40+ Self-Care Tips to Improve Your Health

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Are you feeling stressed? Are you working from home? Homeschooling? Social distancing?

Now more than ever, practicing self-care is so important. Taking care of your mental and physical health is vital to ensure your sanity and promote overall wellness.

Below are tips you can incorporate into your everyday routine to help maximize your overall health and practice self-care.

What is self-care?

Self-care is being proactive with your health by putting yourself first. It is doing things that promote better physical and emotional health.

Knowing your limits, triggers, and engaging in healthy activities are key components of self-care.

What are the best ways to practice self-care?

That’s a question that only you can answer. However, self-reflecting to get to know yourself better, will help you identify areas you would like to improve.

Being aware of what you like and dislike will make a huge difference as you navigate this thing called life.

Are you looking to treat yourself and boost your self-care regimen? Here are 10 insanely cheap self-care gift ideas.

40+ Tips to Practice Self-Care 

1. Exercise

Engaging in physical activity has been proven to improve physical and emotional health as well as lowering the risk of developing various diseases. 

2. Get enough sleep

Sleep builds the foundation regarding how our day will go. Give your body at least 7 hours of sleep each night to recharge.

3. Meditate

Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes each day to practice mindfulness. Allowing yourself to decompress can improve your stress level.

4. Declutter your living space

Being in a space that is clean and organized has been proven to boost confidence, improve productivity, and most importantly improve one’s mood.

5. Enjoy the great outdoors

Going for a walk, hike, or simply sitting in your backyard can help improve your mood. 

6. Listen to music and dance like no one is watching

Put on your favorite song and groove. You’re sure to have a great time. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise. 

7. Start your day off on a good note 

Don’t snooze the alarm clock. Start your day off right by getting a head start, eating a healthy breakfast, and hitting the gym for a quick workout.

8. Journal

Challenge yourself to write something positive about yourself every day. Journaling provides an outlet to express your innermost thoughts.

9. Do a good deed for someone

Volunteering or simply complimenting someone can brighten someone’s day.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

10. Enjoy the sun

Treat yourself to some sun rays several times per week. Getting sunlight will give your body the Vitamin D it needs.

Sunshine can improve your mood, bone health, brain function, and boost immunity!

11. Do a puzzle

Doing puzzles can improve your brain health. Puzzles provide a mental challenge, entertainment, and are great stress relievers. 

12. Coloring soothes the soul

You may have thought coloring was only for children… well guess again. Coloring is a great way to relax and let your creative side run wild.

13. Perform deep breathing exercises

“Woosah!” Sometimes we need to take a step back and simply breathe.

14. Yoga 

Inflammation, stress, flexibility, and sleep habits can be improved by practicing yoga!

15. Eat more fruits and veggies

The foods we consume are directly linked to how we feel. Incorporating more fruits and veggies will result in a healthier you.

Here are foods to avoid to reduce your anxiety.

16. Limit fried and processed foods

These foods are tasty. However, when consumed in excess obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke could be in your future.

17. Practice Positive Self Talk

Improve your subconscious mind by declaring positivity. Here’s a list of positive affirmations that will boost your self-esteem and limit negative self-talk.

18. Wear your favorite clothing/accessories

When you look good, most likely you will be in a good mood. So put on your favorite outfit and watch your day turn out great.

19. Eat Vitamin C

Research has shown a link between Vitamin C and your mood. Not receiving enough Vitamin C can lead to tiredness, weaker immune system, anxiety, and depression.

Click here for a list of Vitamin C rich foods.

20. Social Media Detox

Unplugging from social media is a great way to practice self-care. Social media detoxing can improve productivity and improve your mood.

21. Massage Me Please

Massages can help reduce inflammation and chronic pain. Self-massage or a day at the massage parlor will promote wellness. 

22. Retail Therapy

“A little shopping never hurt nobody.” Shopping can be a great pick me up when you’re feeling down. Just don’t break the bank! 

23. Cuddle

When we cuddle, our bodies release hormones that make us feel good. 

24. Mini Getaway

Taking a day trip to sightsee can help you unwind from your hectic daily routine. 

25. Seek laughter

Whether it’s reading a daily joke or watching your favorite comedian, laughter is good for the soul.

26. Drink more water

Approximately 60% of your body is made up of water. Your cells need water to function properly. The average person should consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day.

Here are 8 Mind-Blowing Benefits of Drinking Water that are not that obvious!

27. Plan your week

From working out, meal prepping, to attending social events having a schedule can help keep you focused and organized. 

28. Time management

Better time management can be the difference between being stressed versus managing the ups and downs of life.

29. Pursue a new hobby

Hobbies can enrich your life by occupying your time and relieving stress.

30. Practice good posture

Reward your back and muscles by practicing good posture. 

31. It’s okay to say no

Do you feel bad when you say no? Well, get over it! Know your limits and work on saying no to others. Saying no can and will lessen your stress level.

32. Be a goal-digger

What else do you want to achieve? Set your goals and take action.

Click here for a free printable goal worksheet.

33. Take time to self-reflect

Self-reflection will help you get to know yourself better. Here’s a free printable self-reflection worksheet.

34. Ditch the diet

Forget about dieting and focus on lifestyle changes.  

35. Give yourself grace

Being patient with yourself is important. Rome wasn’t built in one day and neither will your career, marriage, relationships, friendships, or business. 

36. Forgive others and yourself

Let go of the past hurt and focus on the present. 

37. Celebrate the small victories

It’s easy to overlook the small victories. Make a conscious decision to highlight the tiny successes you achieve along the way.

38. Don’t attempt to be a superhero

Refrain from taking on tasks that are nearly impossible to complete.

39. Establish a support system

Having a support system is essential. We all need someone to vent to or bounce ideas off of. 

40. Don’t suffer in silence

Suffering in silence only delays the start of your recovery. Share what you are going through with a family member or close friends.

If you are dealing with emotional distress, Talkspace can help provide the emotional support you need. 

Talkspace conveniently allows you to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your couch. Simply uses your cell phone and connect with a specialist.

41. Do what makes you happy

Focus on what makes you happy and repeat.

42. Read a book

Reading provides a great outlet to relax and indulge in fantasy.

43. Compliment yourself

Each day, write down one thing you’re good at, like about yourself, or something you did outstanding for the day. 

44. Seek professional help

Whether physical or mental, there is a professional out there to help you navigate through your time of need. Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms that need to be addressed.

How do you take care of yourself? Share your favorite self-care practices below!