22 Simple and Effective Self-Care Ideas to Try Today

22 simple and effective Self-care ideas to Try Today [Updated for 2025]

Lately I’ve realised just how important Self-Care is.

After going through so much in my personal life, I had to find a way to make me feel better and get my mental state back in a good place.

Taking care of myself was always a priority for me until life threw me a curve ball.

I couldn’t leave my bed most days, I was a shell of myself.

So, doing anything for myself like Self-Care was pushed to the side.

I ended up getting to such a low point in my life where I didn’t want to be here anymore.

But, I knew I had to find a way to get myself out of this head space.

It wasn’t healthy and it certainly didn’t help the situation.

So, I made a move to do more things that made me feel more like me. 

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A Change of Mind

It was at this point I started doing little things that made me fell more human.

I started with brushing my teeth twice a day, then up to showering regularly, then my skin care routine and so on and so forth.

Making the gradual move from everyday things to more in-depth Self-Care treatments.

From there I came up with a self care schedule that included one thing each day I could do to just take some me time.

And it worked!

Don’t Make it Complicated

I’ve tried not to make my self-care complicated.

No more putting two “energy draining” activities next to each other as to not overwhelm myself.

I definitely think this routine I’ve came up with has helped me get into a better head space.

It’s helped me come back to blogging and it pulled me out of a dark hole because I tried to remind myself that taking time for me isn’t selfish.

There’s a saying that sticks in my mind – “on a plane you have to put your mask on before help others“.

If I’m not at my best, I can’t give my best and that’s not what I want for my sons.

I don’t want them to see me laying down and quitting.

Take Time For You!

Taking some time for you is important!

It really is easy to be caught up in the daily grind and forget that you need to take some you time.

Before you know it, you’re blowing up at little things, you’re annoyed, you’re irritable and that’s not great.

You know it isn’t, but you can’t help it.

Taking even just 5 minutes out of your day for you can help Improve your mood, help you sleep better and perform better all round.

It’s good to escape the day for a bit to let your brain calm down and process your day.

Letting you have that “ahhhh” moment, much like when you take your bra off *wink wink ladies lol*.

Self-Care doesn’t have to be complicated

I feel like there are still people out there who think self-care just means giving yourself a good pamper with a bath, candles etc.

But it’s not.

It’s taking a slice of your day and putting it aside just for you, no one else, just you doing you, whatever that is.

It’s also all the daily tasks that help you feel good and more human.

22 simple and effective Self-care ideas to Try Today

Grab yourself a cuppa

It’s time to grab yourself a good cuppa.

Find somewhere cosy and comfy to sit down, pick out a good book, magazine or even a blog.

Just find something you enjoy that you can do while sitting having a nice cuppa and putting your feet up.

Be at one with nature, sit outside for 5 minutes

Ditch the phone and just sit in nature.

Appreciate the sounds around you and the air you’re breathing.

Leave everything else behind and just breath.

This could also be a great time to get some meditation worked into your schedule.

Try Some Meditation

Meditation may not be for you, but if you haven’t tried it ye, then now is as good a time as any to try it.

There are loads of apps out there that are free to help you.

You can also turn to YouTube for tutorials or you could read my post A Simple Guide to Meditation for Beginners.

There is lots of content readily available to help you start out.

It’s a good way to center yourself.

Read your favourite book on your commute to and from work

Reading can be a great way to escape reality for a bit.

It can transport you to another world, helping you zone out.

I find reading or listening to an audiobook when on public transport helps to calm my anxiety a little.

This makes the journey more enjoyable and allows me time to myself.

If audiobooks are more your thing then I highly recommend you try Audible!

Audible has the world’s largest selection of digital audiobooks and spoken-word content, meaning you’re bound to find the right book for you.

You can try Audible FREE for 30 days and receive one free audiobook of your choice!

Listen to your favourite songs when you’re getting ready

Put on the best songs that will set you up for the day, whatever they are.

I find having separate playlists for different situations and moods helps.

Feel Good Playlists are one of my favourites as well as a Self-Care Playlist.

It’s a nice way to do something you enjoy while doing something that’s necessary.

Drink your water!

Drinking enough water may not really sound like your typical act of self-care, but it is!

Making sure you drink enough water can help with lot’s of things in your body from skin to your joints.

It also keeps you hydrated which is a must! Especially in warmer weather.

I highly recommend you get yourself a large water bottle you can take with you through your day.

Write down positive affirmations in a journal

Keeping a list of positive affirmations in your journal can be a great act of self-care.

Personally I write down one positive affirmation a night (or when I remember) in my journal.

This helps keep them fresh in my mind to keep the mood positive.

Pinterest is a great place for finding them!

I also have some posts with affirmations:

• 30 Body Positive Affirmations to Help You Find Self Love
• 50 Career Focused Affirmations to Boss Your Work Life
• Manifestation Affirmations for Health, Wealth and Happiness

Colouring books

Colouring books are a wonderful way to switch of and find some peace for a while.

When you do some colouring, you allow yourself to focus on the present moment, which can have a meditative effect that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

The repetitive motion of colouring can calm your mind and help you feel at pace.

This is a great activity if you have an hour to yourself and you want to switch off while still being active.

And also, coloring is an accessible form of art that doesn’t require you to have any super special skills.

I highly recommend you get yourself a colouring book, there are plenty on the market for adults.

RELATED: The Best Adult Colouring Books You Need To Try / The Best Affordable Alcohol Markers Perfect for Colouring

Colouring Book recommendations

• Abnormality: Horror Coloring Book for Adults (I have this & highly recommend)
• Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults 
• Disney Quotes to Live Your Life By Colouring Book
• Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults

Exercise that green thumb of yours

If you’re into gardening, then that can really help you take some time out.

My gran is a massive gardener, she’s brilliant at it and most of my friends with gardens come to her with tips and even facebook message her about stuff!

So, she’s been teaching me some tricks in the garde to help me experience the joy it can bring.

I have to say, spending time in the garden and being with the nature has helped me clear my mind and I feel accomplished afterwards.

Plus, the garden then looks so pretty and I want to sit out in it even more to get some air.

It’s a great self-care activity for sure.

RELATED: 6 Houseplants That Are Perfect for Beginners

Take a walk

Taking a walk is my go to self-care ritual whenever I need to clear my mind right now.

There’s something magical about the rhythmic motion of my feet and the fresh air that instantly lifts my spirits.

Walking allows me to step away from the chaos of family life and focus on my thoughts for a while.

This then helps me come home with a new attitudeand fresh perspective.

I highly recommend you try it and make it a part of your routine.

Go to the gym/workout

I know that when I’m feeling extra stressed, having a good workout can help me release some tension.

Not only that, it also helps lift my mood!

I always feel good after a workout, no matter what it is I’m doing.

Your body releases endorphins when you work out which is said to reduce your perception of pain.

How awesome is that?

I also read it helps you feel good by triggering a positive feeling in your body.

I can’t workout like I used to, but I try to do something each week whether that be walking, yoga, some at home workouts, etc.

And I always feel like I can take over the world once I’m done.

It’s amazing!

Read a book

I have been trying to put down my phone every night about an hour before I go to bed.

But, I know I won’t sleep straight away so I read a book to help me relax.

It helps calm me down, I get to enter a different world and get lost for a while.

How perfect?

RELATED: Collection of Book Reviews by Ofaglasgowgirl

Fresh sheets all round!

How good do fresh sheets feel?

It’s always a great feeling getting into a freshly made bed with new covers, especially after a shower or bath.

So, why not change your bed, get it all nice and ready for you to climb into at the end of your day.

It’s a lovely way do something just for you.

Squeeze in a nap

If you’ve got the time, having a nap can be very beneficial.

When you’re feeling run down and tired you can end up feeling quite sluggish.

So, having a nap is actually extremely beneficial to your mood and your day.

Get the laughs going

Did you know that laughter can actually help boost your immune system?

It decreases your stress hormones and increases the immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies!

How amazing is that?

Laughing also helps to relax your body and improve your mood.

So, get a good comedy on, or a Rom-com, and have yourself a great night.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my Mega List of Girly Movies.

Go on, have a bath

Self-care really doesn’t have to be complicated and just going for a shower or bath can make a world of difference.

Get yourself a bath bomb, maybe some bubbles or bath sales, candles and dim the lights.

Switch off in a nice hot bath for a while and let your troubles melt away.

If you don’t have a bath, a hot, relaxing shower is just as good.

You can get Shower Steamers which are great for making the shower feel more relaxing and spa like. I would liken it to a bath bomb buy formatted for a shower.

Get creative

Being creative is a whole umbrella of things such as drawing, painting, writing, making music etc.

Find your medium and go for it.

Getting creative helps us take our mind off of other worries and focus on something we enjoy.

Plus, it’s an outlet for us to explore emotions and spend some time doing something we enjoy.

Paint your nails/get your nails done

If you’re like me and feel 10x better with a fresh set of nails, getting them done can help you feel more like you.

When my nails are done I feel like I can do anything!

My confidence definitely increases and it’s a way I get to do something thats just for me to feel good.

With so many D.I.Y At Home Nail Kits on the market, you don’t have to break the bank.

I do mine at home and I couldn’t imagine getting them done anywhere now.

Cook up a feast!

This one may not sound like self-care, but stay with me here.

Self care isn’t just about baths and relaxing in bed!

And as much as that stuff is nice, self-care covers and umbrella of activities.

So, cooking is an act of self-care because you’re nourishing yourself, but also being creative and taking time to do something you enjoy.

It’s a great activity to do if you feel like trying a new recipe.

Watch some movies

Why not create a movie night for yourself!

Get into some comfy pyjamas, have some snacks at the ready, find your comfy spot and go for it.

Have yourself a movie night or why not watch some new series!

I have lots of entertainment posts if you’re in need of viewing material! From my top rom-com picks to the scariest Horrors.

Check them out here – Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk/Entertainment

Get the games out

If video games are more your style, get playing!

There are so many games out there at the moment that are great for a relaxed playing style.

You’ve got the likes of Animal Crossing, Sims, Stardew Valley, Sun Haven, and more.

Taking time out to do an activity you enjoy like gaming is very beneficial to you and your mental health.

Doing things you enjoy means there’s less room for burnout.

Organise your space

For me, when I organise my space I feel a little better.

Getting rid of physical clutter often helps me to focus more on what I have to do since my surroundings are tidy.

It also helps me escape for a while, if I’m focused on cleaning and organising, I don’t worry about the little things.

Keeping a clean living space is just as much a self-care activity as relaxing is.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, Self-Care doesn’t have to be complicated!

These 22 ways to practice self-care are great for fitting into everyday life.

Making a point of doing something for you each day will significantly improve your mood.

So, go fourth and start prioritising yourself!

Posts you may like:

• Mental Health Self-Care Tips: How to Take Care of Your Mind
• 10 Self-Care Activities You Can Do Under 10 Minutes

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