Simple Self Care Ideas

I am sharing my list of eleven simple self care ideas to bring some inspiration to your personal self care routine. My self care practices have looked very different over the years. I used to have time to do an hour of yoga plus 30 minutes of angel cards and then another 30 minutes of journaling then leisurely make dinner. Motherhood changed my life in all the best ways possible, but I realized it was more difficult to fit in time for myself.

Making Self Care a Priority

As time has passed, I have recognized how important my self care routine is as a mother, wife, and most importantly for myself. In order to show up for myself and my family in a present and positive way, I needed to give myself at least 10 minutes a day to do something. It is harder for me to make myself do a set 30 minutes a day or set a specific time because my work and home life schedule varies every day. So I just try to set a minimum of at least 10 minutes a day to practice self care. It doesn’t have to be the same self care item every day. I just intuitively decide what I need for that day. I know I can always do 10 minutes so that is doable for me. If I do more that is ideal and amazing!

Sometimes having a list of ideas to reference is helpful for me and reminds me of the varying ways I can practice my self care. So I wanted to share my list of 11 self care ideas that may be inspirational to add to your self care practice. These ideas do not cost money or cost very little money and can all be done near or at home. Which makes my self care even more doable because of being a mother, wife, and having a full time job. Just remember that we are all unique with unique lifestyles and sensitivities and I honor and respect that so much. So take what resonates and leave what does not.

11 Ideas For You To Consider

1.Go on a walk – I love going on a morning walk. I leave my headphones at home and just listen to the birds and look at the sky and focus on my breathe. I look up at the sky and look around to identify colors around me. Doing this calms me and grounds me. It truly helps me get ready for the day mentally. I love that this one is time adaptable based on the time you have. If you like podcasts or music feel free to add your headphones in too.

2.Take a nap – Rest is healing. Rest can help me show up in the present moment more. Especially when I am on my period, my body usually requests more rest. It is nice to rest sometimes. I usually get one of these self care naps in on Saturdays.

3.Take a bath and Dry Brush – Taking a bath is the quickest and simplest way that I can clear my energy. It feels like literally washing away anxiety, fears, or other peoples energy. I usually listen to calming music and add some epsom salts and lavender essential oils and light a white unscented candle. I also line the bath with crystals that I am called towards in that moment.

Before I take a bath I love to dry brush my body. Originally I started dry brushing ten years ago because I thought it would encourage my Vitiligo spots to re-pigment, which did not work for me. (Read more about my Vitiligo Journey here and here). But now, I do this practice because I love how it makes me feel and how my skin feels afterwards. Definitely do some research on dry brushing to see if it would fit into your self care routine. My favorite dry brush brand is Yerba prima (Amazon).

4. Exercise – Whether you are a gym girly or an at home workout video person, I love how exercising boosts my mood right away. I used to do two a days and mile sprints and high intensity workouts. But now I just do what feels good! This is usually a ride on my bike at home and do some light weights. I also love yoga and stretching too!

5.Watch a show you love – I am very sensitive and empathic, so I avoid shows that make me super emotional. But I love to just relax and watch an episode of one of my favorite shows.

6. Make yourself your favorite drink – Whether this is a matcha latte, a cup of coffee with frothed almond milk, a mocktail, a cocktail, or a fruit smoothie, enjoy every sip! I like to make it with love and set the intention of love and healing and relaxation. It definitely helps!

7.Shower – Ever since becoming a mother my showers are getting shorter and shorter. I sometimes like to take an early morning or late night shower. I love to allow myself time to breathe and use my scalp massager on my head. This is another way that I love to clear my energy if I am feeling down or overwhelmed. This year I added some eucalyptus hanging in my shower and it makes the shower smell and feel like a spa. I love it so much.

8.Meditate – Meditation does not have to be perfect. You do not have to buy some fancy meditation app or follow a prompt. Meditation can be listening to calming music and breathing or sitting in silence. I love a guided meditation but lately I’ve been enjoying playing meditation music and just doing my own thing.

9.Read a book – This one is a luxury for me and when I can do this one I love it. My reading lately is mostly picture books with my son! Lol! But recently I do love listening to books on audible or on Libby. It’s been a game changer. I love self help books the most, but I’ve been craving to get back into fiction novels.

10. Listen to a podcast – My favorite podcasts for years have been Soul on Fire by the Balanced Blonde and Almost Thirty. I love a good podcast that is uplifting and helpful in my healing journey. My husband loves podcasts all about fantasy football. It’s amazing all the cool podcasts out there, there is sure to be one that aligns with your interests.

11.Journal – My Simple Journaling Practice blog post talks about a 10 minute free writing practice that is perfect for this self care item on the list. You can also write down things you are grateful for, write down your manifestations, write down I affirmations, and the list goes on.

I hope these simple self care ideas sparked some inspiration for you to include in your self care practices. Although I am not perfect with my self care routine, I do notice a major difference in my mood and inner peace when I prioritize it. Take care during this season and transitioning into the New Year. Sending so much love for your time reading this post today!