becauseiamawoman:

By: Ally B.

Maybe you’re participating in the 30 Days of Self Care Challenge and don’t know where to start, or maybe you’re a seasoned self-care expert looking to try something new. Either way, our list of 30 easy ways to practice self-care has a little something for everybody.

1. Drink water: Staying hydrated is a wonderful way to take care of your body and feel better in the process.

2. Call your best friend: Sometimes you just need somebody to check-in with, and if today is one of those days, give your best friend a call.

3. Light a scented candle: Our sense of smell is deeply tied to memory, so light a candle that evokes a strong positive one for you. 

4. Pet an animal: Petting animals literally lowers stress. It is science. So go find yourself something fluffy and cute and give it a stroke or two.

5. Wake up 15 minutes early: Sometimes all it takes to practice self-care is giving yourself a bit of extra time to do it. Try getting up 15 minutes earlier and adding some free time to take care of yourself to your routine.

6. Color: Let your mind wander and your artistic side out by coloring in a coloring book. They don’t have to be just for kids, (and they make great adult ones too— check out this list of the 7 best feminist coloring books)

7. Revisit your favorite book: I don’t know about you, but pulling out my copy of All the King’s Men always hits the spot.

8. Put on a song you can scream to: Then scream it out. We may not all be into Taking Back Sunday, but I’m sure we can still agree that belting out a loud angry song is extremely satisfying in basically every way possible. 

9. Make your bed: I know it sounds silly, but it gives you a fresh start every morning.

10. Pamper yourself: Take a hot shower, rub some fancy lotion all over your body, or even just wash your face. Taking the time to appreciate your body and show it love is key here.

11. Look in the mirror: And really look at yourself. When was the last time you stopped to appreciate how wonderful you are?

12: Make yourself a new recipe: Look up recipes involving some of your favorite ingredients and try something new especially for you.

13: Make yourself your favorite meal: Because you will pry the mac and cheese out of my cold dead hands. But really, what is better than your favorite meal?

14. Journal: Give yourself time to reflect on your day and check in with yourself— what worked well for today you? What didn’t?

15. Clean out your closet: Give yourself a new start by tossing out anything that doesn’t make you feel wonderful. Just be sure to donate anything you no longer have use for.

16. Say no: This is actually not-so-easy, but it is so very important. Sometimes self preservation means saying no to others.

17. Indulge in a hot beverage: I hear pumpkin spice lattes are out early, but have you tried a hot chocolate made with almond milk? I consider every indulgent hot beverage I drink to be a love letter to myself.

18. Get your body moving: Move your body in whatever way works best for you. Wiggle your toes, stretch, go for a walk or run— just enjoy the feeling of your body moving.

19. Make something: If DIY-ing is your thing, getting into the crafting zone can get nearly everything else off of your mind.

20. Stop feeling guilty about your guilty pleasures: Own them. You shouldn’t feel guilt about what makes you feel good.

21. Take some selfies: Take pictures that make you feel good about yourself and don’t feel guilt about doing it. We’re talking radical self-love here, folks, and there is no time for guilt.

22. Put something cuddly (like a blanket or sweater) in the dryer- then wrap yourself in it: For when you need literal warm fuzzies. 

23. Un-friend people on social media who bring you down: You don’t need that kind of negativity.

24. Masturbate: Get in touch with your body physically and sexually. Learn what you like.

25. Ask for what you need: If you need something, ask for it— from yourself and the people in your life. 

26. Envision your future: Write a short list of what you want in the future (how do you want to feel, where do you want to be, WHO do you want to be). Looking ahead gives your something to look forward to and putting those vibes out into the world helps you get there.

27. Binge watch some television: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hosting your very own marathon of whatever you like to watch can help get your mind off of it.

28. Unplug: Take a break from the internet, social media, your cellphone etc… even if it is only for a little while.

29. Meditate: If you don’t know how to start, try this guide.

30. Take a nap: We all need sleep, and sometimes a literal break is the best care we can give ourselves.