30 DIY SELF CARE IDEAS + SELF CARE CALENDAR

Self-care and self-love are incredibly important. That's why I make it a personal priority to include at least one self-care activity in my day-to-day life.  They don't have to be time-consuming or lavish. In fact, I prefer self-care to be simple and easy. It's supposed to help you relax and make you feel good instead of just being another item on your to-do-list. Remember though that everyone is different and what might be a perfect fit for me might not work for you. At the end of this post, you will also find a printable versatile self-care calendar, so that you will be reminded to take some time for yourself every day. I have collected some of my favourite self-care activities from previous posts that you can check out here, as well as thought of new ways practise self-love. But now let's start with my 30 self-care ideas!

1. get up early
This might seem counterintuitive for a lot of people but for me, it always works wonders. Getting up early and enjoying some time for myself is a great way to practise self-care.

2. day-dream
As a child, I always daydreamed and a lot of fantasy, but when you grow older it's considered a waste of time to just let your thoughts go wherever they want. This couldn't be more wrong though because your brain also needs a break from time to time and scrolling through social media or watching Netflix might seem relaxing for you, your brain doesn't get much rest from it.

3. do mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness are both powerful tools and can help to alleviate stress. If you don't know how to get started you can check out some guided meditation videos or use an app. My favourite mindfulness app at the moment is Headspace. #notsponsored ;)

4. work out
Nothing relaxed the body faster than a good workout. When we really exhaust ourselves it's way easier to get some good rest afterwards. Sports also help you to sleep better and can overall lift your mood.

5. journal
Taking the time to write down your thoughts and feelings can be super helpful if you have too many thoughts going around your head. It's also nice to do some stream-of-conscience with morning pages.

6. pleasure reading
I read a lot. Daily. But it's not always for pleasure, which is why it is easy for me to forget how much I actually love to read. It is good to remind myself from time to time that reading has always been and will hopefully always be a huge source of joy for me.

7. doodle
There is something very creative about just taking out a pen and start scribbling around. I was never very talented at drawing but I always enjoyed it anyways!

8. breathe
Look up a breathing exercise and focus on your inside. Nothing is more calming than channelling all your attention to the waves of your breath.

9. dance
Turn up your favourite music and dance like no one can see you. Really pour your heart into it and give the performance of your life. Good mood guaranteed!

10. smile
Everybody loves a good smile and science has shown that smiling actually makes you happier. So try to greet everyone you meet today with a heartfelt smile.

11. take a walk
Feel the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature while you take a nice, long walk in your favourite park or forest.

12. get a drink
But not an alcoholic one. A nice warm cocoa or a strong cup of coffee with some marshmallows or an aromatic tea will also do the trick. Just try to really enjoy the taste and relax.

13. massage
Give yourself a nice hand massage. Because, why not?

14. food
Treat yourself to some delicious food! Whether it's takeout or a homecooked meal is up to you. Just make sure to enjoy every bite of it!

15. scents
Apply some nice perfume or light a scented candle. Our sense of smell can have a great impact on our well-being, which is why it's nice to treat it to something nice as well.

16. get cosy
Cuddle up with a nice blanket, an interesting book or a favourite person and have a cosy evening in.

17. mani & pedi
We all know that beauty comes from the inside but it doesn't hurt to help it a bit from the outside as well.

18. face mask
Treat your skin to a nice mask and nourish it with some good ingredients!

19. smoothie
Nourish your body with some vitamins and make yourself a smoothie. My favourite recipe is 1 big orange, 1 banana, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and a handful of spinach. Yum!

20. clean up
I feel like when there's chaos on the outside, there's also chaos on the inside. That's why sometimes it can be relaxing to just clean up.

21. gratitude
Write down a list of things your grateful for and why. Plus points if you also can be grateful for negative things. Try to see the good that came out of difficult situations.

22. thanks
Now that you have your gratitude list, you should let the people that are on it know how grateful you are to have them in your life. Make sure to let them know how much they mean to you and why. This can improve your relationchips and is therefore also a great way to practise self care.

23. digital detox
Stay away from social media and all digital devices for a day, an afternoon, or just an hour.

24. say no
Try to say 'no' if someone asks you to do something that doesn't align with your own wants and needs.

25. morning routine
Create a relaxing morning routine and set up reminders, so that you stick to it.

26. watch the sunset or sunrise
There's something really relaxing about watching the sun set or rise. If you can't see it from your apartment window you can combine this with a nice walk.

27. reach out
Reconnect with an old friend. I'm sure you will have a lot to tell each other.

28. sun
If possible try to get out and enjoy the sun, but don't forget the SPF!

29. water
This might seem too simple but it makes a big difference to drink enough water every day. If you drink juices or even sodas, try to replace them with h2o for a whole day!

30. wish list
Write a list of all the things you want to accomplish or want to buy. That wish list can be a great motivator that inspires you to give your best.