Do you ever forget to take care of yourself? Many of us do, especially if we are care giving for a loved one or work in a “helping” profession. Finding time to take care of ourselves can be hard. But, routinely putting the needs of others before our own can lead to depression, burnout, and other health issues.

Self-care isn’t selfish.
It’s essential.

By taking a few time-outs daily for yourself to reduce stress and improve your well-being, you’ll find you are able to be more fully there for others.

Remember…
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
You must fill your cup first.

Self-Care Awareness Month in September is a perfect time to renew your commitment to making self-care a part of your daily routine. The term “self-care” may conjure up visions of expensive spa days or vacations. However, there are many simple, inexpensive ways to integrate self-care into our daily lives, and there are no “rules.” Just do an activity that you find enjoyable or relaxing and practice being good to yourself.

50 Simple Ideas to Make Self-Care Part of Your Day

1. Meditate for 5-10 minutes
2. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for
3. Sit down at the table for breakfast every morning
4. Read for 15 minutes before bed
5. Light incense or a candle
6. Do something creative without caring whether it’s “good”
7. Stretch
8. Write down one thing each day you love about yourself
9. Watch 30 minutes of that show you’ve been meaning to catch up on
10. Cook a special meal for yourself
11. Take a walk rain or shine
12. Get up 20 minutes earlier than your regular time
13. Spend 15 minutes organizing a space in your home
14. Give yourself a facial
15. Go on a short bike ride
16. Stay hydrated, drink half your body weight in ounces of water
17. Eat a piece of fruit each day
18. Forgive yourself for what you couldn’t do today, and resolve to try again tomorrow
19. Treat yourself to a gift, even a small one, just because
20. Sit down and enjoy a crossword or sudoku Puzzle
21. Take a different way to work
22. Wake up slowly…don’t check email in bed
23. Buy fresh flowers
24. Listen to an inspiring podcast
25. Make time for play
26. Watch “how-to” videos on something you’ve always wanted to learn
27. Spend 15 minutes listening to your favorite music
28. Cuddle with a pet
29. Text a friend and let them know why they matter to you
30. Take a bubble bath
31. Watch sunset or sunrise
32. Take a photo of something that makes you happy
33. Write down one thing each day that made you laugh
34. Spend 15 minutes drawing or doodling
35. Make tea before bed
36. Give yourself a hand and foot massage
37. Take a power nap
38. Meet a friend for lunch who you haven’t seen in a while
39. Take a walk without your phone
40. Go to the local pool
41. Start your morning with fresh juice or a smoothie
42. Walk 10,000 steps
43. Take 10 deep breaths in and out in the morning and before bed
44. Try Qi Gong
45. Go to a park
46. Visit the library
47. Unplug and unwind…Turn off all electronics early
48. Set a bedtime and stick to it
49. Do something spontaneous or out of the ordinary
50. Make time each day to do absolutely nothing!