Did you know that you can easily experience a self-care day at home and don’t need to go out to enjoy self-care? And that self-care looks more like whatever brings you calm and peace and less about a spa day?
Whether your kind of self-care is pampering at a spa or simply a nap in the middle of the afternoon, you can achieve a self-care experience at home.
Self Care Day At Home
What is the definition of self-care?
According to the Google search results, self-care is: “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health.” I think many of us can admit that taking care to improve our mental, emotional, and physical health is a good goal to aim for. I know that it’s often an overused term, and many people might roll their eyes thinking it just means a “bath” or “getting your nails done”, but please hear me out- self-care is much more than what you typically think of when you hear the term.
According to Southern New Hampshire University “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more.”
And The Doctor Weighs In website states that six of every ten adults in America suffer from a chronic illness and four out of ten have two or more chronic conditions.
The Doctor Weighs In site also states: “Self-care that includes addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social realms has enabled my patients to maintain or improve their health and well-being. It also helps them prevent or cope with chronic illness. Promoting self-care becomes the cornerstone of integrative health and good medicine.”
Self-care as simple living
Did you know that self-care can be as simple as enjoying little moments? It doesn’t have to be a big expensive spa day.
As a chronically ill woman, I’ve found that self-care looks a lot different than it is often marketed to us. For me, the small act of a short and easy walk around the block with my dog and child is just as much self-care for my body and emotions as any full-body massage would be. As an example: taking an afternoon nap refreshes my body more than a hot bath with bubbles and wine could ever do. Don’t get me wrong, I like massages and baths very much but it doesn’t have to be the traditionally thought of methods of self-care to be self-care.
Some self-care-day suggestions for you, whether you’re chronically ill, a busy mom, a full-time student, or a busy working man or women are below. I hope these ideas spark joy and excitement to work self-care into your day.
Self-care ideas
I know everyone has a slightly different idea of self-care at home. Some may see it as a completely relaxing experience being pampered and spending money and time on one’s self. And while this is nice, I mostly see self-care as a time to enjoy the small moments, to be fully present in the moment, and soak it in.
Yes, you can also achieve enjoyment from bigger moments, and you can also be present in bigger moments, however, there is just something extra special about enjoying the little things in life. Maybe because there are more little things to enjoy than big most often, it’s hard to say – but when you’re present and grateful for the small moments, I find that the rest of your day flows the same.
Easy self care ideas
- Read a chapter in your favorite book (or if you have more time, binge a book)
- Listen to a favorite book on Audible
- Take a walk, even if just around the block. Doesn’t have to be strenuous, the goal is to move your body, and breathe in the sounds and sights and feels of nature
- Unplug from media for the day, for a weekend, or even just a night
- Grab a blanket, and a nice spot in the yard, and watch the clouds above you
- Along with the same idea, do the same at night and count the stars
- Read the Bible
- Dance around
- Listen to your favorite record while taking a drive in the country or…
- Listen to your favorite record while cleaning your house
- Listen to a favorite podcast while doing a slow craft
- Pray
- Meditate
- Do some stretches or Yoga
- Take slow, deep, cleansing breaths while holding your hand over your heart, with your eyes closed
- Find a favorite ASMR channel and get the tingles
- Whip out your gratitude journal and write some things you’re thankful for this week
- Read a favorite blog, catch up on their newsletter
- Start or tend to a garden
- Water your plants while listening to music
- Watch a favorite television show
- Work a puzzle
- Learn how to embroider
- Pick up a paintbrush, or a pencil, and make art
- Crochet a pair of socks
- Knit a sweater
- Go to the lake and dip your toes in the water
- Go for a swim
- Ride your bike
- Set aside an hour and call a friend who makes you smile and laugh
- Sit down in the grass and feel the earth beneath you – stand barefoot and feel grounded and connected to nature
- Watch the birds
- Take that cliché bubble bath and enjoy the heck out of it!
- Bake something tasty
- Try a new recipe
- Go plant shopping
- Look through photo albums
- Talk about favorite family memories with your kids
- Watch a movie – new or a favorite
- Turn off your phone
- Take a long and vigorous walk
- Go to the beach if you have one near you
- Take a cold shower
- Get dressed up and do your hair
- Have a spa day at home
- Spray essential oils on all your bedding and then take a nap and enjoy the smells
- Hygge your bedroom and your life
- Take a special day trip to your favorite local town – if you’re chronically ill, here are some tips for traveling while ill
- Write a self-care journal
- Sit in the silence with yourself
- Take a mid-day nap
- Improve your sleeping experience with essential oils, soft music, rain sounds, white noise, soft bedding
- Enjoy your skincare time
- Take time decluttering a closet – decluttering often helps the mind feel less overwhelmed
- Sleep in
- Start a blog and write your thoughts
- Edit who you follow on social – is someone stressing you out, leading to overwhelming, or causing you to become critical of yourself? You don’t have to continue following that account, unfollow.
- Write a letter or card to a dear friend or loved one
- Write a letter to your younger self
- Write down what you’re grateful for each month and then read them at the end of the year
- Listen to a Bible app
- Take a jog or run if you are physically able to
- Go out to eat even if by yourself
- Sing in the shower
- Go to the library and read a book in a nook
- Go to the book store and allow yourself the freedom to purchase a favorite book
- Watch funny videos but be careful not to lose a bunch of time scrolling TikTok
- Pick up some crayons and a coloring book
- Order in dinner, put a blanket on the floor, light candles, and have an indoor picnic
- Read a magazine or two
- Get your hair done
- Get your nails done
- Take a walk in the rain (not when it’s lightening or windy of course)
- Learn about slow living and make it a practice in your life
- Get a heated blanket and snuggle up for the night
- Go on a date with your significant other
- Go bowling or mini-golfing
- Lay in your bed and do absolutely nothing
- Snuggle your pet while watching Netflix
- Organize your clothing drawers
- Call your parents and reminisce about your favorite vacations as a kid
- Pray
- Hug a loved one – embrace them – soak in the moment
- Teach someone else your favorite hobby
- Take a class learning something new
- Discover what it looks like to love your life no matter what your life looks like
Wrapping it up
WHEW! We got through 86 ideas! Though some were small and quick ideas, they’re great places to start and grow your self-care practice.
In the end, what I’d love for you to take away from this list is that self-care doesn’t have to be this big once a month or once a year treat. Self-care should be a daily practice. Incorporating even one or two small ideas from this list daily may increase your peace and joy and balance. It’s worth a try.
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Hi, I’m Nell. First, I’m a wife and mother, and a believer in Jesus. I’m also a writer of words, maker of art, and chronically ill warrior. This space is where I document this one big beautiful and flawed life. Essays and diary entries, poetry and art, and peaks into my heart. Welcome.