There is no denying that self care lists are everywhere! Especially with the recent pandemic, everyone has been trying to prioritise their mental health and indulging in some self care is the way to go.
I wanted to write out a self-care list that is just a little bit different. There are some days when we just don’t feel our best. It may just be a bad day or recent circumstances haven’t made life the easiest. It might also be because our mental health hasn’t been the greatest or we’re experiencing some physical pain. What ever it is, sometimes even the most well-meaning self-care list can seem a bit daunting.
Typical self-care prompts such as taking a bike ride in nature or catching up with a friend can require lots of effort and energy. While they’re great self-care practices, not everyone who wants to indulge in some personal time will have this mental and/or physical reserve.
So here is the most basic of self-care lists for the times when you absolutely don’t feel like doing anything at all.
Personal Care
Instead of going to a spa or making a bubble bath…
- Brush your hair
- Wash your face
- Take a shower
- Moisturise your face and body
- Drink a glass of water
- Cut your nails
- Put on a fresh pair of underwear
Exercise
Instead of doing a workout or going on a hike…
- Get out of bed
- Stretch your body
- Open the blinds for some sunshine
- Walk around the house
- Stand up from the desk
- Walk out to the garden
- Walk around the neighbourhood block
Cooking and Eating
Instead of whipping up something difficult…
- Eat something yummy
- Make some coffee or tea
- Order takeaway
- Indulge in something you loved as a kid
- Look up recipes that you want to try for next time
Socialising
Instead of catching up with a friend…
- Call them instead
- Send them a message or snapchat them
- Invite your friend to play an online game or watch a movie online together with you
- Go through older photos of you two and reminisce about the happy memories
- Socialise with yourself by napping
Hobbies
Instead of learning a new skill or picking up a hobby…
- Look at aesthetically pleasing pictures
- Watch your favourite TV shows and movies
- Sleep
- Play your favourite game
- Cuddle your pets
Mindfulness
Instead of practicing mindfulness or journalling…
- Write down a single word that describes your mood for today
- Turn on some relaxing music
- Breathe
- Sit in stillness
- Enjoy this moment to yourself
- Let yourself feel anything you want to feel
House Stuff
Instead of cleaning…
- Open the window for some fresh air
- Make the bed
- Clear some space on the desk or floor
- Throw the mess into one pile of the room for later
- Spray some disinfectant or room spray
Motivational
Instead of reading self-improvement books…
- Read some thought-provoking quotes
- Think about your accomplishments for today
- Think about your bigger accomplishments
- Watch a feel-good movie or Youtube video
- Smile at yourself in the mirror