100 Self Care Ideas for Your Mind, Body & Soul

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Last Updated on February 6, 2025

If you’re looking for self-care ideas you’re in the right place!

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (though those are great, too). True self-care is about taking intentional actions that nourish your mind, body, and soul. It’s about creating habits that help you feel balanced, energized, and resilient, no matter what life throws your way.

I know firsthand how transformative self-care can be. A few years ago, I felt completely drained—physically exhausted, mentally foggy, and emotionally depleted. I was constantly stressed, my sleep was terrible, and my metabolism was all over the place, I had gut health issues and couldn’t lose weight. I tried quick fixes, but nothing seemed to work long-term. It wasn’t until I took a holistic approach—supporting my mind, body, and soul—that everything changed.

That’s why I recommend daily self-care practices to my clients – and you! – as they help balance the nervous system which helps boost immunity and metabolism.

Self-care also helps reduce the likelihood of experiencing burnout, a state of emotional exhaustion. It also promotes resilience, which helps people adapt and cope with stress, trauma, and other challenges. Self-care practices help rejuvenate you mind, body, and spirit and make it easier to look and feel your best.

What is self care?

Self-care refers to activities that nurture both your physical and mental well-being. These practices can help reduce stress, boost energy levels, and enhance overall health. Some forms of self-care are restorative, like soaking in a warm bath, while others are more engaging, such as exercising or journaling.

While we naturally gravitate toward certain self-care habits, it’s beneficial to have a variety of options to choose from.

That’s why I’m sharing 100 self-care ideas that have made the biggest impact on my life, my client’s live, and can do the same for you. Think of it as a well-stocked toolbox—depending on your needs or mood, different tools can provide the right kind of support at the right time.

Using Self-Care

Each method of self-care that I’m sharing fits into one of the seven pillars: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social.

A well-balanced self-care routine involves each of these, so avoid restricting yourself to just one or two pillars. I’ve categorized my self care suggestions into 3 main categories – mind, body, and soul – and provided lots of options that cover all 7 pillars.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight, but pick one or two of these self-care ideas and start today. Whether it’s moving your body, nourishing your soul every small step adds up.

Self-Care Ideas for the Mind

Try a new hobby or do something you’ve always wanted to try.
Write a letter to your future self.
Do a 5-minute brain dump to clear mental clutter.
Create a daily mantra specific to your goals.
Listen to a TED Talk on a topic that inspires you.
Play a brain-training game like chess or Sudoku.
Watch a documentary on a subject that intrigues you.
Keep a dream journal to track patterns in your sleep.
Set a “no multitasking” rule for one hour.
Create a vision board – make a vision board like this or use a digital tool like Canva.
Do a social media or digital detox – audit and unfollow accounts that drain you & radically reduce screen time.
Learn a few phrases in a new language. Use Duolingo – it’s great!
Set a small, achievable goal for the week and celebrate completing it.
Read or watch an autobiography or documentary of someone or something you’re interested in.
Spend five minutes in complete silence to reset your mind.
Practice EFT tapping to reduce stress.
Organize your email inbox for a mental refresh.
Doodle, sketch, color, or paint.
Write down three things you’ve overcome in life.
Try aromatherapy with a focus on mood-enhancing scents like lavender or citrus.
Plan a trip, date night, or self care treatment like a massage or manicure.
Take a break from doom-scrolling and read positive news instead.
Handwrite a gratitude letter to someone and send it.
Create a playlist of songs that make you feel confident, empowered, or pump you up to workout.
Give yourself permission to take a full day off without guilt.

Self-Care Ideas for the Body

Do a self care service… hair, nails, facial, brows, laser hair removal, massage, spray tan, whatever you want and need most.
Try a cold plunge/ice bath or sauna/steam room for muscle recovery. (Do NOT cold plunge if you’re stressed, burned out, or have known/suspected hormone issues.)
Make a DIY body for foot scrub and exfoliate your skin. Like this DIY scrub.
Do a quick posture check and stretch every hour or use an inversion table regularly. I use and love(!!) this inversion table.
Make a smoothie packed with greens and superfoods. Try this Green smoothie recipe.
Cycle Sync your workouts – Learn how to cycle sync here.
Set a hydration goal and track your water intake. Use this Water Intake Calculator to see how much water you really need.
Make a habit of walking (5000-10000) consecutive steps every day day. (That’s the minimum & maximum range for metabolic benefits & disease prevention.) I use, love, and recommend this walking pad.
Swap one processed snack for a whole-food, high protein alternative. Here are 30 high protein snacks you can try.
Try a new type of movement like somatic exercises, aerial yoga, or rebounding.
Take a break from alcohol, seed oils, microplastics, PFAs, and the Dirty Dozen.
Brush, floss, and tongue scrape. I recommend these holistic oral care tips most.
Take a multivitamin supplement. This is the best multivitamin – it’s my all time fave that I take daily.
Walk barefoot outside (grounding) for a few minutes or use a grounding mat – I use this grounding mat from Amazon.
Practice progressive muscle relaxation before bed.
Do 10 minutes of mobility work stretching or somatic exercises in the morning.
Try a weighted blanket or cooling bedding for better sleep. I love these cooling sheets.
Switch to a silk pillowcase or bonnet for better skin and hair health.
Drink herbal tea that supports digestion and relaxation. I recommend these healthy teas most.
Chew your food thoroughly and eat seated without distractions—no TV, phone, or computer.
Try a detoxifying meal plan for a week. Like my Reset Cleanse – you can lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days.
Rest or take a nap if you’re feeling tired or stressed.
Get a lymphatic drainage massage or try dry brushing or a vibration plate to improve circulation. I use this vibration plate.
Schedule your annual health check-up or dentist appointment.
Practice breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve oxygen intake.
Swap out one toxic beauty product for a cleaner alternative.

Self-Care Ideas for the Soul

Watch the sunrise or set.
Write down your personal values and reflect on them and if your habits, circle, and behavior aligns with them.
Plan a solo trip, even if it’s just a day-long local getaway for a few hours
Practice self-forgiveness and release the anger, negativity, shame, or guilt you’re holding onto.
Start a creative project just for fun, with no pressure to be perfect.
Sing along to your favorite songs, loudly.
Keep a jar where you keep daily notes where you write what you’re grateful for that day.
Do a random act of kindness for someone without expecting anything in return.
Make a homemade candle or soap with your favorite essential oils & scents.
Stop over-explaining yourself to others.
Watch a comedy special or stand-up show.
Spend an afternoon wandering a park, botanical garden or greenhouse.
Schedule a tech-free Sunday and disconnect completely.
Write down a list of things that make you feel alive – then start doing them.
Dance in your living room just for fun.
Practice saying no to things that drain your energy or that you don’t enjoy.
Write a love letter listing all the great things about yourself and read it when you need a confidence boost.
Take a creative workshop (pottery, painting, photography, etc.).
Volunteer at a local charity that aligns with your values.
Host a gathering with friends and encourage deep, meaningful conversations.
Explore a new part of your city you’ve never been to.
Read or write poetry that resonates with your soul.
Make a list of things you’re proud of accomplishing this year.
Go to /stream a church service, meditate, do a guided meditation / hypnosis, or practice gratitude.
Declutter your social circle—spend time only with those who uplift you and reciprocate your values, effort, & energy.

Bonus Self-Care Ideas

Try a new recipe or learn how to make your favorite restaurant meal at home.
Try sound healing, healing frequencies, or binaural beats for relaxation. (I listen to them on youtube)
Write a letter to someone who positively influenced your life.
Reconnect with an old friend you miss.
Create a playlist specifically for moments of stress relief, sadness, or anger.
Try guided journaling prompts for self-discovery.
Make a homemade face mask with simple natural ingredients.
Recreate a spa or wellness retreat at home.
Keep fresh flowers or a (scent-free) candle lit in your space to brighten your mood.
Try visualization techniques to manifest your goals.
Pick up a new book/audiobook from a genre you usually don’t read.
Have a picnic under the stars.
Sign up for a community event or meet-up.
Give your closet a refresh—donate items you no longer love.
Take a new route on your daily walk or drive.
Practice energy-clearing techniques like burning sage or using sound bowls.
Send a voice note instead of a text to make your messages feel more personal.
Try a minimalist challenge—declutter one item or area (like a drawer) in your home per day for a month.
Eat one meal slowly and mindfully, savoring every bite.
Do something outside of your comfort zone.
Learn how to say “I love you” in different languages.
Treat yourself to a professional photo shoot or take self-portraits.
Spend time stargazing with no distractions.
Try a mirror affirmation practice—look at yourself and say something kind.
Take a metabolic type quiz to understand your body’s unique needs and optimize your self-care from the inside out. Take the quiz here.

Why is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Engaging in self-care practices has been shown to support individuals managing various health conditions, including:

Anxiety and Depression: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Chronic Diseases: Self-management programs have been effective in reducing pain and disability associated with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, and diabetes.

Additionally, practicing self-care can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing burnout—a state of emotional exhaustion—and promotes resilience, enabling individuals to better adapt and cope with stress, trauma, and other challenges.

It’s also important to consider community self-care, which involves participating in activities that uplift others around you. Supporting others requires taking good care of yourself first, ensuring you have the energy and capacity to contribute positively to your community.

Why Self-Care Works & Why Your Metabolic Type Matters

For me, when I started prioritizing self-care, I noticed profound changes—not just in my energy and mood but in my physical health. But the biggest shift came when I really got my diet together and started eating for my metabolic type.

Food isn’t just fuel – it’s information – and eating for your unique metabolic needs

Suddenly, I wasn’t just feeling better—I was thriving. My cravings & anxiety disappeared, my metabolism balanced out, my gut health issues, fatigue, and bloat went away, and I finally felt in control of my body. When you eat in alignment with your metabolic type, your body works with you instead of against you. You’ll have:

Better energy & sleep
Clearer skin
Better mental health
Reduced inflammation
Improved digestion & detox
Balanced hormones
Natural, sustainable fat loss

Curious about your metabolic type? Take the quiz now and get the most out of your self-care routine by giving your body exactly what it needs… and when you eat for you unique metabolic type you can get results 3 times faster.

If this post resonated with you, share it with a friend who could use some extra self-care in their life. And remember—your well-being is worth prioritizing, always.

Christina Carlyle

Christina is a Functional Health Practitioner, Holistic Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer who transformed her own health—healing multiple issues, getting off seven medications, and losing 40 pounds for good. Now, she helps others get Happy, Healthy, & Fit—without any industry BS. With over 20,000 success stories, Christina empowers clients to slim down, tone up, and feel amazing – quickly and naturally. Ready to start looking and feeling your best? Take my Program Style Quiz to discover the program that’s perfect for you.

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