Mental Health Awareness Week - 50 Self Care Ideas

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Self care is about giving yourself time and a distraction from your negative emotions. By practising self care, you are addressing your problems holistically and in a safe manner.



Here is my list of 50 self care ideas to help you through your day:
  1. Make your favourite treat/comfort food.
  2. Do a puzzle in the paper (sudouku, cross word etc.)
  3. Read a book.
  4. Meditate (there's tonnes of guided meditations on Youtube).
  5. Play with kids toys (Lego, Playdough etc.).
  6. Listen to your favourite song(s).
  7. Write or draw.
  8. Put fresh bed sheets on. 
  9. Drink your favourite hot drink. 
  10. Google funny memes (hours of distraction). 
  11. Have a bath/shower. 
  12. Make something - who cares if its any good!?
  13. Cry! You are allowed. Sometimes this is enough to lift your mood in the end. 
  14. Treat yourself to a small gift. 
  15. Practise yoga (again, lots of guided yoga videos on Youtube). 
  16. Recite affirmations.
  17. Watch your favourite film.
  18. Go stargazing.
  19. Spend some time with your pets.
  20. Have a nap!!
  21. Burn your favourite scented candle.
  22. Have a spring clean... or at least just do one of your drawers. 
  23. Bake something easy. A Victoria sponge or cupcakes are great options.
  24. Turn your phone off for a few hours. 
  25. Look through old photographs. 
  26. Write a list of your favourite things.
  27. Colour in a colouring book. 
  28. By yourself your favourite flowers.
  29. Write a list of places youd like to visit. 
  30. Get a haircut/manicure/massage. 
  31. Find shapes in the clouds.
  32. Make daisy chains. 
  33. Paint your nails.
  34. Upcycle an old item of clothing. 
  35. Revisit an old hobby.
  36. Catch up on your favourite blog.
  37. Learn the basics of a new language. 
  38. Wash the dishes. 
  39. Visit a library.
  40. Practice your makeup skills. 
  41. watch your favourite Youtuber/Vlogger.
  42. Go to your local gym for a workout/swim.
  43. Go to bed early and allow yourself a lie in the following morning. 
  44. Dance. Just in your longe or kitchen will do. 
  45. Apply a face mask. 
  46. Go for a walk (a friend or dog make great walking companions).
  47. Style your hair differently.
  48. Sing and sing loudly. Forget what your neighbours think for 30 seconds. 
  49. Wear the outfit that makes you feel great.
  50. Visit a museum (most of them are cheap/free).



Ultimately self care is just as unique as you are. Its about finding the thing(s) that calm your mind and your body in a safe way.
90% of these things are possible to squeeze into your everyday routine and take very little time to do their job. You can always find 5 minutes to care for yourself and by filling this time with self care will help to make your day a bit brighter.





Again, here are some useful numbers and information pages:
  • If your life or lives of others are at immediate risk, please call 999.
  • If you're interested in finding out more about mental health and the different types, symptoms and advice, visit www.mind.org.uk.
  • For advice and helplines dedicated to your area visit Rethink Mental Illness here.
  • The Samaritans have a 24/7 365 days of the year free telephone service for anybody who needs to talk about mental health: 116 123.
  • You can find other methods of contacting a service for advice or support here.
  • For mental health training and first aid visit MHFA here.
  • You can speak to your GP about mental health within working hours. Outside of these hours you can ring 111.

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