99 Self-Care Ideas to Help You Relax, Refresh, and Renew

Relaxing, refreshing, and renewing are all essential for a happy and productive life. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 99 self-care ideas! Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself or just do something simple and calming, we’ve got you covered.

So take a break and check out these ideas! From taking a relaxing bath to exploring nature, there’s something on this list for everyone. And who knows? Maybe one of these activities will become your new favorite way to take care of yourself!

What is Self-Care?

Self-care has become the buzzword of the century. We are constantly being told to put ourselves first, take care of our mental health, and make time for self-care. But what does that actually mean?

Self-care is anything you do deliberately in order to take care of your physical, mental, or emotional health. It’s about taking care of yourself so that you can be your best self and live your best life.

And while it might seem like self-care is all about pampering yourself, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, some of the simplest things can be the most effective when it comes to taking care of yourself! So if you’re looking for some inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got 99 self-care ideas that will help you relax, refresh, and renew!

Self-Care Is NOT Selfish!

One of the biggest misconceptions about self-care is that it’s just about caring for yourself and no one else. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! In reality, self-care is essential for taking care of others.

We’re taught to put others first and take care of them before we take care of ourselves. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

Think about it this way: if you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you take care of anyone else? When you’re burned out, stressed, and exhausted, you’re not going to be at your best. And that’s when you’re more likely to make mistakes, get sick, or just generally be unhappy.

How to Use This List

So if you’re looking for some inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got 99 self-care ideas that will help you relax, refresh, and renew!

We’ve included a mix of both physical and mental self-care ideas. So whether you’re looking for something to do when you need a break from work or you just need a way to relax and de-stress, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve organized the list so that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Just scroll down to find the section that interests you the most.

1. Take a relaxing bath
2. Get a massage
3. Exercise
4. Take a nature walk
5. Listen to calming music
6. Practice meditation or mindfulness
7. Spend time with friends and family
8. Watch funny videos online
9. Write in a journal
10. Paint or draw
11. Do some yoga
12. Take a break from social media
13. Cook your favorite meal
14. Have a picnic in your backyard
15. Watch the sunrise or sunset
16. Read a good book
17. Organize your space
18. Buy yourself flowers
19. Create a vision board
20. Get a new haircut or style your hair differently
21. Take yourself on a date
22. Write a letter to yourself
23. Explore a new city or town
24. Visit a museum
25. Attend a concert or show
26. Take up a new hobby
27. Learn something new like calligraphy, gardening, or baking
28. Start (or finish) that project you’ve been meaning to do for ages
29. Clean out your closet/under your bed/in your car
30. Do a puzzle or play a game
31. Take your dog for a walk
32. Plant something and watch it grow
33. Make a gratitude list
34. Bake cookies or another treat
35. Sing in the shower
36. Dance around your living room
37. Wear clothes that make you feel good
38. Light candles and relax in a bathtub full of bubbles
39. Stretch for a few minutes
40. Sip on herbal tea
41. Make a list of your accomplishments
42. Write down your goals for the future
43. Practice deep breathing exercises
44. Take yourself on a shopping spree
45. Organize your photos
46. Make a scrapbook
47. Play with a pet
48. Color in an adult coloring book
49. Take a nap
50. Watch a movie
51. Make homemade facial masks
52. Do a hair and nail treatment
53. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
54. Lay in the sun and get some vitamin D
55. Create a Spotify playlist of your favorite songs
56. Set up a fort with blankets and pillows
57. Organize your desk or another area of your home
58. Write a letter to your future self
59. Have a water balloon fight
60. Visit a farmers’ market
61. Make s’mores over a fire pit or in the oven
62. Take yourself out for ice cream or coffee
63. Take a walk around the block
64. Blow bubbles
65. Fly a kite
66. Ride a bike
67. Make a homemade pizza
68. Go stargazing
69. Do some at-home spa treatments like painting your nails, using a face mask, etc.
70. Visit a local amusement park or fair
71. Play tourist for the day and visit all the landmarks in your city that you’ve never been to
72. Curl up with a cozy blanket and watch your favorite show
73. Make a list of things you’re grateful for
74. Take yourself on a picnic lunch
75. Practice yoga or stretching
76. Jump on a trampoline
77. Write a poem or short story
78. Go for a swim
79. Plant an avocado from an avocado pit
80. Play fetch with a dog
81. Volunteer your time to a local charity or cause
82. Explore a new hiking trail
83. Visit an animal shelter and play with the animals
84. Attend a sporting event
85. Visit a botanical garden
86. Start a garden of your own
87. Take dance classes
88. Join a book club
89. Attend an art show or gallery opening
90. Take photos around town
91. Sign up for a cooking class
92. Ride horses
93. Go kayaking or canoeing
94. Visit a winery or brewery
95. Build a gingerbread house
96. Have a snowball fight
97. Make hot chocolate from scratch
98. Decorate your home for the holidays
99. Attend a holiday parade or festival

The Bottom Lines

Self-care is so important, and it can take many different forms. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to make time for it every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. These 99 self-care ideas are a great place to start but don’t feel like you have to do them all.

Pick and choose the ones that speak to you and that you think will help you relax, refresh, and renew. And remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination. So enjoy the journey!

What are some of your favorite self-care activities? Share in the comments below!