Small Acts of Self-Care

S. Verrall,

Small acts of self-care are simple, manageable activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine to promote well-being and reduce stress. Here’s a list of small acts of self-care:

Mindfulness

  1. Deep Breathing: Take a few moments to practice deep, mindful breathing to calm your mind and reduce stress.
  2. 5-Minute Meditation: Dedicate just a few minutes to clear your mind and focus on your breath.
  3. Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
  4. Thoughts Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
  5. Create Vision Board: Clearly visualize your hopes and dreams with this handy tool.
  6. Mindful Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your morning beverage without distractions, savoring each sip.
  7. Mindful Eating: Savor your meals by eating slowly and savoring each bite. Avoid distractions like phones or TV.

Rest & Relaxation

  1. Take Nap: Recharge your mind and body with some rest.
  2. Check Into a Hotel: Change up your surroundings by treating yourself to a night in a hotel with all the amenities.  
  3. Nature Soundscapes: Listen to recordings of nature sounds to relax.
  4. Disconnect Before Bed: Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime for better sleep.

Self-Love

  1. Buy Yourself Flowers: Surround yourself with the colors and scent of your favorite flowers.
  2. Solo Date: Take yourself on a date and treat yourself.
  3. Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a friend.
  4. Smile at Yourself: Stand in front of a mirror and smile at yourself for a confidence boost.
  5. Mini Self-Massage: Give yourself a brief hand or foot massage.
  6. Compliment Yourself: Give yourself a compliment or acknowledge an achievement.
  7. Self-Hug: Literally give yourself a gentle hug for comfort.

Body Care

  1. Warm Bath or Shower: Enjoy a warm and soothing bath or shower with your favorite products.
  2. Brush Your Hair: If you’re mindful when you’re brushing, it’ll feel like a head massage!
  3. DIY Manicure and/or Pedicure: Give your hands and/or toes a bit of shine and personality.
  4. Hydration: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to kickstart your metabolism.
  5. Nature Break: Step outside and take in some fresh air and sunlight, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Relish the warmth of the sun against your skin.

Mind Care

  1. Social Media Break: Break up the urge for constant comparison to others.
  2. Digital Detox: Set boundaries by turning off notifications for a while and disconnect from screens, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
  3. Listen to a Podcast: Laugh, learn and/or be entertained by your favorite podcasts.
  4. Positive Affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations or self-talk to boost your self-esteem and motivation. Use affirmations like “I am capable,” “I am worthy,” or “I am enough.”
  5. Quick Reading Break: Read a few pages of a book or a short article.
  6. Learn Something New: Load up YouTube or a DIY site of choice and learn something new. Knitting? Gardening? Nunchucks?

Movement

  1. Dance Party: It doesn’t have to be fancy. Turn up the music and dance around in your underwear!
  2. Morning Stretch: Start your day with a gentle stretching routine to wake up your body.
  3. Stretch Breaks: Stretch your body at your desk or in between tasks.
  4. Mini Exercise: Do a quick set of push-ups, squats, or jumping jacks to boost your energy.
  5. Gratitude Walk: While walking, focus on things you’re grateful for in your surroundings.
  6. A Hike: Connect with nature.

Environment

  1. Open the Windows: Throw those curtains aside and boost your mood with more light and fresh air.
  2. Make Your Bed: Crawling into freshly laundered sheets at the end of the day is the best.
  3. Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or scented candles to create a calming atmosphere. Use lavender or eucalyptus essential oils to create a calming atmosphere.
  4. Light a Candle: Light a scented candle and enjoy the ambiance.
  5. Mini De-Clutter: Tackle a small organizing task, like cleaning your desk or a drawer.

Meaningful Connections

  1. Phone a Friend: Call or text a friend or family member for a quick chat.
  2. Surprise a Friend: Send a note to a friend or family member you haven’t connected with for a long time.
  3. Spend Time with Pet: Snuggle up with your favorite fur-baby (or feather-baby or scale-baby or…)
  4. Surprise Community Helpers: Teachers. Firefighters. Police officers. Bake (or buy) a batch of cookies and deliver an unexpected treat.

Laughter & Fun

  1. Hobby break: Set aside some time to engage in your favorite hobby.
  2. Listen to Music: Enjoy your favorite music to lift your mood.
  3. Sing in the Car or Shower: Sing as loud and as off-key as you want, just sing with passion!
  4. Coloring or Doodling: Engage in some creative expression with coloring books or doodling.
  5. Laugh: Watch a funny video or engage in activities that make you laugh.
  6. TV Reruns: Enjoy some nostalgic favorites from your past.
  7. Play Board/Card Game: Foster face-to-face interactions and build connections.  

Plan

  1. Make a Bucket List: Create a list of things you want to do.
  2. Plan a Mini Vacation: Explore something new in your community.
  3. Plan Tomorrow: Take a few minutes to plan out your tasks for the next day.
  4. To Do List Squatter: Do one thing that never seems go get checked off on your to do list.

Nothing

  1. Do nothing.

Self-Care Rocks!

These small acts of self-care can be woven into your daily routine to help you recharge and maintain a sense of balance and well-being, even on busy days. Choose the ones that resonate with you the most and make them a part of your self-care practice.

Examples