Self-care tips you need right now

International Self-Care Day falls in July, but it’s a useful reminder at any time of year to pause and check in with yourself.

The date was chosen as a reminder that self-care matters beyond a single day. That doesn’t mean you need a perfect routine around the clock—small, manageable choices count too.

Below, we’ll look at what this looks like and share self-care tips to help you find an approach that suits your life.

First, let’s take a closer look at what self-care means.

What is self-care and where did it originate?

Self-care can include a relaxing bath or massage, but it isn’t limited to treats and spa days. It can also mean looking after your health, making space for rest and asking for support when you need it.

Here’s the lowdown on how self-care evolved

Self-care is not a new idea. It has a history in medicine and nursing, including the ways people look after their own health. That might involve everyday choices, managing a health condition or seeking appropriate care.

Self-care can involve your physical and emotional health, as well as the activities and connections that matter to you.

Psychologist Paula Gill Lopez describes self-care in Everyday Health as “the intentional, proactive pursuit of integrated wellness that balances mind, body, and spirit personally and professionally.”

Self-care is about doing things you enjoy AND some less enjoyable things!

Self-care isn’t selfish, and it doesn’t always have to feel indulgent. Paying attention to your needs can be one way to support your wellbeing, alongside professional care when needed.

Psychologist Shauna Pollard puts it this way in Everyday Health: “Good self-care involves doing the things that will help you operate at an optimal level.”

That can include things you enjoy in the moment and practical tasks that may not be as appealing, but help you look after yourself.

For example, you might book a medical or dental check-up, cut back on drinking, or make time for exercises your physio has recommended. For gentler everyday ideas, see our ways to add more zen to your day.

Psychologist Marni Amsellem told Everyday Health: “Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing.” That might mean something restful, creative or practical.

Sometimes a practical act of care might be tackling a small task that has been weighing on your mind—or asking someone to help with it.

The benefits of self-care

Self-care can support different parts of your life. The benefits and activities will look different for everyone, and they aren’t a substitute for healthcare when you need it.

Caring for your physical health

The World Health Organization describes self-care as something that can complement healthcare, including recognising when to seek help.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, physical self-care might include:

• Getting enough rest
• Eating regular meals and drinking water
• Movement that suits your needs
• Medical or dental check-ups when needed
• Following a treatment plan with your health professional
• Taking medicines as prescribed
• Asking for support when you need it

These are options, not a checklist to get through perfectly. A health professional can help you decide what is appropriate for your situation.

Mental health benefits

Making time for activities you enjoy—such as a walk, listening to music, yoga or meditation—may help you unwind or manage everyday stress.

Being kind to yourself can also mean noticing when you need a break, setting a boundary or making space for an activity you enjoy.

Self-care can sit alongside professional support for mental health, rather than replace it. Mind has suggestions for looking after yourself and finding help.

Interpersonal benefits

For carers and parents, it can be easy to focus on someone else’s needs and overlook your own. Taking a break or asking for support can give you space to look after yourself too.

As Amsellem told Everyday Health, caring for ourselves can help us respond to the things happening in our lives.

Building a self-care strategy that works for you

Just imagine soaking in a tub of rose-scented hot water until your skin wrinkles and the water goes cold. Bliss for some… But for others the thought of spending more than five minutes in a steaming hot bath (rose-scented or otherwise) may seem like torture. 

The point is, self-care practices are personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

What feels helpful to one person might not feel helpful to another, and your own needs can change over time.

A notebook, bullet journal or journal can be a useful place to explore what works for you. Try these prompts to get started:

• List things you enjoy. Use words or pictures to capture things that bring you joy or help you feel rested. They could be anything from the smell of rain and a cup of tea to dancing or base jumping.
• Think about what fits. Consider simple ways to make space for those things, whether that means adding a favourite colour to your desk or setting aside time for an activity you enjoy.
• Choose a starting point. Pick an idea that feels manageable in your current routine.
• Keep it simple. You don’t have to do everything at once. Here are a few small ideas:
  • Add one blue item to your desk
  • Dance to one song you love each day
  • Write in your journal for five minutes
  • Take a 10 minute walk
  • Power down your devices 20 minutes before bed 
  • Hug a person, a furry friend (only if they are willing) or a squishmallow (hey, don’t knock it, those things are delightfully huggable!)

The ideas below offer some inspiration. Choose what appeals to you and leave anything that doesn’t.

• Start small. Choose one practice to try, and add another only if and when it feels right.
• Reflect in a journal or notebook. Notice what helped, what got in the way and whether you’d like to try something different.
• Stay flexible. It’s okay to discover something isn’t for you. Your needs can change, and so can your approach.
• Ask for support. If you feel overwhelmed or stuck, talking to someone you trust or a mental health professional may help.

You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a friend, family member, carer, doctor, counsellor or another trusted person if you need support.

Self-care tips to suit your personality

We all recharge differently. These loose categories are simply a way to explore ideas—you don’t have to fit neatly into one personality type.

Mix and match anything that suits your interests, energy and circumstances.

The contemplator (Introverted)

If you enjoy quiet time and reflection, you might like to try:

• Reflection: Make a little time to process your thoughts and experiences, perhaps through journaling, meditation or mindfulness.
• Solo adventures: Explore a museum or art gallery, go see a movie or indulge in a hobby that brings you joy and fulfilment.
• Nature retreats: Go for serene walks in nature, find a cozy spot to stargaze or head off on a silent retreat.
• Quiet evenings: Curl up with a book, watch TV, knit, crochet, draw or enjoy a soothing bath.

The creative soul (Imaginative)

If making or experiencing something creative feels nourishing, you might enjoy:

• Artistic expression: Paint, draw, write, dance or play a musical instrument—whatever you enjoy.
• Nature walks: Find inspiration for your creative endeavours by connecting with the beauty of nature, and capturing it in your journal or notebook using sketches and/or words. 
• Cultural exploration: Visit art galleries, attend theatre performances or explore different cuisines to stimulate your senses and fuel your creativity. Write about your experiences in your journal or use an art journal to record your thoughts and feelings in pictures.

The nurturer (Empathetic)

If you spend a lot of time caring for others, it can help to make room for your own needs too.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Taking time out for yourself each day: Whether it’s five minutes or an hour, it’s vital to have some personal time in which to recharge. During this time, do something that brings you joy. This could be flower arranging, knitting, reading or dancing around your kitchen listening to your favourite tune or anything else that helps you to feel re-energised.
• Acts of kindness: Perform random acts of kindness, not just for others but for yourself too. Embrace self-compassion and treat yourself with the same care you offer others.
• Spend time with people you care about: Reconnect with friends or loved ones who offer you support.

The adventurer (Extraverted)

If you enjoy new experiences or connecting with others, you might prefer more active or social ways to recharge.

For example:

• Outdoor adventures: Set time aside to do something fun and exhilarating such as bushwalking, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, visit theme parks, go on rides or even adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving or zip-lining if you enjoy living on the edge. 
• Socialise: Meet up with friends, join a club or interest group, organise a game night or attend a social event.
• Group activities: Engage in team sports or participate in interactive workshops that help you to feel energised and stimulated.
• Nights out on the town: Spend time out and about doing things that fuel your extroverted nature. Go to music festivals and concerts, play electronic darts, mini-golf or indoor skydiving.
• Travel: Explore somewhere new or revisit an old favourite.
• Volunteering: Get involved in community service or support a cause that matters to you, if it feels energising rather than draining.

The analytical thinker (Logical)

If you enjoy learning and mental challenges, here are a few ideas:

• Puzzles and brain teasers: Try a crossword, Sudoku or a game you enjoy.
• Learn a new skill or language: Stimulate your mind by learning something new.
• Satisfy your thirst for knowledge: Read non-fiction books, listen to educational podcasts, enrol in workshops or courses.
• Problem-solving projects: Try a DIY project or another activity that involves planning, organising and problem-solving.

The achiever (Ambitious)

If you enjoy working towards goals, consider balancing those activities with time to rest:

• Goal setting activities: Define clear, achievable goals, track your progress and celebrate your successes to maintain motivation.
• Learning opportunities: Attend a workshop or class, or try a hobby that interests you.
• Making space to unwind: Try movement, yoga or deep breathing if they help you relax.

The harmoniser (Diplomatic)

If you value peace and connection, you might enjoy:

• Sharpening your interpersonal skills: Attend workshops on communication and conflict resolution to enhance your inherent diplomatic skills.
• Relaxing activities: Engage in activities which relieve stress. This could be reading, baking, gardening or even axe throwing – whatever works for you.
• Expanding your knowledge base: Read non-fiction books and/or listen to podcasts on interpersonal relationships and communication.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to practise self-care, and the best place to start is with what feels useful to you.

Try one small idea, notice how it feels and adjust as your needs change. You don’t need to follow someone else’s routine or do everything on this list.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Self-care should support your life, not become another thing to do perfectly.