20 Self-Care Practices To Improve Your Mental Health
Self-Care & Your Mental Health Journey
Hey there. How's it going with your self-care journey? Do you find it easy, or challenging to prioritize self-care on a daily basis? If you're starting from zero, or looking for some new inspiration to care deeply for yourself, I've got you!
This month I'm sharing 20 self-care practices that you can fold into your day with ease, so that you can start experiencing less stress and more love, today. Self-care doesn't have to be an elaborate ritual that takes an hour every day (but hey, if you can do that every now and again go for it!). If you can start with 1-5 minutes a day, you'll be surprised by the impact self-care has on your mental health.
I want to help you learn to care for your whole self, mind-body-heart-spirit. Whether you’re looking to start a new daily habit or an occasional ritual, I’ve got an entire list of ideas for you. Ready?
20 Self-Care Practices To Support Your Mental Health
Here are my top 20 recommended self-care practices that you can use to support your mental health and experience more joy and more love, every darn day.
Wake up and spend 5 minutes outside (or looking out your window). When your eyes see the sun first thing in the morning, it turns on a host of feel good hormones and physical reactions in your body that will support your immune system and overall well-being for the day.
Write yourself a love note. Write at least 5 things you love and appreciate about yourself, remember all the hard things you have overcome and all the qualities that make you you. Put it in an envelope and set a reminder on your phone to open it in 2-4 months!
Take a moment when you wake up and decide how you want to feel today. Plant a seed of intention for the feeling, and find ways to water it throughout your day. For example if you want to feel more peace today, find some ways to cultivate peace throughout your day (slow down, conscious breathing, smiling at a neighbor...).
Write down 3 inspirational mantras and tape it to your bathroom mirror, fridge or as your lock screen on your phone. (Need some inspiration? I love you! Keep going! Deep breath, you got this! Today I am loved. You're doing it right.)
Pick something from your to-do list that you have been putting off and complete it today.
Take the scenic route to work.
Spend 10 minutes decluttering a space in your home.
Light a candle and sit in silence for 5-10 minutes (or more!)
Turn off your phone for at least one hour.
Listen to a guided meditation (I have some for you HERE).
Spend some time reading an inspirational book. (Looking for your next favorite read? Check out some of my favorite books HERE.)
Spend 5 minutes scrolling social media and removing any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or like you're not enough.
Go for a walk in nature.
Put on your favorite music and dance like a wild banshee. Shake your body and use your voice to sing, shout, and moan. Notice how you feel after...
Listen to an inspirational podcast while you're getting ready for the day or running errands. (some of my favorites are A Line Within + The Life Without School + Love, Sex + Freedom)
Take a warm bath with epsom salt and essential oils. PS. Don't just save this for bedtime. Maybe you need a morning bath on the weekend or one after work?
Call a friend that uplifts you and enjoy some heart-to-heart connection time.
Listen to a guided yoga nidra practice to calm and soothe your nervous system.
Slow down and take a seat. Put one hand on your heart, smile, and breathe. Say out loud or in your mind 'I love you.'
Give your hands or feet (or both!) a loving massage. Use scented oil or your favorite lotion. Move slowly and touch yourself with loving intention.
Self-Care Can Help You Find Relief From Stress, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
Today is a beautiful day to commit to, (or recommit to) a daily self-care practice.
My hope is that you are inspired by the above list of practices! The invitation is to choose one or two, then add it to your calendar, set a phone reminder, or make a date to practice with a friend, and then do it. Over time your self-care muscle will get stronger and stronger. With practice, you will find some relief from whatever symptoms of stress, depression or anxiety you are struggling with.
Practice for a few weeks and then check in; notice the shifts in your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Write it down so you can see what works and what doesn't work for you.
You got this!
And if you're looking for more support, I got you!
Me and my team offer holistic counseling for anxiety, depression, spirituality, motherhood and more! We offer sessions in-person or online. Learn more and book an appointment for a no-cost consultation here:
Let yourself be supported.