35 ways to put your self-care first

Take care of your sleep

Sleep has a huge effect on how we feel physically and emotionally. Make sure you’re getting your 8 hours of rest.

Exercise every day

Even if it’s just going outside for a stroll to clear your head.

Eat right

Get your 5 a day and don’t snack on too much junk food.

Cook your favourite foods

Home cooking is great for you and gives you something to focus on.

Bake cakes!

A fun and tasty hobby to take up!

Style your locks

Just because we can’t go out, doesn’t mean we can’t get dressed up, do our hair and take selfies!

Find a hobby

Find something that makes you happy like cooking, sewing or DIY and get creative.

Learn to say no

You can’t do everything and that’s ok.

Plan your spending

Don’t get bogged down with money worries. Get planning and save a little for a rainy day.

Pamper yourself

Get out your facemask and exfoliators for a day of pampering!

Give yourself a trim!

Let your beard grow a little too long? Treat yourself to a shave.

Go outside

Make the most of the sunshine and fresh air. Vitamin D can do wonders for our body and mind.

Catch up with friends

Chat, video call or message your friends for a good old chin wag!

Get organised

Clear out your wardrobes, cupboards and make way for new things.

Re-decorate

Move your living room around, paint the walls or put up photos of loved ones.

Read a book

And get lost in the pages.

Drink water

Stay hydrated and improve your skin, health and mind.

Give yourself a pedicure

Treat your feet to some TLC.

Keep a positive diary

Write down everything you have to be positive about and read it whenever you feel low.

Try mindfulness

Give meditation a try, experiment with yoga and find something that helps you feel good.

Dance!

Put on your favourite music and dance around the room. Trust us, you’ll feel great!

Take 5

Take at least 5 minutes every day just for yourself. Make a cuppa, have a break and gather your thoughts. We all need some me-time.

Write it down

Struggle to say how you feel? Write down your thoughts and feelings on paper. Give it to a loved one to share or just keep it for you to let out your feelings in private. It helps to get it all out.

Have a technology detox

Have a break away from screens and social media and just live in the moment instead.

Eat breakfast

Even if it’s just a banana or a piece of toast. It will help kick start your metabolism and get you set up for the day.

Make a to-do list

It feels great to cross things off!

Laugh!

Reminisce on memories with friends or watch that TV show that makes you cry with laughter. Laughing is the best medicine.

Plant something

Get out in your garden or put plants around your home to bring in some colour.

Make plans

Think about all the fun things you’re going to do when all this is over.

Send yourself flowers

Because why not!

Take photos

There are some beautiful moments still happening and you’ll want to look back on them fondly.

Trade-in your coffee

Try a soothing herbal tea instead.

Colour!

Colouring books aren’t just for kids! Buy an adult colouring book. They’re great for stress and anxiety.

Light a candle

Sweet scents such as lavender and frankincense are calming and can lower anxiety and depression.

Breathe!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a minute with some deep breaths and let the tension go.