Life can get a bit hectic sometimes, right? We try to cram every thing in to our every day, leaving us little time to simply chill. We then wonder why we suddenly feel stressed, depressed, anxious and exhausted and just want to crawl into bed and forget about the manic world going on outside.
I’ve created a list of my simple mental health self-care ideas for us living non-stop busy lives. I don’t want to oversimplify mental health illness as we all know that emotions are complex things. But I am a firm believer that little changes can add up to big results.
Here are my self-care practices I go to when I feel like I need to slow down and hit the pause button. Hopefully a few of these will help you add a little ease and calm to your day too.
1. keep a diary – write down your feelings + worries
2. take a nap – to boost your mood and increase your energy
3. eat well – add something healthy to your diet
4 – stay active – to improve your self-esteem and general well-being
5. limit alcohol – booze is only a temporary fix
6. pamper yourself – go have a bath + all the bubbles
7. pinterest – sometimes you just need an inspirational quote
8. read a book – escape to another world
9. take a day off from work or studying – and don’t feel guilty about it
10. colouring – art is a creative form of therapy
11. switch off – schedule some time away from the internet
12. essential oils – add them to your bath or have a massage
13. walk in nature – breathe and take in your surroundings
14. music – listen to all the songs that bring back happy memories
15. gratitude list – write down everything you are thankful for
16. cuddle your pet – instant stress buster
17. create your own cosy environment – fluffy pillows & candles
18. wake up early – start the day in a positive way
19. make a to-do list – to help you stay focused on your daily goals
20. declutter your space – clear away any distractions
21. make a cup of tea – do nothing but enjoy your warm drink
22. edit social media – remove any negativity from your feed
23. yoga – take a gentle class and feel the stress melt away
24. have a conversation – talk to someone about your anxieties
25. treat yourself – go buy that pretty notebook or have a haircut
26. look at holidays – dream of your next adventure
27. smile at old photographs – remember all the special memories
28. watch your favourite film – bring duvet + snacks
29. wear comfy clothes – snuggle up in an fluffy jumper
30. pick up a magazine – an article or story could lift your spirits
I hope my ideas can add a little calmness and clarity amidst the chaos. Looking after our mental health is essential and its so important that we can talk openly about our thoughts + emotions without feeling judged. I have teamed up with a few other bloggers (Chloe, Kerry, Fern + Casey) and we have created the hashtag #unthinkstigma. Our aim is to create a supportive online environment where people can share their own personal stories and feelings in order to reduce the stigma attached to mental health illness. You can read Chloe’s post here for more details of our campaign.
I’m struggling with anxiety at the moment associated with my full time job so will certainly use some of these to try to help me 😊 thank you 😊
Author
Thank you for your comment 💕. I hope things get better for you soon. Look after yourself 😘 xx
Thanks Hun HR are not being much help but hopefully it will get better xx
Some great ideas on this post. I really like the idea of a gratitude list in particular!
Author
Thank you for the lovely comment 💕. It helps to be thankful as we can sometimes forget about the good stuff when life gets overwhelming xx
An excellent list of ideas. A very well written post. The gratitude list is a great way to stay positive 😄.
Author
Thank you Shaun for commenting without me telling you to 😜😘 xxx
Oh napping is most wonderful! 💤😁
Great tips! Thank you 😊 xxx
Author
Thank you for the comment Vicky 😍. Naps are amazing! 💕 xxx
This is a really great list! I always like to light a candle and watch a movie to help with stress levels and mental health! Also recently I’m trying to exercise more 😊
Charlotte | charlotteshares.co.uk
Author
Thank you for reading and commenting Charlotte 💕. Candles and movies are so relaxing and a great way to unwind 💛. Love your blog by the way! 😘 xx
I particularly like 16. My cat is a little fussbag, but he likes being snuggled and it always makes me feel better to come home after a long day, pick him up and have a good cuddle!
Author
Aw yes, I love cuddling up with my cats at the end of the day 💕. Cats make everything better 😘 xx
These are really good tips!
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Author
Aw thank you so much! 💕😘 xx
I love this list 💕
I already do most of these, but lately I’ve been keeping a planner and it’s been helping a lot!
Author
Aw thank you for reading and commenting ☺️💕. A planner is such a great way to reduce anxiety and stress as you know there is time to fit everything in 😘 xx
This is wonderful – some great tips to help anyone through <3 Thanks for sharing!
Author
Aw thank you so much for the lovely comment 💕 I’m so glad it was helpful 😘 xx
What a great list. I do the Pinterest one a lot. I can always count on a good quote to pick me up when I’m feeling down. Thanks so much for sharing these. I’ll definitely remember to refer back to this post in the future. 🙂
Author
Thank you for the lovely comment Annie! 💕 Pinterest is such a good source of positive inspiration, I love it! 😘 xx
Oh I love these! I always stress myself out & am constantly trying to find new things to relieve the stress! Self care is so important and I think people forget that!
Lovely post 💕
Author
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts 💕 self care is so important ☺️ I’m glad you enjoyed the post 😘 xx
This list is something I needed to read right now. I’ve been struggling with my depression and anxiety lately and doing some of these things will help. Thank you for sharing!
Author
Thank you for reading and commenting 💕 I hope things get easier for you, take care and look after yourself 😘 xx
Wonderful list. Taking a day off and going for a walk really does wonders!
Author
A day off to go for a walk is so therapeutic 💕 Thank you for your lovely comment 😘 xx
Great list! I particularly do #2 quite a bit so it’s nice to see other things I can do ♥
Author
Thank you for reading and commenting 💕 Naps can be so refreshing and great mood boosters. I’m glad you found the list useful 😘 xx
Love this! so useful. xxx
Author
Thank you! 😘 xx
Awesome tips! I definitely need evenings to just chill out and relax. I do love a good long walk too! x
Author
Aw thank you for reading and leaving a comment ☺️. Long walks are the best to clear your mind and recharge 😘 xx
These are some great tips although waking up early isn’t for me. I love browsing through old pics, nature walks and reading. Im trying to eat healthy and have a more regular fitness regime.
Lovely post!
Author
Aw thank you for reading and commenting 😘. Getting up early is a hard one to adjust to. It sounds like you have some great healthy habits – diet & exercise is so beneficial to our mental health 💕 xx
I love this so much I struggled with anxiety while doing my first year at uni so just removed myself from the situation completely to avoid it but wish I had used these tips! Great blog 💕
Author
Thanks so much for reading and commenting 💕 I think anxiety is more common than we think. Uni can be such a stressful time too. Hope you are doing okay now 😘🌷 xx
Love this list of self-care ideas! ive been really into self-care lately and these are going to be so helpful!x
Author
Thank you for the lovely comment Ellie 💕. Self care is so important – I’m glad you found the ideas helpful 😘 xx
Staying active is so important for your mental health. I love this post, really helpful.
GLORIA
http://WWW.ADASHOFVANILLA.COM
Author
Thanks so much for your encouraging comment Gloria! 💖 I’m so glad you found the post helpful 😘 xx
I love this post! These are really great Ideas! Listening to music always helps me to de-stress and clear my head!
http://www.ObviouslyTwinning.com
Author
Thanks so much Ivana! 💖 Music is my favourite way to unwind and de-stress 😍 xx
Hi Bexa, thanks for sharing very comprehensive list, I personally like the essential oil, yoga, music and I love to spend time with my pet, it provides much needed mental calm. I also recently wrote a post on life skills for kids, I would be glad if you take a look and comment, thanks. https://www.munchkinsplanet.com/12-life-skills-every-kid-master-high-school
Author
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Amanda 💖. Those are such calming ways to relax. I love your life skills for kids post, so many excellent ideas! I’ve left you a comment, thank you for sharing 😘 xx
I’ve literally commented on all your posts from the last few months so I’ve had to find an old one to comment on! These are all great ideas, self care is so important and so necessary 🙂 xxx
Author
Aww thanks so much Jenny! I really appreciate all the blog love! xx 💖😘