mind.

  5. Spiritual: Explore your faith or beliefs.

  6. Environmental: Take care of the environment around you.

  7. Financial: Manage your money wisely.

  8. Vocational: Pursue career interests that fulfill you.

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life. 

Images: Getty

 
Calm Editorial Team
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