Emotional Self-Care Ideas and Activities
Self-care is about a lot more than just mindset. While self-care can be a big help for your mental health days, it is often an even bigger response to your in-the-moment emotional needs.
Give. Do it unconditionally, and with no strings attached. See how good it feels to help others without expecting reciprocation.
Ask three good friends to give your positive feedback. What do they love about you?
Dedicate a week to saying only positive things on your favorite social media channel.
Do one thing today just because it makes you happy.
Finish this sentence every day after you wake up: “I love myself because I ___________.”
Have a good, long, cathartic cry.
Look at yourself in the mirror and imagine that you’re your best friend. What would you tell you right now?
Define only three daily goals. This makes goals achievable, while also allowing for normal “emergencies” at work that might take up your time.
Recite some self-love affirmations.
Remind yourself of the good stuff in life by writing a list of things you’re grateful to have. Then post it somewhere you can see it often to help refocus your emotions when you feel down.
Revisit happier times by reading old emails, letters, or postcards from friends and family.
Set photos of your loved ones as the wallpaper of your phone or laptop so you can look at them when you need inspiration.
Take a moment to name your emotions without judging them.
Stop being your harshest critic. Allow yourself to make mistakes. No one is perfect. Realize this means you too!
Tell your pet all of your darkest secrets. Your pet's nonchalance will remind you that you’re going to be okay.
Unfollow or mute toxic “friends” in your social media feeds.
Tap into your creative side. Use painting or another creative art to release your fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration on paper.
Use 15 minutes to write out your thoughts about anything bothering you. Then burn or throw away the paper.
Clean up your work area. (Many people find a clean and neat work area to be cathartic.)
Write encouraging affirmations or inspirational quotes on Post-its and place them where you will see them every day.