“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”– Audre Lorde
“You better check yourself, before you wreck yourself”
If you aren’t taking time fo yo self, you are doing life wrong!
Yeah, I said it.
We have all heard this 1,000,000,000,000 times, but I’ll say it anyway
You need time for you!
We all do. Time to learn about yourself. Ponder life. Figure things out.
Seriously it’s true. It’s not selfish, it’s actually extremely beneficial to the important people in your life. Find out why here.
You can find out what proper self care is here and some good self-care ideas especially if you are a busy mom.
I have read several self-care lists to get my own ideas and I have put together some of the most unique self-care ideas that I’ve found.
I mean, we all know the take a bath, go get your nails done, read a good book, but these are just a little different.
Also, trying something new and different is always helpful in achieving your self-care end-goal which is feeling better about YOU and enjoying life.
17 Unique Self Care Ideas
1. Puzzle
I never looked at a puzzle as self-care before, but it really is. It’s relaxing, makes you think, and you feel like you’re accomplishing something. However, if you aren’t very good at puzzles and they frustrate you, probably not the best idea for you.
2. Work on finding Purpose
Do some soul searching. Write in your journal. Here are some journal prompts on discovering who you are. And here are some ways you can work to find your purpose.
3. Dream journal
Keep a journal with all your hopes and dreams. The more you think and write about your dreams, the higher the chance of it to come true. Take it a step further and make a “dream board” or vision board.
4. People Watch
Go sit in a mall or a park and just watch and observe the world and the people around you. Ponder life. Think about the people in your life. Be grateful. And maybe laugh at some weirdos.
5. Mission statement
Write out a mission statement. What is your mission statement for life? Have you ever thought about that before? What do you want your purpose to be? What will people say about you when you die?
6. No media
Stay away from your computer, TV, iPad, iPod, phone, Nintendo for a whole day. Just unplug from the world. Don’t feel like you need to get back to anyone. Let people know you’ll be gone for the day. No comparing!
7. Stress free Vacay
Plan a stress-free vacay, or take it a stress-free vacay if you have the time and money. Planning stress free things, makes me feel less stressful.
8. Relaxing playlist
Create a relaxing playlist, or play your relaxing playlist while going for a drive, taking a bath, pondering life, or just sitting.
9. Take a Class
Take a class to learn a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to do! Community colleges and community centers offer several classes for different age groups at reasonable prices all the time. You can do dance, art, pottery, business, anything you can think of.
Groupon has several class options in their Entertainment
category. If you can’t afford a community class, you could always do a paint night. Girls night!
10. UnBirthday party
Plan and have a party for no reason at all! Happy unbirthday to you! Why not? I’m sure there is something to celebrate.
11. Dessert for dinner
Live outside the box. Eat dessert for dinner. Come on, one time won’t kill you.
12. Thank you letter
Write a thank you letter to yourself. Say thank you to your challenges, struggles, experiences that have shaped you, your strengths, any thing. (You could also write a letter to someone important in your life).
13. Hug people
Give someone a hug.
14. Strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Talk with someone who doesn’t know you and has no investment in your life. Sometimes talking to a new person helps you look at life differently. Ask their advice, compliment them, learn about their life. This can also add to your self-confidence. It’s like a clean slate for a few minutes. Maybe even talk with a different accent. Hey! They don’t know!
15. Start something new
Start a new hobby, rearrange your bedroom, start a play group, exercise group, schedule a race. Just something different. You could even throw something different into your daily routine. Mix things up!
16. Go out to eat by yourself
Go out to a nice restaurant by yourself, also a self-confidence building activity.
17. Go to a movie by yourself
Go to a movie by yourself, and try to sit by yourself.
What are some of your favorite self care ideas?
I know it’s cliche, but take time for yourself! It really is important. Schedule it in. There are no excuses that work for not taking care of yourself.
Related: The difference between self care and being selfish
Related: Over 40 Self-Care Products for Happiness
