50 Self-Care Ideas to Nurture Yourself

We all need to take time for ourselves… and do things to nurture ourselves. We are all so busy rushing around, working, doing errands, taking care of others, that we often fall to the bottom of our “to do” list. Our needs tend to come after everyone else’s.

There is a common metaphor about when the oxygen masks drop down in an airplane. We are instructed to put our own mask on first, which is counter-intuitive to women. Ironically, men instinctively know to put their own mask on first and then help others. But we women don’t automatically think like that. I think its our nurturing instinct that makes us want to help others before we think about ourselves. But the reality is that the men have it right: you need to take care of yourself first so that you are able to help others. If you are so busy taking care of everyone else’s needs before your own, you’ll run out of steam and end up sick (and often resentful).

 

So I challenge you to take some time for yourself. Choose just one thing on this list, and do it today. Then choose another and do it tomorrow. And one the following day, and so on. Focus on ways you can nurture and take time for yourself.

1. Squeeze fresh orange juice and sip it from a beautiful glass.
2. Have breakfast in bed.




3. Sip decaf coffee or herbal tea in your favorite cup.




4. Buy yourself a special journal and a pen that you enjoy writing with so your journal writing time will be special and enjoyable.




5. Make tea English-style with a ceramic teapot, your favorite loose tea and lemon slices.





6. Snuggle in between a down comforter and a feather bed for real luxury!




7. Enjoy a spa night with a relaxing facial mask.




8. Grow herbs in tiny pots… basil, chives, oregano, parsley. Enjoy them with your meals.




9. Spend time snuggling with your furbaby.




10. Put on your favorite music – and sing in the shower.




11. Wake up an hour early and indulge in time alone – read, meditate, journal.




12. Prep your bath with essential oils for a relaxing and skin soothing experience.




13. Enjoy the Sunday paper over a leisurely brunch.




14. A shower massager turns your shower into a muscle soother.




15. For your bath: a long-handled bath brush, a natural sponge, a bath tray, candles, and a good book.



16. Wake up to soft music or nature sounds, instead of a blaring alarm.




17. Go to a gourmet food store and buy yourself a treat.




18. Enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.




19. Squeeze a wedge of fresh lime or lemon into a glass of mineral water for a refreshing, healthy treat.




20. Create a relaxing atmosphere with candles and essential oils.




21. Buy fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to have with your meals.




22. Set your table with a beautiful tablecloth, runner or placemats and cloth napkins and napkin rings.




23. Take a cooking class or try a new recipe: You’ll improve your cooking skills and eat well.




24. Challenge yourself with a jigsaw puzzle or video game.




25. Get your place in order with desk and drawer organizers and baskets.




26. Need a good laugh? Watch your favorite comedy on Netflix.




27. Keep fresh flowers and plants around your home and office.




28. Take a break. Stop. Breathe deeply. Meditate. And give yourself a positive suggestion.



29. Enjoy some solitude outdoors on your front porch or in your backyard. Relax.




30. On a rainy evening, sit down and write long letters to old friends on your best stationery.




31. Watch one of your favorite movies on Netflix.




32. Put your phone on airplane mode, and enjoy a deliciously long bath.




33. Listen to a CD or sound machine of nature sounds, close your eyes, and relax.




34. Give yourself a mani/pedi.




35. Stash potpourri in your closets, scented soaps in your drawers.




36. For luxury and comfort, buy natural cotton or bamboo sheets and extra pillows for your bed.




37. Create a playlist, and hit play when you come home – instant music and instant good mood.




38. Have a bowl of fresh berries or fruit for a delicious and healthy snack.



39. Surprise a night owl after 11 p.m., an early bird before 8 a.m. – call long distance just to say, “I love you!”
40. Eat dinner by candlelight – even if it’s dinner for one.




41. Cluster small framed photos of your family and friends on your desk or dresser – they will remind you that you are loved.




42. Indulge yourself – read a romance novel or mystery just for the fun of it.




43. Take a long walk in nature and feel refreshed and renewed. Try walking a labrynth. It’s amazing.




44. Buy a table-top water fountain for your office or home… it will help you relax and is good Feng Shui.




45. Go to a bookstore. Walk around and enjoy perusing the books.




46. Invest in beautiful dishes, flatware and glasses to make your at-home dining feel exquisite.




47. Bring a little nature inside… collect attractive shells and rocks and display them.




48. Keep a healthy green plant on your commode for prosperity.




49. Play hooky: Take a day just for yourself and do something you love.




50. What would bring you joy today?