Beyond Face Masks and Bubble Baths: Self-Care Ideas to Help You Feel Better

On Sunday, plan some self-care for the week ahead. Alongside chores and Zoom meetings, include activities you already intended to do, such as playing a mobile game, cuddling your cat or enjoying herbal tea. This reminds you that self-care need not be something separate: it can already be part of your daily routine.Below are 50 ideas for caring for yourself without stretching your budget. Most focus on care and nourishment. You do not need to do everything perfectly. Some days you may feel you are making progress; on others, it may seem difficult to find your way out of a low mood. We all have ups and downs. Rest on those days and try again tomorrow.

1. Wash your bed linen, towels, robes and curtains. Once everything is back in place, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that sadness and stagnation do not last forever. Sometimes doing the laundry can simply be a way to feel better.2. Wipe down the surfaces in your home. Think of it as clearing away mental clutter.3. Reorganise cupboards with this aim: “I want to feel happy when I open this door.” Let it be a creative way to enjoy everyday routines rather than a chore.4. Change your home's layout from time to time, even if it only means moving the sofa slightly to the left. Refresh the flow in a positive, proactive way.5. Clean out your wallet and everyday bags.

6. Wipe the leaves of your houseplants. Place them in the sunshine and sit with them for a while.7. Create a meditation corner at home.7. List the tasks that are weighing on you and complete them one by one. You can do it.8. Recycle old newspapers, magazines, bills and unwanted mail. You can find demonstration videos on YouTube.9. Buy fresh flowers regularly, whether a small bunch or a large bouquet. You might also choose varieties that remain attractive when dried.10. Set aside time to organise your digital photographs into folders on iCloud, Google Drive or your computer. You can print your favourites too.

1. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Soak and soften your hands and feet, tidy the cuticles and apply a few coats of polish. It may be easier than you think.2. Step away from the series marathon and say no to “just one more episode”. Spend 20 minutes stretching, reading or simply lying down instead.3. Find a calming activity to do at home, such as painting, embroidery, crochet, knitting or collage.4. Improve something you do every day. If the news is upsetting, listen to music for a while.5. Make checking your phone something other than the first thing you do when you wake up. Put the coffee on, prepare breakfast, shower or meditate.6. Draw what you see around you, even if you do not think you can draw. It can help your mind relax and encourage appreciation of the here and now.7. Write poetry. If the words are angry, embrace them. Your poems can tell you something about yourself.8. Listen to an audiobook or podcast while cooking, cleaning, crafting or exercising.9. Mend your clothes or ask someone to help. You will feel better for it.

10. Bake yourself a loaf of bread. Embrace the slow process, enjoy the physical effort of kneading and breathe in the scent of rising dough. Bread-making costs little, yet the reward can feel luxurious. You can explore gluten-free recipes too.11. Cook food you love. Set the table with your finest tableware, a bottle of wine and crystal glasses. Light the candles. Enjoy the presentation and remind yourself that you deserve beautiful, nourishing, delicious food.12. Read a parenting book for yourself and about yourself. Reflect on what it can teach you about self-care and the way you speak to yourself, and build your confidence.13. Lie somewhere with a view of the sky. Watch the stars or clouds. Before long, your imagination will begin to wander.

1. Pause what you are doing and drink a glass of water. Keep a full water bottle or glass nearby.2. Take three deep breaths. You could also try the 4-7-8 practice, a pranayama breathing technique intended to bring deep relaxation to the body.3. Brew your morning coffee in a French press and use the grounds as an exfoliant during your next shower.4. Give your face a steam bath using boiling water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil.5. Wear your favourite jewellery. Remind yourself that you deserve to dress up and celebrate.6. Prepare a generous, colourful plate of fruit.7. Take five or ten minutes to stretch. Enjoy moving your body.

8. Give yourself a massage. Your hands are a good place to start.9. Go for plenty of walks. Walking can be a form of meditation too.10. Examine your breasts regularly.11. Do something physically challenging: flatten cardboard boxes for recycling, run to the end of the street or skip in the garden. Imagine your stress burning away and leaving your body.12. Use a homemade sugar scrub on your lips. Afterwards, smile in the mirror and say something kind to yourself.13. Take exactly the shower you want: long or short, warm or cool, with luxurious products or an affordable bar of soap. Wash and refresh your body.14. Spend a few extra minutes gently brushing your hair or massaging your scalp in the morning or evening. A few additional brushstrokes can be self-care too.15. Ask for a comforting hug or physical touch.

1. Find a quiet place to pray. You do not need a particular religious belief to have a conversation with the universe.2. Take short breaks from social media. You may feel lighter.3. Learn to meditate. Even if you feel you are not good at it, make time and space for it a few times a day.4. Keep an honest journal. Write about what you are feeling right now, using prompts if helpful.5. Cuddle your pets. This can encourage dopamine release and soothe a stressed mind.6. Say no to answering questions that a simple Google search could resolve. Your time and energy deserve boundaries.7. Donate or volunteer. Quietly and willingly support a cause that matters to you.8. Write down your values. What matters most, and how could you give it greater priority in daily life?9. Track your mood for a day or several days. Every couple of hours, name what you feel and consider how your mood changes and what affects it positively or negatively.10. Write to a trusted friend about how you feel. It is fine to be direct about what you need, whether a listening ear, a loving word or compassionate advice.11. Forgive someone, even if that person is you.