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Life has ups and downs, and it’s important to find ways to manage stress, build resilience, and feel mentally and emotionally strong. Self-care can help you overcome these day-to-day challenges. There are many ways to practice self-care — and it’s important to find a routine that works for you. The mind-body benefits are real and can help support your overall health and well-being.
Get to know the different types of self-care
There are lots of ways you can practice self-care. Even something as simple as drinking more water throughout the day is a small act of self-care. Breaking down the different types of self-care activities can help you narrow down what you’d like to explore.
- Physical — Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and prioritizing your health.
- Mental — Being creative, working on mindfulness, and learning and trying new things.
- Emotional — Practicing self-compassion and acceptance, and creating space to express how you feel.
- Social — Nurturing relationships and spending quality time with friends and family.
- Spiritual — Spending time in nature, meditating, practicing religion — anything that feeds your soul.
3 self-care ideas to try today
Self-care is personal. As long as it’s something you do for yourself to enhance your well-being, it counts. How you choose to practice it is up to you, but here are some quick, easy, and free self-care ideas for adults:
Take a mindful moment
Short on time? When stress strikes, emotions rise, or you just need to recharge, one minute of self-care activities for mental health can make all the difference. Try this quick and effective way to feel calmer, more focused, and centered:
- Get comfortable. Relax your jaw, sit up straight, and drop your shoulders.
- Set a timer for 1 minute.
- Breathe slowly and deeply. Notice how your breath moves through your body.
- Count your breaths. Inhale 1, exhale 2, inhale 3. When you get to 10, start over.
- When your mind wanders, bring your focus back to your breathing.
Get down to earth and into nature
Spending time in nature is a great self-care activity for mental health. It can ease symptoms of stress and anxiety and help you feel happier and healthier.1,2 Head outside to enjoy the view, breathe the fresh air, and quiet your mind. You can try:
- Walking, biking, or hiking
- Forest bathing
- Stargazing or cloud watching
- Joining a community garden
- Literally stopping to smell the roses
- Sitting under a tree and reading, journaling, or just being still
Limit your screen time
Phones and tablets need time to reboot, and so does your brain. Yet, almost half of American adults report being online almost constantly.3 Being connected to technology nonstop has been linked to sleep issues, stress, depression, and anxiety.4 Spending time offline helps you reconnect with yourself and others. So instead of scrolling, posting, and texting, try one of these tech-free self-care activities:
- Get creative and draw, dance, write, cook, or play and create music.
- Connect in person with family or friends to recharge and feel supported.
- Declutter your desk or clean out your closet.
A little self-care goes a long way
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated; small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference in how you feel. For more inspiration, check out our wellness resources — including self-care apps to help with stress, sleep, anxiety, and more.5