100 Self-Care Ideas When You Work A Full-Time Job
I have a love/hate relationship with self-care; sometimes, it’s really useful and necessary … but other times, honestly? It can get oversaturated. This is only my opinion and from my own personal experience—I know a lot of people who practice self-care on the reg. That’s why I’m putting together this post! These are 100 self-care ideas for those who may have tried the basic self-care ideas and it didn’t work out; this post is also for the gals who work a full-time job and don’t have time in the morning to run five miles at 5 a.m. (I like my coffee, okay?)
Please, let me know if you find this relatable because I genuinely like these self-care ideas and join me in practicing more self-care!!!
Call your Mom. (Or any family member you’re close to, really.)
Cook something that you LOVE and are used to cooking.
Browse Pinterest for cute home decor ideas. (For when you want to rearrange your apartment/house next.)
Browse expensive houses on Zillow. (This can be super comforting but can bring out the comparison game.)
FaceTime a friend.
Take a bubble bath. (Fine, I did it. Happy now?)
Take a shower. (In my personal opinion, showers > bubble baths.)
Read a favorite Scripture or passage from Scripture. (This is for my Christians out there!)
Flip through old magazines, and actually read the articles.
Take those old magazines, and start a junk or art journal.
Go and take a walk—without any music or podcasts. Trust me, this one helps a lot.
Do a freaking face mask.
Try this Olive & June manicure set. (From someone who is actually terrible at painting her nails, this manicure set is a game-changer.)
Scroll on TikTok—but find hashtags that uplift you. (Consider searching for #ChristianTikTok, #ASMROrganization, #homerenovations, etc.)
Consider starting a blog. (Honestly, even writing this post is my own self-care.)
Come up with ideas for an imaginary blog or podcast or YouTube channel—honestly, it may go somewhere.
Start creative writing.
Play chess or checkers.
Start a puzzle—small or large! (Start one on your coffee table while watching TV.)
Read at least 50 pages of the book you’re trying to finish.
Sort through your inbox.
Organize your fridge or pantry while listening to a podcast.
Take a nap.
Write down affirmations on post-it notes, and stick them around your room. (TBH, this actually works.)
Try a new yoga pose or class.
Sit and meditate. (Headspace actually works here.)
Visit a museum.
Buy a weighted blanket.
Play with your pet.
Make some tea.
Walk to the nearest coffee shop.
Have a dance party. (I currently have five yeehaw playlists, but my nostalgic Disney Channel playlists are the true winners here.)
Start painting.
Learn how to make clay earrings. (You can do this while watching TV!)
Actually make the clay earrings. (You can do this while watching TV!)
Email or call your grandparents.
Volunteer.
Donate your things to the thrift store—and not just clothes! They take housewares, technology, kitchen utensils, etc.
Take a workout class. (Do this in between meetings, before or after work; these classes can literally take only 20 minutes!)
Give yourself a compliment. (Just do it already.)
Give yourself something to look forward to; most of the time, when we’re at work, we can get so bogged down by our to-do lists. Have something to look forward to—this can literally be going to the grocery store after work. Or, you packed an insanely good lunch for your lunch break.
Light a candle.
Read. Not just books, but anything—magazine articles, studies, the news, beauty tutorials, anything! Reading is learning.
Crochet or cross-stitch, or any other knitting project. (This can be done while you’re watching TV and sipping on a nice glass of wine.)
Arrange flowers in a vase.
Make a blanket fort.
Organize your books by color or genre.
Play a video game.
Attend a virtual concert—at home! Sip on a favorite beverage. Tiny Desk Concerts are great for this.
Learn about gardening—especially plants for an apartment. Maybe start up a garden?
Practice new breathing techniques.
Write in a journal on three pages, and don’t stop writing. See what pours out of you.
Join a book club. Virtual or non-virtual!
Take a personality test (Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, etc.) and list out all the things they say about your personality. (These personality tests shouldn’t be the true markers of your identity, but they’re still fun to participate in.)
Look at memes.
Read about interesting history; not just the things you find in history books.
Reorganize your kitchen.
Make a Spotify playlist.
Write down 100 self-care ideas.
Write down a list of movies and TV shows that you want to watch, and start watching them.
Start running.
Start writing a novel—no planning, just write.
Organize your to-do list or planner.
Learn a new skill; when at the office, and having a slow day, pick up a new skill to learn that could benefit your role.
Text your friends.
Start a niche Instagram page.
Take a new workout class.
Take yourself out to dinner.
Read outside.
Compliment a stranger.
Listen to a fun podcast. Not a podcast where you learn something, but a fun podcast. History podcasts, comedy podcasts, fiction podcasts—something to make you laugh!
Laugh more.
Take more breaks. At work, don’t just sit at your desk all day. Get up and walk around!!!!
Learn about wellness and how to incorporate wellness into your everyday routine. (This can literally be done while watching TV.)
Make a list of positive affirmations.
Make a list of books that you want to read.
Visit a bookstore.
Make a list of clothes you’d like to buy to refresh your wardrobe. (Pinterest!)
Make a list of goals that you want to accomplish—short-term or long-term.
Slow down. Stop rushing from thing to thing.
Make a list of everything you can do to take care of your finances—and then actually do some of them.
Plan your next travel trip. Or, plan a travel trip. Plan your dream vacation!
Upgrade your beauty or hair routine.
Do the things you love to do. Make a list of these things, and stick to them!
Detox your social media.
Drink water throughout your workday. Track your water consumption.
Eat fruits and vegetables as a snack during and after your workday. Carrots and hummus, strawberries, and red peppers are my favorite.
Journal.
Write down a list of your favorite Bible verses, or a list of Bible verses that bring you comfort in times of stress, anxiety, or worry.
Read.
Read some more.
Color in an adult coloring book.
Go to Trader Joe’s.
Watch a comfort show.
Start drawing on an iPad, and continue to learn that skill. (Procreate is useful here.)
Start bullet journaling.
Go on a day or weekend trip.
Take a long drive.
Get some essential oils and an essential oil diffuser.
Sleep.