We don’t always have it together. Busy schedules, personal commitments, and heavy workloads can drain life out of anyone. This is why we all need me-time or self-care activities when you don’t answer to anybody but only yourself. They breathe fresh air into a fresh air of clarity. So you can let go of the stress and think about what matters the most—you.
According to a report, 71% of people increased happiness from their self-care practices, whether sports or mindful exercises like meditation. Pick activities you could adapt to your routine, even when there’s too much work or holidays.
We’re sharing 10 self-care activities that anyone can do.
Whether you’re a student wrapped in studies, a retired citizen with free time, or a busy entrepreneur, you need only 10 minutes to boost your mood.
Image source: Freepik
Different Areas of Self-Care Activities
Before we get into self-care activities, it’s important to highlight some myths around self-care activities. People think it’s just pampering or it is for those who are struggling with poor mental health. Your friends might say you’re spending “too much time” on yourself. Or, worse, that you’re being selfish. In reality, it’s none of these things.
Self-care activities go beyond fitness or getting yourself to a spa. It extends to managing your finances and building healthy relationships with your friends and yourself. Even the WHO recommends people incorporate self-care practices into their daily routines to improve overall health and well-being in two facets: self-care actions & self-care intervention. The latter narrows to a more specific approach to tackling health needs or conditions.
10 self-care activities to boost your mood
Self-care activities boost mood and improve mental health. Here’s a list of 10 self-care activities you can start right now:
- Start your day with stretching & mobility exercises.
Waking up with a sore body is like standing on a stack of needles. Stiff and prickly. Mobility and stretching exercises can undo soreness, prepare you for the day ahead, and instantly boost your mind. Old or young, these exercises are for every age. You don’t have to take yourself to a crowded gym station that takes 10 minutes to find a parking spot. Find a mat. Sit comfortably. And get started.
Image Source: Freepik
- Connect with your inner self.
Remember the last time you had a conversation with yourself? A time when you could be real with yourself. One-to-one. Yes, the same way Christine (Saoirse Ronan) did in the film Lady Bird. Filmy, isn’t it? But talking to yourself is one of the best ways to cultivate self-care and manifestation.
Dr. Doty, a neuroscientist and NY Times bestselling author, demonstrates this through decades of research. He says, “People need to be compassionate to themselves and cut off the inner self-critic. Instead, connect with your inner self by activating love mode and achieve your goals.”
We speak to our inner selves every second, alone or in a metro station where everyone gets squeezed like lemons; your brain is always thinking. How you do it is important. Treat yourself with compassion, regardless of the situation in life. Going on a nature walk and journaling are beginner-friendly ways to build compassion with your inner self. Dr. Doty recommends jotting down your feelings on paper and manifesting the change you want to bring to your life.
- Declutter your space
The space you live in has a direct impact on your emotional well-being. See it this way: a clumsy room mirrors the clutter of your life, and it feels messy and uncontrollable. Take time to put things in order and take charge. You don’t have to scrap every spot in the room. Start small.
For instance, you could fix your working table or arrange your bed. Be mindful of things you no longer need: old clothes, paper, or anything recycled. Hand it over to someone you can find helpful.
- Cook with your loved ones.
Whether you’ve had a rough day or need to feel cheerful, a warm, healthy meal can recharge your batteries. Cook comfort food—maybe rice and curry, pasta, or fried chicken—a dish that truly satisfies you.
Image source: Freepik
Why not invite a friend over to share it? There’s something special about connecting with friends over a delicious, healthy meal, making it the perfect ambiance to unwind and talk about your day.
- Pursue lost hobbies
We all have something(s) we always wanted to do but couldn’t. Call it a twist of fate or “I lost touch with it. The best time to do them is now. Though everything is acceptable, keeping as long as you’re happy, be open to exploring your quirks. Go beyond the usual hobbies like dancing, singing, or playing an instrument.
When I was younger, I collected chocolate wrappers (which are no longer in production now). Hobbies aren’t about public approval but about what brings joy to your mind and body. If you’re unsure what to pursue, embrace the freedom of being like a wanderer, exploring what relaxes your mind, no matter how odd.
- Go to a retreat with your friends.
For most people, “taking a break” is packing backpacks and heading to mountains or beaches. After 3-4 days, you’re stuck in the same loop and routine. Do it differently next time. Join a retreat with friends. Retreats offer fresh experiences with lessons you can keep for the rest of your life.
For example, you could go on a wellness retreat, a weight loss retreat, or a mindfulness retreat. Put in an effort, even if it’s going to the farther end of town. Some retreat programs might ask you to leave your digital devices behind, which may initially seem challenging. However, making the effort to disconnect can have remarkable benefits, as it will help you and your friends share an experience like never before.
- Read and write a page every night.
Reading regularly has a relaxing impact that improves mental health overall and can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. You don’t have to make it feel like a chore. Start with reading what interests you.
Image Source: Freepik
Look out for local reading and writing communities in your areas. Many such communities have weekly get-togethers or monthly discussions, welcoming people from all spheres of life. When it comes to writing, don’t stress yourself. Don’t worry about grammar; nobody’s getting a grade. Write for yourself—an interesting event, a lesson you learned, maybe an encounter with a stranger.
- Take care of money
Money problems often come unannounced—rising energy bills, a tough time, or a desire to buy the latest iPhone or clothing; your finances could go all red if not managed. Having control over your finances can solve many of these issues, and, above all things, it provides you with a sense of security.
Maintain a clear view of your priorities and what matters most to you. Saving or investing, do so with a clear goal in mind.
- Shatter your limiting beliefs
“I can’t do this.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I don’t have enough qualifications.”
We all say it to ourselves, often without even realizing it. But the truth is, these thoughts are not facts. They’re merely passing thoughts.
Take that first step towards something you’ve put off because you thought you couldn’t. New language? Waking up at 6 a.m.? Or saying “hello” to an old friend. Reframe your thoughts with cognitive restructuring. Next time, don’t tell yourself, “You can’t.” Instead, “I’m fully capable of doing this.”
- Ground healthy boundaries
We all have someone to answer to: work, family, or social obligations. Under all this pressure, we neglect ourselves and often commit to requests, even if we don’t want to.
Know when to say no, when to step back, and when to prioritize your needs. Often, people have a hard time declining requests from close people. Here, you need to be firm and assertive. Before you answer, think about how it will impact your well-being.
Self-care activities shouldn’t break the bank.
No doubt, the need for self-care activities is important in a time when everybody has digital access to you 24/7. You’re a text or a call away. There is pressure to do this or that. However, note that self-care activities shouldn’t empty your pockets.
A $500 spa treatment might bring joy to one person, but for another, the happiness could come from saving $500 by cutting unnecessary expenses. Pursue activities that unload stress, not add it to your life. If you’re someone like me who goes on a spendthrift sprint, add a self-care budget to your finances so you know when to spend and when not to spend.
Summary
The self-care activities we discussed demand only 10 minutes of your day. Which one to start is a challenge. Start with one that’s easiest for you. Remember, you need to be consistent. Take help from digital tools like Headspace, Calm, Pocket Guard, etc., to keep tabs on all facets of self-care.
Leave a Comment