86 Acts of Self-care
- noamillernutrition
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We've heard that it's important.. but what is self-care? Self-care means filling yourself up by doing not only the things that make you feel good in the moment, but Laura Doyle says it also includes doing things that take a bit of effort but that make you feel good afterwards. Use the list below to help you plan and implement some self-care opportunities!
When planning for self-care, it's also helpful to create a “no” list, with things you know you don’t like or you no longer want to do. Examples might include not checking emails at night, or not answering your phone during lunch/dinner.
Practice self-care with intention: when we act with the specific intention of caring and nurturing ourselves, the effect is even greater.
As Sara Kupfer advises: "Put self-care in your calendar, treat it like a real appointment, and if you need to cancel, reschedule for later!"
And now for the meat and potatoes...
Here is a list of some activities that you might make you feel good immediately or might leave you with a feeling of content afterwards. For convenience, they are divided into quick, 10-minute options and ideas that take longer or require planning.
10-minute options:
Stretch and decompress.
Take a walk.
Use a massage device
Pray.
Turn on music and dance!
Apply a warm compress to your neck or forehead
Take a break from technology.
Be fully present with your child.
Read a book to your child.
Take a video of your child.
Practice deep breathing exercises.
Chat with someone you never met before
Find something to laugh about.
Wash dishes.
Relax in child's pose
Cut a salad.
Prepare a filling sandwich.
Buy something you enjoy.
Prepare something you enjoy.
Listen to music.
Read an article.
Journal.
Daydream about something happy.
Do some yoga.
Fold laundry.
Play an instrument.
Doodle.
Write down 3 things you are grateful for.
Write down 3 positive things about yourself.
Meditate or clear your mind.
Practice mindfulness: notice your 5 senses during whatever activity you are doing
Clean/organize something small that will give you a boost
Call someone you love to say hello.
Get dressed.
Put on makeup.
Do your nails.
Schedule an appointment for yourself.
Plan a date with your husband or loved one.
And some things that take more time or require some planning:
Take a nap.
Go to sleep early.
Exercise. (In contrast to what many people think, exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. It’s important is that you choose a form of exercise that you like!)
Go for a hike.
Go swimming.
Take a yoga class
Try something new (new food, new activity).
Learn something new (read a book, listen to a lecture).
Go to your “happy place” (think: forest, ocean, cozy nook, zero gravity chair).
Take a long shower.
Take a bath.
Listen to a podcast.
Listen to music.
Clean up!
Hire cleaning help.
Record a song.
Read a book.
Treat yourself to a massage.
Visit chiropractor/physical therapist.
Attend medical appointments.
Buy takeout.
Buy fresh fruit.
Prepare a hearty soup.
Buy yourself a gift.
Organize a closet.
Go window shopping.
Write a poem.
Paint.
Go for a mani/pedi.
Get your hair done.
Schmooze with a friend.
Listen to a lecture.
Go out with a friend.
Go on a date with your husband or loved one.
Play a game.
Plant a garden.
Use relaxation exercises.
Learn to play an instrument.
Take an early morning jog.
Play frisbee golf.
Go boating.
Take a vacation.
Create pottery.
Make jewelry.
Spend time with loved ones.
Cook.
Bake.
Take up a hobby.
Remember, self-care means different things to different people, and will mean different things at different times. Make a list of self-care actions that you would enjoy, and plan ways to put them into your day. Self-care takes thought and action, but the results go a long way towards supporting your total health!
If you are struggling with nutrition self-care, or are turning to food frequently as a coping tool, I would love to help.
Noa