Self-Care Categories & Tips

When you feel tired, drained, sad, lonely, or you're just in need of self-care, what feels relaxing? What doesn't require a lot of energy and effort?

If you're not sure where to start, you can look through some of the examples in this post, search for ideas online, and/or discuss this with someone else!

Categories of Self-Care

1. Task-Based

2. Relaxing

3. Taking Care of Your Needs

4. Emotional Support

"Relaxing" Self-Care

This can include anything you feel is relaxing. Some of my favorite ways to relax include taking a bath, getting my nails done, reading a book, watching a tv show, and taking a walk outside.

"Taking Care of Your Needs" Self-Care

This includes anything you do that involves taking care of your needs in a way that isn't stressful and doesn't feel draining. I really enjoy cooking, going to a workout class, and calling a friend. Sometimes this includes going to necessary appointments, which I don't always enjoy, even though I feel accomplished afterward. Another great option is to treat yourself, such as getting yourself a drink, food, or something else you like.

"Task-Based" Self-Care

This is outside of what many people consider self-care. It refers to tasks that can be helpful and allow for other areas of self-care. You may tackle something on your to-do list, send an email that needs to be sent, clean your room, and/or go to the grocery store.

"Emotional Support" Self-Care

This refers to the things you do for emotional support in a way that involves caring for yourself. Some examples include journaling, reading self-growth books, listening to podcasts, going to therapy, and talking with a friend or family member.

General Tips for Self-Care

• The best self-care usually happens when it is proactive and consistent.

  • When we plan ahead, do self-care when we're not already feeling drained, and incorporate it into our daily routine, it can be especially helpful and enjoyable.

• Novelty is also important! It can be fun to try new self-care options to add to our rotation and keep things interesting.

• Self-care doesn't have to be structured, long, or involved. It can be as simple as taking a 5-minute walk around your street, cleaning your room for 5 minutes, or allowing yourself to have a slow morning with some coffee and yummy food.

• It can be helpful to take a minute to reflect on what you view as self-care; this is something that can be personal and unique to you.